Mechanical Design Practice

Undergraduate | 2026

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area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
ENGM 2017
Course ID icon
Course ID
206722
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
2
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No
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Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

In this course, students will develop an enthusiasm for the design of machines and to provide the methodology for a well documented design and selection using available materials and machine components. Content includes: Design methodology; decision making, importance of proper recording of design calculations and decisions in design reports, accountability and legal aspects of design calculations. Factor of safety. Balanced design of simple components. Static failure design for bending and torsions, critical stress analysis and principal stresses. Linear actuators and springs. Eccentrically loaded bolted and welded connections. Cyclic loads, stress raisers and design of shafts to AS1403. Rolling element bearings. Hydrodynamic lubrication and plane bearings. Power transmission using belts, chains and wire ropes. Fatigue. Elastic design of bolted joints. Design for brittle fracture and introduction to fracture mechanics. Design of spur gears for bending, strength and surface durability. Design of disc brake and multi-plate clutches.

Course learning outcomes

  • Apply an appropriate design methodology and discuss the legal implications of the design process. (PO 2, 3) (EA 1.4, 3.1, 3.2)
  • Select appropriate materials to satisfy design requirements. (PO 4) (EA 2.1)
  • Explain material behaviour and simple failure mechanisms and design for these situations. (PO 1,4, 5) (EA 1.1, 1.2, 2.1)
  • Design mechanical components for strength and deflection with regard to safety standards. (PO 1, 4, 7, 8) (EA 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 3.6, 3.2)
  • Correctly select standard components from manufacturer's catalogues. (PO 1, 4, 9) (EA 1.1, 2.1, 2.2, 3.9)

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A