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Unit of study_

MECH3361: Mechanics of Solids 2

Semester 2, 2021 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

The unit of study aims to: teach the fundamentals of analysing stress and deformation in a solid under complex loading associated with the elemental structures/components in aerospace, mechanical and biomedical engineering; develop the following attributes: understand the fundamental principles of solid mechanics and basic methods for stress and deformation analysis of a solid structure/element in the above mentioned engineering areas; gain the ability to analyse problems in terms of strength and deformation in relation to the design, manufacturing and maintenance of machines, structures, devices and elements in the above mentioned engineering areas. At the end of this unit students will have a good understanding of the following: applicability of the theories and why so; how and why to do stress analysis; why we need equations of motion/equilibrium; how and why to do strain analysis; why we need compatibility equations; why Hooke's law, why plasticity and how to do elastic and plastic analysis; how and why to do mechanics modelling; how to describe boundary conditions for complex engineering problems; why and how to solve a mechanics model based on a practical problem; why and how to use energy methods for stress and deformation analysis; why and how to do stress concentration analysis and its relation to fracture and service life of a component/structure; how and why to do fundamental plastic deformation analysis; how and why the finite element method is introduced and used for stress and deformation analysis. The students are expected to develop the ability of solving engineering problems by comprehensively using the skills attained above. The students will get familiar with finite element analysis as a research and analysis tool for various real-life problems.

Unit details and rules

Unit code MECH3361
Academic unit Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
AMME2301 AND (AMME1362 OR AMME2302 OR CIVL2110 OR CIVL1110)
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Qing Li, qing.li@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Final exam (Open book) Type C final exam Final exam
Multiple choice/short answer questions. Long calculation questions
50% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Assignment group assignment Written lab report
Written report for strain lab tests
5% Multiple weeks 10 page report
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO6
Assignment Assignment 1
Two assignment questions plus one mini-project.
5% Week 04
Due date: 05 Sep 2021 at 23:59
6-page report plus two written solutions
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Tutorial quiz Quiz 1 (60 mins)
Multiple Choice and short answer question and long calculation questions
10% Week 06
Due date: 13 Sep 2021 at 11:00

Closing date: 13 Sep 2021
60 mins writing time plus 10 min reading
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3
Assignment Assignment 2
Two assignment questions plus one mini-project.
5% Week 07
Due date: 26 Sep 2021 at 23:59
6-page report plus two written solutions
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Assignment Assignment 3
Two assignment questions plus one mini-project.
5% Week 10
Due date: 24 Oct 2021 at 23:59
6-page report plus two written solutions
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Tutorial quiz Quiz 2 and Lab Quiz
Multiple Choice and short answer question and long calculation questions
15% Week 12
Due date: 01 Nov 2021 at 11:00

Closing date: 01 Nov 2021
90 min writing time plus 10 min reading
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO5 LO6 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Assignment 4
Two assignment questions plus one mini-project.
5% Week 13
Due date: 14 Nov 2021 at 23:59
8-page report plus two written solutions
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
group assignment = group assignment ?
Type C final exam = Type C final exam ?

Assessment summary

  • Assignment 1: Stress and strain analyses.
  • Assignment 2:  Stress-strain relation and modelling, solution and application.
  • Assignment 3: Stress function and plasticity.
  • Assignment 4: Finite element analysis essay.
  • Lab Skills and quiz: A laboratory experiment on the strain gauge technique (5% for individual lab quiz and 5% for the group’s lab report) and two in-class quizzes.
  • Quiz 1: Covers all material introduced in weeks 1-6, composed of short and long answer questions. One page of self-organised equations/notes are allowed.
  • Quiz 2: Covers all material introduced in weeks 6-12, composed of short and long answer questions. One page of self-organised equations/notes are allowed.
  • Final exam: Two pages of self-organised equations/notes are allowed in the final exam.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found 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.

