Engineering Mechanics (H1028)

15 credits, Level 4

Spring teaching

This module gives you a comprehensive overview of the mechanical principles that underlie the design and operation of mechanical engineering systems. The module is structured into two sections: statics and dynamics.

The statics section introduces you to the fundamental concept of vectors, followed by an in-depth analysis of force and moment of force, static equilibrium and the evaluation of plane trusses. You’ll also explore the topics of centroid and friction.

In dynamics section you’ll investigate the kinematics of particles, including linear and curvilinear motion, as well as characteristics of motion in various reference systems. You’ll also look at the kinematics of rigid bodies, including translation, rotation about a fixed axis and plane motion. You’ll also explore:

  • the kinetics of particles and rigid bodies
  • the application of Newton's second law
  • moments of inertia
  • impulse-momentum equation
  • angular momentum
  • impact
  • the work-energy equation.

Finall you’ll be introduced to the dynamics of a rigid body rotating about a fixed axis and in plane motion.

Teaching

69%: Lecture
25%: Practical (Laboratory, Practical, Workshop)
6%: Seminar

Assessment

25%: Coursework (Group submission (written), Problem set, Report)
75%: Examination (Computer-based examination)

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 48 hours of contact time and about 102 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.