MODULE DESCRIPTOR
MECHGM02 – Power Transmission & Auxiliary Machinery Systems
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Taught by:
MECHGM02
MECHM006
Power Transmission & Auxiliary Machinery Systems
MEng/MSc
0.5
15/6
September
March
Prof K Luo
Dr K. Suen
Mr B.Eccles
Dr C Nightingale
Module Coordinator: Prof K Luo
Prerequisites
Undergraduate level solid mechanics, with a sound understanding of dynamics, fluid mechanics and a
good understanding of engineering mathematics.
Course Aims
To provide an overview of the consideration necessary in coupling a prime mover, via a
transmission system invariable incorporating a gearbox, and a hydraulic or pneumatic pump or
compressor. Additionally, the course provides an introduction to the application of Reliability,
Availability and Maintainability (RAM) to an engineering system.
The main aims of the module are:
 To provide students with the skills necessary in the design and selection of components in
a power train
 To explain and discuss the factors affecting the performance of hydraulic and pneumatic systems
 To provide students with mathematical tools needed in the design and critically assess some of the
major factors affecting the performance of a power train system and its coupling to a prime mover and
a hydraulic or pneumatic pump.
 To provide by way of a project an introduction to the application of the RAM analysis to an
engineering system
In the RAM part of the course students are expected to adopt a systems engineering
approach in the assessment stage of its development and are required to:
 recommend the best combination of systems based on analysis of capability, reliability,
development, running and life-cycle costs, as well as development time,
 define the simplifying assumptions,
 recommend the types of RAM contracts and contract conditions needed to ensure the
contractor delivers the required RAM performance; professional ethics and responsibilities.
Method of Instruction
The course is delivered in a series of lectures organised in blocks and each covering a specific
component of a power train system, while emphasis is placed on consideration of the complete system.
The coursework is based on a series of lectures concerned with RAM and is divided into two exercises:
the first a group activity and the second more substantial project undertaken individually.
Assessment
The course has the following assessment components:
 Written Examination (2 hours, 65%) answer any 3 from 5 questions
 Coursework (35%)
To pass this course, students must:
 Obtain an overall pass mark of 50% for all sections combined
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Resources
See reference list
Additional Information
The coursework for this course is based on Topic 6 in the lecture series and consists of a major
analytical study and a tutorial assessment. A tutorial sheet will be provided following the lectures on
RAM mathematics and the solutions will be undertaken in groups. The attempts from each group will be
marked and handed back before the start of the next assignment. Mr Eccles will set this assignment
and students will be asked to complete it individually and hand it in for marking.
Content
1. Gears and Fluid Couplings (Dr C E Nightingale): Revision of basic gear geometry, calculation of
tooth root bending stress and contact stress, gear size estimation, epicyclic gear sets. Fluid
couplings, torque converters and Franco Tosi couplings. Self- synchronising clutches.
2. Shafting, Couplings and Clutches (Prof K Luo): Design for static and fatigue loading of shafts,
alignment of lineshafting, selection of rigid and flexible couplings, use of flexible couplings to limit
torsional vibration. Friction materials and mating surfaces of clutches, plate/disk clutches,
centrifugal clutches, cone clutches and use of shaft brakes.
3. Balancing of Rotating Machinery (Prof K Luo): Introduction to vibrations in rotating
machinery, elementary diagnostics and balancing.
4. Ducts and fans (Dr W Suen): Flow through circular and non-circular ducts, losses due to fittings,
calculation of losses in duct networks, characteristics of fans, matching ducts and fans.
5. Hydraulics and Pneumatics (Dr C Nightingale): Hydraulic System applications, pumps and motors,
system components, compressibility, flow in pipes, energy balances. Pneumatic system
applications, reciprocating compressors, efficiency calculations, moisture in systems, pneumatic
circuits.
6. Reliability Availability and Maintainability (Mr B Eccles & Dr C Nightingale): Mathematics of
RAM, Management of Risk, Design Risk Assessment, Equipment Acquisition, In-Service
Support and Platform Management, Repairables, Labour and Logistics.
