436-431 Mechanics 4

436-354 Mechanics 3 or equivalent.

Unit 1, Mechanics of Solids: Upon completion, students should be able to formulate physical and mathematical models of mechanical systems for stress analysis, obtain solutions using analytical and/or numerical methods and have an increased understanding of the stress analysis of complex structures.

Topics covered include mathematical theory of elasticity in three dimensions; reduction to two dimensions; plane stress and plane strain; Airy's stress function and its application to practical problems; finite difference and finite element methods; and torsion.

Unit 2, Dynamics: Upon completion, students should be able to formulate physical and mathematical models of mechanical systems for vibration analysis, obtain solutions using analytical and/or numerical methods and have an increased understanding of vibration analysis of complex structures.

Topics include vibration of discrete and continuous systems; modal analysis; vibration isolation; torsional and bending vibrations; vibration absorbers; and system identification.

• ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals

• ability to communicate effectively, not only with engineers but also with the community at large

• in-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline

• ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution

• ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance

• expectation of the need to undertake lifelong learning, capacity to do so

• capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning

• intellectual curiosity and creativity, including understanding of the philosophical and methodological bases of research activity

• openness to new ideas and unconventional critiques of received wisdom

• profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of scholarship

Two 2-hour examinations (40% each) and a assignment not exceeding 20 pages including computations, diagrams, tables and computer output (20%).