Mechanical Engineering MSc

This module exposes you to topics relevant to engineers today that are new and/or developing rapidly and which may be associated with important segments of the UK economy. The aim of the Case Study is to develop your skills in acquiring, assimilating, synthesising and presenting technical and business information in an appropriate form based on sound research.

This module covers topics aligned to the design, description and analysis of dynamically complex, integrated systems. Examples of such include automotive power trains, aero-engines and combined heat and power generating plant.

This module covers the following topics:    

• Basic concepts in Design of Experiments and the analysis of experiments including the effects of noise
• Reliability of systems - reliability models for components and how these are combined to form system reliability assessments        
• Dynamic behaviour of systems : introduction to the state-space protocol and dynamic simulation of systems.

Emphasis throughout the course will be on real applications and tasks involved in the engineering of 'integrated systems' products.

Delivery

Assessment method

The module involves five students working as a team to design a product from initial concept to fully engineered drawings.

Starting from a design brief prepared by the supervisor or ‘client’, the group will be required to devise and evaluate alternative design concepts, undertake the detailed engineering analysis and mechanical design, select suitable materials and methods of manufacture and assess costs and the marketability of the product. Manufacture a prototype or proof of concept and evaluate its performance.

Delivery

Assessment method

A project-oriented module involving a review of publications and views on a topic allied to the chosen specialist subject. The module will also involve organisation and design of the main project. Skills will be acquired through workshops and seminars that will include:

• Further programming in MATLAB and /or MSExcel Macros
• Project planning and use of Microsoft Project
• Measurement and error analysis
• Development of laboratory skills including safety and risk assessment

Students will select a further set of specialist seminars from, e.g.:

• Meshing for computational engineering applications
• Modelling using CAE packages
• Use of CES Selector software
• Specific laboratory familiarisation
• Use of MSVisio software for process flow
• Use of HYSYS process modelling software
• Use of PSpice to simulate analogue and digital circuits

The specialist seminars will be organised within the individual MSc courses.

Delivery

Assessment method

This project involves students undertaking an original, independent, research study into an engineering or industrial topic appropriate to their specific MSc programme. The project should be carried out in a professional manner and may be undertaken on any topic which is relevant to the MSc programme, as agreed by the relevant Course Director and module convenor.

The project has several aims, beyond reinforcing information and methodology presented in the taught modules; the student is expected to develop skills in research, investigation, planning, evaluation and oral and written communication.

Final reporting will take the form of a written account including a literature review and an account of the student's contribution. A presentation will be made to academic staff towards the end of the project.

Method and Frequency of Class:

There will be a one hour introductory session/session via Moodle . All other activities are arranged on an individual basis between the student and the project supervisor.

Method of Assessment:

The project area is flexible and will be supervised by an academic member of staff

This is an advanced module in fluid mechanics applicable to a wide range of engineering disciplines. You will develop understanding and application skills of basic concepts and fundamental knowledge in turbulence and turbulent flows in engineering.

Topics to be covered include:

• fundamental theory of turbulence
• statistical description of turbulence
• boundary layer structures
• turbulent flow control
• turbulence modelling and CFD
• experimental techniques
• practical and industrial examples

Delivery

Assessment method

This is an advanced module dealing with experimental, analytical and numerical methods for determining stresses and deformations in complex engineering components. Some of the topics covered include: membrane stresses; Beams on elastic foundations; Bending of flat plates; and experimental stress analysis methods. 

Delivery

Assessment method

The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to most of the main fields within Aerospace technology such that students understand the basics and are equipped to understand 'what there is to know' in this field.

The main topics covered are:

• A brief history of aircraft
• Aerodynamics
• An introduction to Aircraft Propulsion
• An introduction to Flight dynamics
• An introduction to aerospace materials and structures
• A brief overview of Astronauts and Space
• A brief introduction to Rotorcraft
• Airworthiness
• An introduction to Avionics
• Future developments in aircraft

Re-assessment

Students who fail this module overall and are required to complete a re-assessment will be re-assessed by exam. The re-assessment exam mark alone will be used to determine whether students satisfy progression requirements.

This module aims to develop your understanding and application skills of basic concepts and fundamental knowledge in fluid mechanics in aerospace engineering. You will study a range of topics such as applied aerodynamics fundamentals and several relevant theories. 

