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Department of Mechanical Engineering, Unit Catalogue 2011/12


ME40046: Modelling and analysis of manufacturing systems

Click here for further information Credits: 6
Click here for further information Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Click here for further information Period: Semester 1
Click here for further information Assessment: CW 40%, EX 60%
Click here for further information Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites: Before taking this unit you must take ME30035 or take ME30029
Click here for further information Description: Aims:
To develop an understanding of the use and benefits of modelling and simulation in manufacturing systems design and operation.
To develop an understanding of techniques to assess factory performance and identify areas for improvement.
To develop an understanding of techniques to assess process capability and manufacturing performance.
To develop an understanding of techniques to enable responsive manufacturing systems.
To provide the students with knowledge of a set of tools to enable them to assess the performance of a manufacturing facility.

Learning Outcomes:
After taking this unit the student should be able to:
* Model and simulate the operation of a small manufacturing system.
* Use simulation as a manufacturing system design technique.
* Justify the use of manufacturing modelling and simulation.
* Use techniques such as value stream mapping and IDEF to identify improvements required in a manufacturing system.
* Understand techniques such as design for changeover to improve manufacturing system performance.
* Understand how to use techniques such as experimental design to assess process capability within a manufacturing system.
* Understand current trends in global manufacturing.

Skills:
Problem solving; IT; working independently; data analysis and interpretation and written communication.

Content:
Modelling and Simulation: Definitions. Types of models. Modelling methodologies. Validation and Verification. Justification, benefits and uses of simulation. Modelling Manufacturing Systems: Discrete event and continuous approaches to simulation. Discrete event computer languages. Visually interactive simulation. Use of mathematical and statistical models, distributions and random numbers, queuing models and inventory systems. Modelling breakdowns, conveyors, workflow and tool flow. Utilisation statistics. Model verification and validation. Simulation of manufacturing systems. Information Models: Information flows within manufacture. Levels of detail. Structured approaches to modelling and evaluating manufacturing systems/processes such as IDEF models, experimental design, DfX and VSM. Global Manufacturing.
Click here for further informationProgramme availability:

ME40046 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Mechanical Engineering
  • UEME-AFM38 : MEng (hons) Mechanical Engineering with Manufacturing and Management (Full-time) - Year 4
  • UEME-AKM38 : MEng (hons) Mechanical Engineering with Manufacturing and Management (Thick Sandwich) - Year 5
  • TEME-AFM16 : MSc Manufacturing Engineering (Full-time) - Year 1

ME40046 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering
  • UEXX-AFM02 : MEng (hons) Integrated Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (Full-time) - Year 4
  • UEXX-AKM02 : MEng (hons) Integrated Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (Thick Sandwich) - Year 5
Department of Mechanical Engineering
  • UEME-AFM04 : MEng (hons) Aerospace Engineering (Full-time) - Year 4
  • UEME-AKM04 : MEng (hons) Aerospace Engineering (Thick Sandwich) - Year 5
  • UEME-AFM16 : MEng (hons) Mechanical Engineering (Full-time) - Year 4
  • UEME-AKM16 : MEng (hons) Mechanical Engineering (Thick Sandwich) - Year 5
  • UEME-AFM41 : MEng (hons) Mechanical Engineering with Advanced Design and Innovation (Full-time) - Year 4
  • UEME-AKM41 : MEng (hons) Mechanical Engineering with Advanced Design and Innovation (Thick Sandwich) - Year 5

NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.