Module Title:Mechanics of Machines 1
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 10
NFQ Level:6
Module Delivered In No Programmes
Teaching & Learning Strategies: Lectures, tutorials along with self-directed study and practical exercises.
Module Aim: To provide the student with an understanding of the underlying scientific principles of Mechanical Engineering
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 Interpret written descriptions of practical engineering problems.
LO2 Translate written descriptions into mathematical form.
LO3 Select appropriate mathematical formulae for a given problem.
LO4 Perform experiments on mechanical engineering science topics and interpret the results.
LO5 Model, report & solve mathematical problems using spreadsheets
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
No requirements listed
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Theory - Units
• Mass, length, time, density, relative density, force, weight and the International system of units
Theory - Motion
• Acceleration, speed, velocity, displacement, motion. • Newton’s laws of motion. • Equations of motion. • Speed-time graphs
Theory - Moments
• Principle of moments. • Centre of gravity. • Moment of a force - couple
Theory - Forces
• Triangle of forces. • Polygon of forces. • Parallelogram of forces. • Resultant of a system of forces • Resolution of forces.
Theory - Friction
• Laws of friction. • Limiting friction. • Friction on horizontal and inclined planes. • Angle of friction and the total reaction
Theory - Work and Power
• Work done by a force. • Power. • Work done by torque. • Tractive effort.
Theory - Momentum
• Elastic collisions. • Conservation of Momentum. • Kinetic Energy. • Potential Energy. • Conservation of Energy
Theory - Machines
• Law of a machine. • Mechanical advantage. • Velocity ratio. • Efficiency and limiting efficiency. • Applications to simple machines
Theory - Stress and Strain
• Direct stress and strain. • Hooke’s law. • Modulus of elasticity
Theory - Circular motion
• Angular velocity and acceleration. • Centripetal force. • Centrifugal force
Theory - Shear Force and Bending Moments
•Define shear forces and bending moments •Define uniformly distributed loads (UDL) •Calculate shear force and bending moment values •Plot shear force and bending moment diagrams
Practical Lab Experiments
Carry out a series of mechanical engineering lab experiments and produce relevant lab reports. Experiments will include: • Triangle of Forces • Polygon of Forces • Principle of Moments • Centre of Gravity • Simple Machines • Stress and Strain • Hooke’s Law • Simple Pendulum • Motion on an inclined plane (Energy Method) • Coefficient of friction (Horizontal Plane) • Coefficient of friction (Inclined Plane) • Pulley drives • Simple and Compound Gear Trains. • Modulus of Rigidity • Young’s Modulus
Computer Applications
• Develop spreadsheets:- • To perform calculations • To produce charts to represent data • For incorporation into laboratory reports
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment15.00%
Practical15.00%
End of Module Formal Examination70.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Other Each student will be obliged to complete a continuous assessment programme for which 15% will be awarded. This will involve in-class tests and other assigned tasks. 1,2,3,5 15.00 n/a
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Practical/Skills Evaluation Complete lab based experiments and write up relevant technical reports. 1,3,4 15.00 Every Second Week
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Formal Exam A final written examination will assess the student’s attainment of the module learning outcomes 1,2,3,5 70.00 End-of-Semester
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Other - Two written block assessments. - Short multiple choice written assessments.   15.00 n/a
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Practical/Skills Evaluation Complete experiments and write up relevant reports.   15.00 n/a
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Formal Exam A final written examination will assess the student’s attainment of the learning outcomes of the module.   70.00 End-of-Semester

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture Every Week 3.00
Laboratory Every Week 1.50
Tutorial Every Week 0.50
Independent Learning Every Week 2.00
Total Hours 7.00