KB5034 - Mechanics and Finite Element Analysis

What will I learn on this module?

This module provides the opportunity to build on fundamental statics and materials knowledge and further examine applied mechanics with a focus on the development of more in-depth modelling approaches that provide more detail and insight into the behaviour of materials. You will analyse mechanics concepts such as stress and strain transformations, shear stresses in beams and thin-walled structures to the solution of more broadly defined problems where there is some degree of uncertainty in their definition. Finite element analysis, a computational technique, will be used in the analysis and design of mechanical structures, components and systems and compared to complementary experimental and analytical approaches that can be used to underpin, verify and interpret simulation results.

How will I learn on this module?

Active learning sessions will be used to allow you to engage with elevated material and assist you in exploring key concepts and topics within the module. Sessions will involve a combination of content delivery and practical learning exercises to enable you to apply your learning to authentic, broadly defined engineering problems that may involve conflicting and/or incomplete information. A problem-solving focused curriculum will allow you to explore and understand how well-proven solutions can be applied to more open-ended problems and provide further opportunity for innovative discovery of alternatives. Learning activities will enable students to work collaboratively through the further development of teamwork and communication skills, and the encouragement of creative thinking to solve engineering problems.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

During your active learning sessions, academic support will be available to facilitate your exploration of the problem-solving activities. Formative feedback will be provided by the module team, including answering student queries and providing guidance concerning the module such as assessments and your academic progress. The electronic learning platform (eLP) provides a comprehensive resource for integrated learning incorporating learning materials and reading lists that will facilitate directed and self-directed learning. Contact with academic tutors and your peers outside formal teaching hours is encouraged through dedicated ‘office hours’, discussion boards and messaging systems within the eLP. Professional support staff, such as Ask4Help, provide the first point of contact for a range of queries, including, for example, those concerning assessment submission, late submission/extensions, and other administrative issues.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
MLO1. Relate knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to broadly defined mechanics problems.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MLO2. Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques, such as finite element analysis, to model broadly defined problems.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
MLO3. Apply creativity and curiosity to analyse broadly defined problems, related to the mechanics of materials, reaching substantiated conclusions.

How will I be assessed?

Formative Assessment
Academic staff on the module will assess you in a formative manner to help build your confidence and highlight any misunderstandings you may have of the theoretical and professional concepts presented in the module. Your formative feedback will be given to you either verbally by academic staff on the module during formally scheduled teaching sessions or using the eLP. Your formative feedback aims to help you learn and prepare for the submission of your summative assessment.

Summative Assessment
Academic staff on the module will assess you in a summative manner by two pieces of assessment:
Component 1 to assess your knowledge and understanding of computational and analytical techniques, such as finite element analysis, to model broadly defined mechanics problems (MLOs 1 and 2) through completing an industry compatible written submission.
Component 2, a timed electronic exam (competency-based challenge task), is used to evaluate your ability apply creativity through computational and analytical techniques in broadly defined problems within the mechanics of materials and substantiate outcomes meeting module learning outcomes MLOs 2 & 3.

Feedback will be provided electronically through the eLP or student email within 20 working days of the date of submission.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module provides the opportunity to build on fundamental statics and materials knowledge and further examine applied mechanics with a focus on the development of more in-depth modelling approaches that provide more detail and insight into the behaviour of materials. Finite element analysis, a computational technique, will be used in the analysis and design of mechanical structures, components and systems. In the module, you will be encouraged to investigate and gain confidence in research and critical thinking through the application of appropriate knowledge and methodologies to tackle broadly defined problems. Active learning sessions will allow you to engage with elevated material and assist you in exploring key concepts and topics. Sessions will involve a series of practical learning exercises to enable you to apply your learning to authentic, broadly defined engineering problems that may involve conflicting and/or incomplete information. The module utilises the electronic learning platform (eLP) to provide a comprehensive resource for integrated learning incorporating learning materials and reading lists that will facilitate directed and self-directed learning.

Course info

UCAS Code H314

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 4 years full-time or 5 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Mechanical and Construction Engineering

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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