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.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction, Stress Analysis and Basic Assumptions. Online class (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 02 Stress and strain tensors, Stress-strain relations Online class (5 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 03 Strain - displacement relation, equilibrium equation Online class (5 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 04 Modelling, Solution and Application. Online class (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 05 Modelling and stress function method Online class (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 06 Plasticity, non-linearity, and failure Online class (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 07 Finite Element Method - fundamentals Online class (5 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 08 Finite Element Method - 1D problems Online class (5 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 09 Finite Element Method - Vibration problems Online class (5 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 10 Finite Element Method - 2D problems Online class (5 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 11 Finite Element Method - 3D problems Online class (5 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 12 Finite element based design optimisation Online class (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 13 Review of the unit Online class (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7

Attendance and class requirements

  • Lecture: 3 hours per week
  • Tutorial: 2 hours per week (including FEA computer lab)
  • Laboratory: 6 hours laboratory work per semester

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.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

  • Zhang, L., Solid Mechanics for Engineers. Macmillan/Palgrave, 2001.

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.

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

  • LO1. describe boundary conditions, model a problem, and use the basic skills to solve simple engineering problems
  • LO2. use a theoretical solution to guide a design, explain a failure, or optimise a simple structure
  • LO3. analyse engineering problems in terms of strength, stress, and deformation in relation to the design, fabrication, and maintenance of machine and structure components
  • LO4. understand the essentials of material selection in design and manufacturing by making use of the physical inherence of the elastic constants
  • LO5. understand the concepts, features, and principles of stress and strain in mechanical elements subjected to deformation in analysing engineering problems
  • LO6. use the strain gauge technique and the principle of strain measurement in measuring strains and calculating stresses
  • LO7. demonstrate skill and ability in using the finite element method for solving real-life engineering problems.

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.1 T P A Developing underpinning capabilities in mathematics, physical, life and information sciences and engineering sciences, as appropriate to the designated field of practice.
1.2 T P A Tackling technically challenging problems from first principles.
2.1 T P A Appropriate range and depth of learning in the technical domains comprising the field of practice informed by national and international benchmarks.
2.2 T P A Application of enabling skills and knowledge to problem solution in these technical domains.
2.3 T P A Meaningful engagement with current technical and professional practices and issues in the designated field.
2.4 T P A Advanced knowledge and capability development in one or more specialist areas through engagement with: (a) specific body of knowledge and emerging developments and (b) problems and situations of significant technical complexity.
3.1 T P A An ability to communicate with the engineering team and the community at large.
3.2 T Information literacy and the ability to manage information and documentation.
3.3 T P A Creativity and innovation.
3.4 T P A An understanding of and commitment to ethical and professional responsibilities.
3.6 T P A An ability to function as an individual and as a team leader and member in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams.
3.7 T P A A capacity for lifelong learning and professional development and appropriate professional attitudes.
4.1 T P A Advanced level skills in the structured solution of complex and often ill defined problems.
4.2 T P A Ability to use a systems approach to complex problems, and to design and operational performance.
4.3 T P A Proficiency in the engineering design of components, systems and/or processes in accordance with specified and agreed performance criteria.
4.4 T P A Skills in implementing and managing engineering projects within the bounds of time, budget, performance and quality assurance requirements.
4.5 T P A An ability to undertake problem solving, design and project work within a broad contextual framework accommodating social, cultural, ethical, legal, political, economic and environmental responsibilities as well as within the principles of sustainable development and health and safety imperatives.
4.6 T P A Skills in operating within a business environment, organisational and enterprise management and in the fundamental principles of business.
5.1 T P A An appreciation of the scientific method, the need for rigour and a sound theoretical basis.
5.2 T P A A commitment to safe and sustainable practices.
5.3 T P A Skills in the selection and characterisation of engineering systems, devices, components and materials.
5.4 T P A Skills in the selection and application of appropriate engineering resources tools and techniques, appreciation of accuracy and limitations;.
5.5 T P A Skills in the development and application of mathematical, physical and conceptual models, understanding of applicability and shortcomings.
5.6 T P A Skills in the design and conduct of experiments and measurements.
5.7 T P A Proficiency in appropriate laboratory procedures; the use of test rigs, instrumentation and test equipment.
5.8 T P A Skills in recognising unsuccessful outcomes, sources of error, diagnosis, fault-finding and re-engineering.
5.9 T P A Skills in documenting results, analysing credibility of outcomes, critical reflection, developing robust conclusions, reporting outcomes.

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

The change has been made for a 12 week teaching period.

Disclaimer

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