Outline

Overview

This is a project based unit where students will construct and test a real machine of their own design using Computer Aided Design software, machine and hand tools. Students will be required to undertake research into the historical development of the machine and to learn the associated basic theory and analytic techniques to allow them to fully understand and analyse their design. Students will also learn how to construct a complex electro-mechanical benchtop test rig incorporating instrumentation and control systems and a graphical user interface, and how to interface their design with such a system to establish its performance characteristics. The unit ties in with the workshop component of MECH1560 Introduction to Mechanical Engineering. Skills developed become relevant in MECH2400 Mechanical Design 1.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	MECH1400
Academic unit	Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Steven Armfield, steven.armfield@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Gregory Gardner, greg.gardner@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Concept Design Review (Group) Drawing or freehand sketch of the design concept due timetabled workshop	0%	Week 03 Due date: 14 Aug 2023 at 09:00 Closing date: 01 Sep 2023	At least 1 Drawing
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 1 - System Engineering Requirements (Individual) Individual written research report	10%	Week 03 Due date: 18 Aug 2023 at 23:59 Closing date: 01 Sep 2023	3 Pages
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 2 - Design proposal (Group) Design Proposal report	15%	Week 05 Due date: 01 Sep 2023 at 23:59 Closing date: 15 Sep 2023	5,000 words excluding drawings
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	AS1100 drawing threshold task (Individual) Assembly drawing of supplied object to the requirements of AS1100	0%	Week 06 Due date: 05 Sep 2023 at 13:00 Closing date: 19 Sep 2023	1 drawing
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	SPARKPlus for Assignment 2 - Design proposal (Individual) - RPF1 Group contribution self and peer assessments in SPARKPlus	0%	Week 06 Due date: 04 Sep 2023 at 23:55 Closing date: 18 Sep 2023	30 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 3 - Progress Report & Drawings (Group) Major Project Progress report plus detailed drawings to AS1100.	15%	Week 09 Due date: 06 Oct 2023 at 23:59 Closing date: 20 Oct 2023	4,000 words excluding drawings
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	SPARKPlus for Assignment 3 - Progress Report & Drawings (Individual) - RPF2 Group contribution self and peer assessments in SPARKPlus	0%	Week 10 Due date: 09 Oct 2023 at 23:55 Closing date: 23 Oct 2023	30 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 4 - Final Design Report (Group) Final report including detailed drawings and an assembly drawing to AS1100	15%	Week 12 Due date: 27 Oct 2023 at 23:59 Closing date: 10 Nov 2023	6,000 words excluding drawings
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 5 - Project Outcome (Group) Project outcome - due timetabled workshop session	15%	Week 13 Due date: 30 Oct 2023 at 09:00 Closing date: 17 Nov 2023	Details via Canvas assignment area.
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Quiz Quiz	20%	Week 13 Due date: 31 Oct 2023 at 12:00 Closing date: 14 Nov 2023	1 hour
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	SPARKPlus for Assignment 4 and 5 - Final Design Report & Project Outcome (Individual) - RPF3 Group contribution self and peer assessments in SPARKPlus	0%	Week 13 Due date: 30 Oct 2023 at 23:55 Closing date: 17 Oct 2023	30 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 6: Reflective Learning Report (Individual) Report	10%	Week 13 Due date: 03 Nov 2023 at 23:59 Closing date: 17 Nov 2023	1000 words
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Concept Design Review: (Grp) Layout drawing or freehand sketch of the design concept of the group’s pneumatic engine to gain peer, tutor and technician feedback on design feasibility prior to the commencement of detailed design.

Systems Engineering report: (Ind) Written report examining and discussing pneumatic engine’s performance specifications and system verification plan.

Design proposal: (Grp) Written proposal with preliminary design of device including basic energy analysis and basic drawings.

AS1100 drawing threshold task (Ind): During the one hour tutorials of Week 5 and 6, successfully hand draft an assembly drawing of a supplied object to the requirements of AS1100.

Progress report: (Grp) Written report on progress on design and build to date, detailed drawings to AS1100 required.

Final report: (Grp) Written report recording the research, design, and construction of the completed device, full detailed drawings and assembly drawing to AS1100 required.

Project outcome (Grp): short talk (2-3mins) and testing of built device using dynamometer

Reflective learning report: (Ind) Student to critically discuss their learning as related to this unit of study.

Quiz: one hour in-tutorial quiz middle of week 13. Covers any material from lectures, Canvas resources, tutorials.

SPARKPlus: (Ind) SPARKPlus will be used to collect self and peer assessment to both evaluate a team member’s contribution to the final project / report and convert group marks into individual marks.

To pass this subject students are required to satisfactorily complete all assignments.

To meet the team based learning outcomes, students must obtain a minimum overall SPARKPlus Relative Performance Factor (RPF) of at least 0.6.

Overall RPF = (0.25 x RPF1) + (0.25xRPF2) +(0.5xRPF3) where RPF1 refers to the Relative Performance Factor for the SPARKPLus – Design Proposal activity, RPF 2 refers to the Relative Performance Factor for the SPARKPLus – Progress Report activity and RPF3 refers to the Relative Performance Factor for the SPARKPLus – Final Report activity.

Detailed information for each assessment will be available on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

5% per day. Any late penalties are applied to all group members. Quiz and project outcomes have 100% late penalty.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	UoS introduction & Systems Engineering	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Materials selection for design	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Design Methods & Machine Dynamics	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Design/Drawing/Review processes	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Fits and Tolerances	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Surface Finishes	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Mechanical Components and fasteners	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Machining and Flywheels	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Plain and Roller Bearings	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Pressure Vessels and Advanced Machine Processes	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Reflection and Continuous Improvement	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Gear Design and Formula SAE	Lecture and tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Unit Summary & Revision	Lecture and tutorial (1 hr)
Weekly	Prepare for classes	Independent study (13 hr)
Weekly	Non-contact independent work including SOLIDWORKS tutorials, research, homework, and working on assignments, group meetings, and prior readings across multiple weeks.	Independent study (100 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. apply statics, dynamics and thermodynamics analysis methods to real design problems
LO2. undertake a simple design and build project from conception to completion
LO3. apply theory and analysis to real machinery, use of machine and hand tools
LO4. demonstrate basic workshop skills, learning to use machine tools for production of complex parts
LO5. undertake research into existing design as part of developing new design
LO6. apply theory of systems engineering to real world design process
LO7. use self-reflection and critical thinking to improve your learning skills.
LO8. Constructively contribute ideas and address team issues through conflict resolution and critically evaluate self and peer contributions in a team based learning scenario
LO9. Generate and interpret engineering drawings to AS1100 Parts 101 and 201

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

2023 - Reduced the content of the in class Quiz based on feedback from the students. 2022 - Moved final report from Week 13 to Week 12 as requested in USS. Incorporated Systems Engineering in lieu of historical report.

Additional information

To pass this subject students are required to satisfactorily complete all assignments in the Unit Outline.
To meet the team based learning outcomes, students must obtain a minimum overall SPARKPlus Relative Performance Factor (RPF) of at least 0.5.

Overall RPF = (0.25 x RPF1) + (0.25xRPF2) +(0.5xRPF3) where RPF1 refers to the Relative Performance Factor for the SPARKPLus – Design Proposal activity, RPF 2 refers to the Relative Performance Factor for the SPARKPLus – Progress Report and RPF3 refers to the Relative Performance Factor for the SPARKPLus – Final Report.

Work, health and safety

Students must complete workshop induction during scheduled sessions if participating in physical workshop sessions.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

MECH1400: Design and Construction of Mechanical Systems

Semester 2, 2023 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect