MECH204P - Mechanics of Solids and Structures
UCL Credits/ECTS: 0.5/7.5
Prerequisites: ENGS103P Modelling and Analysis
MECHP101P Introduction to Mechanical Engineering
MECH104P Statics & Dynamics
Summary of course contents:
The course is a natural continuation from ‘MECH101P Introduction to Mechanical
Engineering’ and ‘MECH104P Engineering Dynamics’ studied in the 1st year of the
Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate programme.
In MECH204P, students apply the theories of statics to the analysis of the mechanical
behaviour of basic deformable structures subjected to external loads.
Method of delivery:
 Weekly lectures and worked examples covering the theoretical and basic material.
 Problem sheets requiring self-study and written work will be handed weekly, and regularly
revised at feedback/tutorial sessions to provide formative assessment.
 Two structured laboratory sessions combining lecture/tutorial content with hands-on
observation, promoting group working, bookwork and report writing.
Module aims:
To provide students with an engaging theoretical foundation enabling them to determine the
response of engineering structures to external mechanical actions, the resulting
deformations and the state of stress and strain produced into the structure's components.
Students will also acquire the ability to predict and prevent common forms of structural static
failure in basic engineering components.
Intended Learning Outcomes:
Knowledge and Understanding
i. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the essential concepts, theories and
principles underlying the mechanics of solid bodies.
ii. Ability to analyse the response of beam structures to lateral and axial loads; plastic
theory of collapse; asymmetric bending of open sectioned thin beams; energy theorems
and methods of analysis. buckling of elastic beams. axisymmetric stresses and strains;
torsional stresses; introductory ideas in structural design.
Intellectual abilities
i. Apply appropriate quantitative science, engineering and mathematical tools to the
solution of problems in structural engineering.
ii. Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of theoretical solutions, and
linking them to the design of real-world structures.
General transferable skills
Solution of structural engineering problems, communication and effective sourcing of
background resources and materials required for self-learning.
Assessment
The course will have the following assessment components:
Examination (3 hours, 75%)
2 x Lab report (25%)
To pass this course students must:
Obtain an overall pass mark of 40% for all sections combined.
PLEASE NOTE: This information is given in good faith but accuracy cannot be guaranteed.