MSc Mechatronics

Programme

The programme integrates both Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. It specialises in enabling students to produce mechatronic components which increase performance and energy efficiency, as sought after by industries worldwide.

See full programme for more details.

Our Research

Main areas of research

Aerospace Engineering Research Centre

The core areas of expertise include aerodynamics (unsteady aerodynamics, flow control, micro air vehicles), computational fluid dynamics (convective heat transfer, turbulent flows, boundary element techniques), aeroacoustics (noise from aircraft airframes, intakes, propellers), gas turbines (cooling systems, rotating discs, thermal imaging techniques), and aero structures (composite and metallic wing structures, aeroelastic and structural optimisation, morphing). Recent sponsors include the EPSRC, European Community, and industry. The Centre has state-of-the-art facilities and instrumentation, which include wind and water tunnels, Particle Image Velocimetry and Laser Doppler Velocimetry systems, a Digital Image Correlation system, and a large thermoclave for composite structures.

Composites Research Unit

The Composites Research Unit comprises 8 academics and 20 researchers. Its principal aim is to test, model and optimise adaptive, lightweight and composite structures. In particular, current research investigates the mechanical behaviour of composite materials and structures and exploits this for use in design and manufacture. The unit seeks to strengthen the alignment of its composites expertise with external opportunities. It builds on previous success of core personnel, who are currently members of the National Composites Network, the UK Research Centre in NDE, and the Airbus Composite Structures Development Centre.

Innovative Design and Manufacturing Research Centre (IdMRC)

Engineering design and its close integration with advanced manufacturing approaches is critical to the success of industry. The Design and Manufacturing group is uniquely placed within UK universities as it is the only major centre to adopt an integrated approach to the design and manufacture of products, machines, manufacturing systems and large scale complex systems. Research focuses on both established areas of work that deal with the issues facing today’s engineering organisations, and new emerging areas that address the issues to be faced by tomorrow’s dynamic knowledge-driven organisations. The group undertakes its work under the umbrella of the EPSRC funded IdMRC with four major areas of work including design technologies, information and knowledge management, advanced manufacturing processes and metrology. Examples of current work include creativity, innovation, through-life information and knowledge management, costing, large-scale metrology and assembly, self-replicating machines, the factory as a product, eco-design and technologies for personal information management.

Materials Research Centre

The Materials Research Centre has excellent modern equipment for measurements of structural chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of materials and for preparation and processing of a wide range of materials. Researchers from many departments across the University work on interdisciplinary research made possible by the Centre’s facilities and expertise. Current research activities are in the following fields:

• Composite materials for aerospace applications
• Bio-materials, bioceramics
• Functional ceramics, including piezoelectric devices such as actuators
• Timber science and engineering
• Advanced adhesives
• Materials microstructure modelling
• Non destructive evaluation, specialising in thermographic NDE.

The Centre has close links with the BRE Centre for Innovative Construction Materials and the UK Research Centre in NDE.

Centre for Nonlinear Mechanics

The Centre for Nonlinear Mechanics (CNM) at Bath came into existence at the start of the millennium, with the express purpose of encouraging close interaction between mathematicians and engineers. Many problems that emerge from engineering disciplines are inherently nonlinear, leading perhaps to chaotic solutions in a dynamical or perhaps even statical sense. Progress in research is frequently made by bringing together cross-disciplinary expertise, with engineering perhaps coming up with the problem description and working knowhow, and modern mathematics providing solution techniques and rigour. Key personnel from the CNM are also deeply involved in the Bath Institute for Complex Systems (BICS), where the same principles of operating at the interface between disciplines again apply.

Centre for Orthopaedic Biomechanics

The Centre for Orthopaedic Biomechanics provides a resource for multidisciplinary research providing a link between engineering and clinical orthopaedics. Engineering and materials based research is carried out in well equipped laboratory based facilities at the Bath site while clinically linked research activities are carried out in conjunction with specialist clinical centres in hospitals and medical schools. Current research activities involving both experimental and numerical methods include: biomechanical studies associated with various replacement joints in the body such as hip, knee, ankle, wrist and spine; development and evaluation of biomaterials; fracture treatment; and, the design and development of joint simulators and test rigs.

Centre for Power Transmission and Motion Control (PTMC)

The Centre for PTMC was founded in 1968 and has a world-leading reputation as a centre of excellence in fluid power, motion control, and engineering systems. Within these fields, the Centre’s objectives are to stimulate high quality industriallyrelevant research and teaching, and provide CPD and consultancy services to industry. The Centre is currently staffed by a Director, 9 academics, 3 support staff, and 25 researchers. Our research activities are funded by government and industry at around £1m per annum. Current projects are in the following fields: Multi-actuator systems, Active noise cancellation, Vehicle suspensions, Magnetic bearings, Actively controlled rotating machinery, THD bearing analysis, Vehicle dynamics, High speed mechanisms, Aircraft fuel systems, Flexible structure control, Pump condition monitoring, Biomechanical test systems, Life support systems, High performance actuation.

Powertrain and Vehicle Research Centre

Our diesel and gasoline engine research has, over the past few years, moved into a systems environment. This has come about because of the increasing degrees of freedom which now exist on modern engine platforms. Subsequently performance, measurement, control, optimisation and calibration studies need that systems focus with expertise capable of optimising for low carbon solutions.

The Sustainable Energy Research Team (SERT)

The Sustainable Energy Research Team (SERT) analyse energy and carbon systems in order to facilitate a better understanding of the pre-requisites for sustainability and a transition to a lower carbon economy. In order to do this the team uses a range of tools and techniques such as thermodynamic analysis, life cycle assessment, cost benefit analysis, embodied energy/carbon analysis, and environmental and carbon footprinting. These techniques have been used to examine a wide range of systems, from various renewable energy generators, bio-energy systems, industrial energy systems, to fossil and nuclear power.

About the Department

Introduction

Bath has a strong tradition of achievement in mechanical engineering research and education.

We are proud of our research record – the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise rated the majority of our work as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ – and we offer taught MSc students the chance to carry out projects within outstanding research groupings.

We are consistently ranked among the UK’s top 10 mechanical engineering departments by The Times Good University Guide.

But we believe in producing leaders, not just engineers.

We will give you the edge over your competitors by teaching you how technology fits into commercial settings. All of our programmes include units run in partnership with the University’s School of Management, ranked first in the UK for career prospects by The Guardian Good University Guide 2011. You will not only have access to cutting edge science and technology, we will also provide you with the skills you need to manage a workforce in demanding business environments.

For further information visit our departmental website.