This module includes:

• Introduction to Aerodynamics.
• Inviscid, irrotational and incompressible flow: potential flow solutions, source and sinks, doublets, vortex, circular cylinder placed in a uniform flow, Kutta-Joukowski theorem on lift, the Kutta condition, Biot-Savart law.
• Two-dimensional aerofoils: thin flat-plate aerofoil, thick cambered aerofoil, aerofoil nomenclature, NACA aerofoils, pressure distributions, flow separations, lift and drag curves.
• Finite-span wings: induced drag, downwash angle, effect of aspect ratio, Delta wings, vortex breakdown.
• Boundary-layer control: stalling speed, high-lift devices, flaps, slats, Gurney flaps, winglets, vortex generators, wall suction, riblets.

The aim of this module is to provide students with the knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of automotive engineering. The module also develops the appreciation of the economic and legislative influences on the design of a modern automobile.

For each of the following subject areas, the historical evolution of design of the component is considered with regard to the influences of performance optimisation, cost, and legislative requirements:

• Engine (i.c. types and development trends, fuel economy and emissions, alternative and hybrid powertrains)
• Transmission (manual and auto gearbox, differential, 2- and 4WD systems)
• Body/chassis (skeletal and unitary constructions, crashworthiness, aerodynamics)
• Control systems (steering and linkage, braking inc. ABS and traction/stability control)
• Suspension (arrangements, handling/dynamics)

Delivery

Assessment method

The aim of this module is to provide students with the knowledge of internal combustion engine fundamentals, design and performance. The module also develops the skills to analyse engine behaviour and formulate design specifications to meet performance requirements through the selection/application of appropriate models.

This module includes:

• Design features, function and layout
• Performance, efficiency and energy flows
• Fuel delivery and gas exchange processes
• Combustion, heat release and work transfer
• Coolant system and heat rejection
• Lubrication system and friction
• Aftertreatment system, emissions and test regulations

Delivery

Assessment method

The module covers the following topics:

• Planar motion in a moving frame of reference
• Vibration modelling; the quarter-vehicle model
• Tyre forces and basic tyre modelling
• Ride comfort
• Lateral vehicle dynamics: handling and stability, understeer/oversteer
• Simulation tools and basic model building: special reference to Matlab
• Overview of vehicle chassis enhancement by electronic control, for example, anti-lock braking systems, traction control, dynamic stability control, etc.

Examples and applications of the concepts and techniques developed are given on passenger cars, heavy vehicles, and motorcycles. 

The module will give students in-depth understanding of technical capability of modern manufacturing processes in relation to product design. The aim of the module is to develop students’ abilities to understand and assess the capability of single and combined manufacturing processes. You’ll spend two hours in lectures and two hours in seminars each week when studying this module.

This module introduces the important aspects of advanced automated manufacturing principles. It aims to help you develop a sound understanding of flexible automated manufacturing solutions. Through case studies, you’ll study their role in the context of current and future manufacturing challenges, as well as their advantages and limitations. Topics include:

• computer integrated manufacturing
• implications of mass customisation on automated manufacturing systems
• the impact of enterprise agility on their manufacturing facilities

This module covers:

• Basic airframe structure
• Airframe component manufacturing techniques
• Joining techniques
• Assembly technology
• Composite structures
• Jigless assembly and automated manufacture
• Basic aero-engine structure
• Geometry and material constraints
• Manufacturing processes: forging, casting, welding and joining techniques, special processes, small and non round hole manufacture
• Certification, verification inspection and quality control

Method and Frequency of Class:

Method of Assessment:

The aim of this module is to provide students with detailed knowledge of the various Additive Manufacturing technologies including specific design, material and process principles. Students will gain an insight into current and future applications as well as the research developments required for the advancement of this technology.

This module will cover design, processing and material aspects of Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing technologies, as well as the current and potential applications of the technology in a wide variety of sectors. Topics covered will include:

• commercial and experimental systems
• material requirements
• design for Additive Manufacturing
• software and systems

The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to most of the main fields within Aerospace technology such that students understand the basics and are equipped to understand 'what there is to know' in this field.

The main topics covered are:

• A brief history of aircraft
• Aerodynamics
• An introduction to Aircraft Propulsion
• An introduction to Flight dynamics
• An introduction to aerospace materials and structures
• A brief overview of Astronauts and Space
• A brief introduction to Rotorcraft
• Airworthiness
• An introduction to Avionics
• Future developments in aircraft

Re-assessment

Students who fail this module overall and are required to complete a re-assessment will be re-assessed by exam. The re-assessment exam mark alone will be used to determine whether students satisfy progression requirements.

The aim of this module is to provide students with the knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of automotive engineering. The module also develops the appreciation of the economic and legislative influences on the design of a modern automobile.

For each of the following subject areas, the historical evolution of design of the component is considered with regard to the influences of performance optimisation, cost, and legislative requirements:

• Engine (i.c. types and development trends, fuel economy and emissions, alternative and hybrid powertrains)
• Transmission (manual and auto gearbox, differential, 2- and 4WD systems)
• Body/chassis (skeletal and unitary constructions, crashworthiness, aerodynamics)
• Control systems (steering and linkage, braking inc. ABS and traction/stability control)
• Suspension (arrangements, handling/dynamics)

Delivery

Assessment method

This module aims to provide students with a basic knowledge and understanding of the main stream computer modelling techniques used in modern engineering practice, including Finite Element, Finite Difference and Finite Volume methods.

Topics covered will include:

• Introduction to numerical methods in engineering
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of structures
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for thermo-fluids problems
• Coursework on running FEA and CFD software

This is a module which requires personal engagement in the classes and there is no examination. In this way the module is like the Individual Project.

The module has four cycles,  each comprising students individually preparing a talk, and report, on a topic within a theme and with a title that has been negotiated with the Teachers straight after the Teachers have delivered an introductory lecture on that theme.

The point of this module is to improve oral presentation and engineering report-writing skills using advanced materials as a vehicle.

The classes are seminars, where good practice is openly discussed and materials' advantages and disadvantages are openly debated.

This module is designed to deal with a wide range of materials (including advanced metallic, ceramic, glass, composite and polymeric-based materials) for a wide range of applications. Also it considers materials' themes, such as aerospace materials, medical materials, coatings, carbon-based materials, and so on.

The module deals with:

• the underlying principles behind the suitability of material properties for the targeted applications
• the processing of these materials
• the effects of processing on their subsequent structure and properties
• ultimate performance

The aim of this module is to provide students with the knowledge of internal combustion engine fundamentals, design and performance. The module also develops the skills to analyse engine behaviour and formulate design specifications to meet performance requirements through the selection/application of appropriate models.

This module includes:

• Design features, function and layout
• Performance, efficiency and energy flows
• Fuel delivery and gas exchange processes
• Combustion, heat release and work transfer
• Coolant system and heat rejection
• Lubrication system and friction
• Aftertreatment system, emissions and test regulations

Delivery

Assessment method

This is an advanced module in fluid mechanics applicable to a wide range of engineering disciplines. You will develop understanding and application skills of basic concepts and fundamental knowledge in turbulence and turbulent flows in engineering.

Topics to be covered include:

• fundamental theory of turbulence
• statistical description of turbulence
• boundary layer structures
• turbulent flow control
• turbulence modelling and CFD
• experimental techniques
• practical and industrial examples

Delivery

Assessment method

This module will provide you with a thorough understanding of cognitive ergonomics and the way in which the consideration of cognitive ergonomics can impact on human performance in the workplace. 

This module is concerned with the biomedical application of materials. It addresses three key areas: 

1. The clinical need for materials in medicine. An outline of cases where disease and trauma can be treated using materials and the tissues involved. 
2. The biological responses to materials in the body. Specifically the effect of the biological environment on materials and the effect of implantation of materials on the body. 
3. The application of materials in medicine. The material requirements, surgical procedures and expected biological performance of biomaterials. The advantages and disadvantages of using different types of materials and the importance of the design of medical implants.

Delivery

Assessment method

This module covers a range of topics relating to basic airframe structure. Airframe component manufacturing techniques, automated manufacture, geometry and material constraints will be covered. 

This module typically includes:

• Basic airframe structure
• Airframe component manufacturing techniques
• Joining techniques
• Assembly technology
• Composite structures
• Jigless assembly and automated manufacture
• Basic aero-engine structure
• Geometry and material constraints
• Manufacturing processes: forging, casting, welding and joining techniques, special processes, small and non round hole manufacture
• Certification, verification inspection and quality control

Method and Frequency of Class:

Method of Assessment:

This module introduces the design, manufacture and performance of fibre-reinforced composite materials. 

Constituent materials including fibres, resins and additives are described. Processing techniques and the relationships between process and design are highlighted. Design methodologies and computer-aided engineering techniques are demonstrated for component design.

Case studies from a variety of industries including automotive and aerospace are presented.

