MODULE SPECIFICATION FORM
Module Title:
Module code:
(if known)
Mechanical Science
ENG428
Existing/New:
Level:
Semester(s) in which to
be offered:
1 and 2
4
Credit Value:
With effect from:
20
Sept 2010
Title of module being
replaced (if any):
Originating Subject:
Engineering
Module duration
Contact hours
Directed private study:
60 hrs contact/dps
+ 140 hrs private study
Module Leader:
Status:
core/option/elective
(identify programme
where appropriate):
Percentage taught by Subjects other than
originating Subject (please name other
Subjects):
Programme(s) in which to be
offered:
S. Byrne
Pre-requisites per programme
(between levels):
Core
0%
Co-requisites per programme
(within a level):
HNC Mechanical Technology
HND Mechanical Technology
Module Aims:
The aim of this unit is to investigate the major mechanical and engineering science principles which
underpin the design and operation of mechanical engineering systems.
This unit will provide the foundation for further studies, in particular the Mechanical Principles unit in
the second year of the programme.
Expected Learning Outcomes
At the end of this module the student should be able to:
1. Investigate static engineering systems theory and solve practical engineering situations
2. Investigate dynamic engineering systems theory and solve practical engineering situations
Transferable/Key Skills and other attributes:



Problem solving
Numeracy
Managing self
Assessment: please indicate the type(s) of assessment (eg examination, oral, coursework, project) and
the weighting of each (%). Details of indicative assessment should also be included.
Assessment number
(use as appropriate)
Type of assessment
Weighting
Duration (if exam)
Assessment One:
Series of Labwork
covering all
outcomes
20%
Assessment Two:
Phase Test covering
static systems
LO1
40%
90 minutes
Assessment Three
Phase Test covering
dynamic systems
LO2
40%
90 minutes
Word count (if
coursework)
Learning and Teaching Strategies:
The module theory will be delivered by a series of lectures and tutorials complemented with
demonstrations and laboratory practical work.
The learning element will be evaluated by carrying out the assessment laid out above which will ensure
the learner has the opportunity to achieve all the stipulated outcomes.
Syllabus outline:
1 Statics
Compound Bars: force and temperature effects.
Shear force and Bending Moment Diagrams:simply supported and cantilever beams.
Bending Equation:derivation and application, selection of beam from tables
Torsion Equation:derivation and application.
2 Dynamics
Angular motion: equations of motion, relationships between linear and angular motion, moment of
inertia, radius of gyration, flywheels, angular kinetic energy, raising and lowering of masses by drums,
centripetal acceleration, balancing of rotating masses in one plane.
Vibrations: simple harmonic motion, spring mass systems, pendulums, resonance, damping effects.
3 Fluids in Motion
Definitions: steady flow, incompressible liquid, friction, velocity flow rate, volumetric flow rate, mass
flow rate.
Energy in liquids: continuity equation, Bernoulli’s equation, viscosity, laminar and turbulent flow,
Reynolds number, friction losses, Darcy equation, Moody diagram, Blasius formula.
Bibliography
Recommended Reading:
Hearn E.J. - Mechanics of Materials Vol I (Butterworth Heinemann, 2006)
Hannah J. and Hillier M.J. – Mechanical Engineering Science (Prentice Hall, 2007)
Tooley M. and Dingle L – Higher National Engineering (Newnes, 2006)
Urry S. and Turner P- .Solving problems in solid mechanics (Longman, 1996)