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Learning Outcomes1: MECHGM02, MECHGR02, MECHM008 Power Transmission &
Auxiliary Machinery Systems
General Learning Outcomes
Ability to develop, monitor and update a plan, to reflect a changing operating
environment.
Ability to monitor and adjust a personal program of work on an on-going basis, and to learn
independently.
As with all taught modules on the programme a significant amount of self-learning is expected.
Application of newly learned methodology is required for the coursework problem.
The ability to exercise initiative and personal responsibility, which may be as a team member or
leader
One of the coursework assignments requires the students to work as part of a team to produce a solution
to a series of tutorial questions and to coordinate the team’s work in a single document submitted before
the coursework deadline.
The ability to learn new theories, concepts and methods etc and apply these in unfamiliar
situations
The course aims to integrate knowledge from a wide range of topics, some of which would be new to most
students. The diversity in the content of this module means to perform well would require a suitable
understanding across this wide range of topics. Application of the new methodology for the solution of a
practical problem in the coursework problem, e.g., development and application of RAM to an engineering
system.
Specific Learning Outcomes
Underpinning science & mathematics
A comprehensive understanding of the relevant scientific principles of the specialization. The
prerequisites of this module require a comprehensive understanding in solid mechanics, fluid
mechanics and engineering mathematics, which is utilised and extended where necessary in
topics 2, 3 and 4.
A critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights much of which is at, or informed by,
the forefront of the specialisation.
An understanding of concepts relevant to the discipline, some from outside engineering, and the
ability to critically evaluate and apply them effectively.
Although tested in the exam this feature is developed in the coursework element of the module where
students are tasked with analysing a practical engineering problem.
1 EAB website http://www.engab.org.uk/documentation document Accreditation Of Masters Degrees Other Than MEng last
accessed 10 Aril 2012
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Engineering Analysis
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies
Although not explicitly examined it would be expected that a competent student successfully
completing this module would be able to demonstrate these capabilities.
Ability to apply appropriate models for solving problems in engineering and the ability to assess
the limitations of particular cases;
This feature is developed in several of the main elements of the module such as: shafts and couplings,
balancing of rotary shafts and flow through ducts, where students are tasked with analysing a model
with a simplified system.
The ability to collect and analyse research data and use appropriate engineering tools to tackle
unfamiliar problems, such as those with uncertain or incomplete data or specifications, by the
appropriate innovation, use or adaptation of engineering analytical methods.
In the main coursework assignment the students are typically tasked with researching and defining the
simplifying assumptions in their analysis as well as to critically evaluate a range of alternative solutions
based on multi-variable system objectives.
Design
The ability to apply original thought to the development of practical solutions for products,
systems, components or processes
Although not examined explicitly the rationale for this course is to provide guidance on the design and
selection of power trains for engineering systems. Additionally RAM analysis can provide an appropriate
assessment of the feasibility of an engineering solution and the design criteria.
Economic, Social and Environmental Context
Knowledge and understanding of management and business practices, and their limitations, and
how these may be applied appropriately, in the context of the particular specialisation
Part of the RAM analysis: equipment acquisition, in-service support, labour and logistics, contacts and
contract conditions, address these specific factors.
The ability to make general evaluations of risks through some understanding of the basis of such
risks
Management risk and design risk are explicitly dealt with in the lectures associated
with the RAM coursework.
Engineering Practice
A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations, and some appreciation of likely
new developments
Students are instructed in the basic physical considerations involved in the design and
operation of power transmission systems and in the assessment of their performance.
Advanced level knowledge and understanding of a wide range of engineering materials and
components
A number of engineering components are discussed in topics 1, 2 and 5.
The ability to apply engineering techniques taking account of a range of commercial and industrial
constraints
An inherent feature of the RAM coursework is an appropriate assessment of the engineering
system in terms of commercial and industrial constraints.
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