Method and Frequency of Class:

 Method of Assessment:

This module introduces the important aspects of advanced automated manufacturing principles. It aims to help you develop a sound understanding of flexible automated manufacturing solutions. Through case studies, you’ll study their role in the context of current and future manufacturing challenges, as well as their advantages and limitations. Topics include:

• computer integrated manufacturing
• implications of mass customisation on automated manufacturing systems
• the impact of enterprise agility on their manufacturing facilities

This module covers:

• Basic airframe structure
• Airframe component manufacturing techniques
• Joining techniques
• Assembly technology
• Composite structures
• Jigless assembly and automated manufacture
• Basic aero-engine structure
• Geometry and material constraints
• Manufacturing processes: forging, casting, welding and joining techniques, special processes, small and non round hole manufacture
• Certification, verification inspection and quality control

Method and Frequency of Class:

Method of Assessment:

This module will allow the theoretical background needed to understand linear Finite Element analysis. To present a number of examples to illustrate how practical problems can be analysed using FE software.

You will cover the following topics: 

• Structural analysis
• Derivation of finite element equations using energy considerations
• Linear and quadratic elements
• Beam, plate and shell elements
• Practical applications of finite elements in stress analysis problems
• Examples of finite element applications
• Introduction to thermal problems
• Introduction to non-linear problems

In this module you’ll develop an advanced understanding of fluid mechanics. You’ll use computational methods in fluid mechanics to further understand how techniques are applied to real fluid engineering problems. For example, you’ll study fluid/structure interactions, air flow, channel flow and water wave propagation. You’ll spend between two and four hours in lectures and two hours in computing sessions each week.

This module covers the principles of material degradation and a wide spectrum of surface engineering techniques as general solutions to increase the lifetime and surface functionalities for engineering components

Key material degradation phenomena are introduced, including oxidation, corrosion, and wear, etc. Techniques used to inhibit the degradation of materials will be explained, together with some typical examples on materials selection, materials engineering, surface protection and inspection strategies.

The most common surface engineering methods are presented, including surface treatment, surface thermochemical process; electrodeposition and electroless plating, thermal spraying, diffusion coatings and vapour phase deposition. The selection criteria and applicability of each processing method are discussed, along with case studies in industrial applications.

Method and Frequency of Class:

 Method of Assessment:

This module examines, in-depth, the processes used for joining metallic (e.g. steel, aluminium and titanium alloys) and non-metallic (e.g. polymers and fibre reinforced composites) materials. 

Topics covered include:

• mechanical joining
• adhesive bonding
• soldering and brazing
• solid state joining (friction welding and diffusion bonding)
• fusion welding (arc welding and the many classes thereof, resistance, electron beam and laser welding)

The fundamental characteristics of the various processes are examined along with procedures for practical applications. The origins of defects within joints and methods needed to control or eliminate them are also considered. The mechanical behaviour of joints is analysed, as is the effect of joining on the microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties of the base materials. Other features such as residual stress and distortion are addressed. Attention is also given to appropriate design for manufacture in a modern manufacturing context.

Method and Frequency of Class:

 Method of Assessment:

Heterogeneity of composites (fibre and matrix at microscale and layup of plies at mesoscale); anisotropic behaviour (classification of completely anisotropic, monoclinic, orthotropic, transversely isotropic and isotropic); constitutive relationship (stress-strain relationship for anisotropic materials); thermal stresses (constitutive relationship in presence of temperature change); laminate analysis (classic laminate theory, advanced laminate theories); finite element approach (shell, solid, continuum shell); failure criteria (maximum stress, Tsai-Wu, Hashin, Puck, Overview of WWFEs); design of composite laminates (simplified analysis, basic design rules and practices), layup optimisation (concept of optimization, Matlab optimisation toolbox, strength and other constraints).

The module will be taught primarily through scheduled lectures and a substantial piece of coursework parallel to the lectures to apply the theories as one learns.

Method and Frequency of Class:

 Method of Assessment:

In this module students develop understanding of hydrogen vehicle technologies and their role in delivering more sustainable transport and energy sectors.

The module covers technologies currently under development and those likely to be used in future vehicle power-train systems, as an energy storage buffer for the grid and as an alternative gas vector to decarbonise heat.

Technologies covered include;

• electrolysers, storage, fuel cells and the impact of hydrogen on different applications.
• Hydrogen use in the transport and energy sectors
• Sustainable sources of Hydrogen
• Hydrogen storage and distribution
• Fuel cell technologies
• Hydrogen Vehicles
• Grid stability and decarbonisation of heat applications
• Economic and environmental feasibility assessment

Delivery

Assessment method