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Unit outline_

AMME2301: Mechanics of Solids

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Equilibrium of deformable structures; basic concept of deformation compatibility; stress and strain in bars, beams and their structures subjected to tension, compression, bending, torsion and combined loading; statically determinate and indeterminate structures; energy methods for bar and beam structures; simple buckling; simple vibration; deformation of simple frames and cell box beams; simple two-dimensional stress and Morh's circle; problem-based applications in aerospace, mechanical and biomedical engineering.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
(AMME1802 or ENGG1802) and {(MATH1X61 or MATH1971) or [(MATH1X21 or MATH1931) and MATH1X02]} and [(MATH1X62 or MATH1972) or (MATH1X23 or MATH1933)]
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
CIVL2201
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Xianghai An, xianghai.an@sydney.edu.au
Demonstrator(s) Yutaka Tsumura, yutaka.tsumura@sydney.edu.au
Huiyu Wang, huiyu.wang@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Xianghai An, xianghai.an@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Abdulmalik Altaee, abdulmalik.altaee@sydney.edu.au
Fuzhong Qi, fuzhong.qi@sydney.edu.au
Robert Virgona, robert.virgona@sydney.edu.au
Jiayi Sun, jiayi.sun1@sydney.edu.au
Heqing Li, heqing.li@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Final Exam
4 questions need to be solved at required time slot.
45% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Assignment Assignment 1 for Wks 1-3 content
Assignments
8% Week 04
Due date: 25 Aug 2024 at 23:59
4 questions need to be solved.
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Small test Quiz 1 for Wks 1-4 content
In-class assessment
9% Week 06
Due date: 04 Sep 2024 at 11:00

Closing date: 04 Sep 2024
4 questions. (90min)
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO8 LO7 LO5 LO4
Assignment Assignment 2 for Wks 4-6 content
Assignment
8% Week 07
Due date: 15 Sep 2024 at 23:59
4 questions need to be solved.
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO2
Assignment Assignment 3 for Wks 7-9 content
Assignments
8% Week 10
Due date: 13 Oct 2024 at 23:59
4 questions need to be solved.
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Small test Quiz 2 for Wks 5-9 content
In-class assessment
9% Week 11
Due date: 16 Oct 2024 at 12:00

Closing date: 16 Oct 2024
2 questions. (45 min)
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO8 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3
Assignment Laboratory
Lab report
5% Week 12
Due date: 27 Oct 2024 at 23:59
Maximum 3 pages
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Assignment 4 for Wks 10-13 content
Assignment
8% Week 13
Due date: 03 Nov 2024 at 23:59
4 questions need to be solved.
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9

Assessment summary

  • Assignments: There will be 4 major assignments (4 questions for each assignment) throughout the semester. Most assignment questions are real-life examples designed to increase the accessibility of the principles in mechanics of solids and raise the appeal of the subject. The assignment guidelines and questions can be viewed/downloaded from the course website in the Assignments section.
  • Quizzes: There will be two open-book, in-person quizzes (4 questions for quiz 1, 11:00-13:00 on Wednesday of WK6 and 2 questions for quiz 2, 12:00-13:00 on Wednesday of WK 6 and 11). You will be asked to implement your knowledge to solve a solid mechanics problem. The aims are to assess your analytical and calculation skills, and provide you with early stage feedback about your individual progress in this course. 
  • Laboratory: There will be in-person laboratory classes in WKs 10 adn 11. Participation in the lab class and lab report (maximum 3 pages) contribute to your total course mark.
  • Final Exam: The final exam will take place during the formal exam period. It will be an Open-book, supervised exam, which will be organised by the Exam Office. There will be 4 questions for the final exam. The detailed date and time will be informed by the Exam Office.

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%/day penalties for the later submission.

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.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to Mechanics of Solids, Internal Forces and Moments, Stress Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Independent study for the content of WK1. Independent study (6 hr) LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 02 Stress and strain: Stress, strain, Hooke’s law, Poisson's ratio Lecture and tutorial (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Independent study for the content of WK2. Independent study (6 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 03 1. Axial loading; 2. Average Stress; 3. Stress Concentration and Thermal Strain; 4. Indeterminate columns subjected to axial loading (Equilibrium & Compatibility) Lecture and tutorial (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Independent study for the content of WK3. Independent study (6 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 04 1. Strain energy and work; 2. Strain energy under axial loading; 3. Castigliano's second theorem Lecture and tutorial (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO8
Independent study for the content of WK4. Independent study (6 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO8
Week 05 Torsion of circular shafts: Shear stress-strain relationship, torsion of circular shafts, power transmission and statically indeterminate cases Lecture and tutorial (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Independent study for the content of WK5. Independent study (6 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 06 Bending moments and shear forces: Graphic method and Macaulay's notation for constructing moment and shear diagrams Lecture and tutorial (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Independent study for the content of WK6. Independent study (6 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 07 Bending: Assumptions, equilibrium of cross-sectional stresses, neutral axis, flexure formula and parallel axis theorem Lecture and tutorial (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Independent study for the content of WK7. Independent study (6 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 08 1. Composites materials; 2. Shear formula; 3. Combined loading's Lecture and tutorial (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Independent study for the content of WK8. Independent study (6 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 09 1. Biaxial stress systems: Principal stresses and maximum shear stress; 2. Mohr's circle Lecture and tutorial (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Independent study for the content of WK9. Independent study (6 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 10 1. Applications of the plane stress: Thin walled pressure vessels; 2. Theories of failure Lecture and tutorial (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Lab Work for the first group Science laboratory (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Independent study for the content of WK10. Independent study (6 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 11 Deflection of beams and shafts: The elastic curve, slope and displacement by integration Lecture and tutorial (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Lab work for second group Science laboratory (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Independent study for the content of WK2. Independent study (6 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 12 1. Statically indeterminated beams and shafts; 2. Bulkling of columns Lecture and tutorial (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO9
Independent study for the content of WK12. Independent study (6 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 13 1. Bulkling of columns 2. Overview of UOS Lecture and tutorial (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO9
Independent study for the content of WK13. Independent study (6 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO9

Attendance and class requirements

The lecturing will be delivered on campus and the students should attend the lectures. 

All students are required to attend the on-campus (CC) tutorial classes and need to provide their signature to prove the tutorial attendance. The students who attend all tutorial classes will receive a bonus of 2 points. If you cannot attend the tutorial classes due to the urgent issues, you need to email your tutor to let her/him know your absence.

All students are required to attend the on-campus Quizzes on Wks 6 or WK 11.  

All students are required to attend the on-campus lab session on WK10 or WK 11. 

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.

  • R.C. Hibbeler – Mechanics of Materials. Prentice Hall, 2014. 9789810694364

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. work and communicate with others in the tutorial sessions
  • LO2. understand the fundamental principles of elementary solid mechanics and basic methods for stress and deformation analysis of a simple solid structure or element
  • LO3. analyse problems in terms of strength and deformation in relation to the design, manufacturing and maintenance of simple solid structures
  • LO4. demonstrate an understanding of the applicability of simple stress analysis methods
  • LO5. demonstrate an understanding of when and why to do deformation analysis
  • LO6. model structures composed of bars and beams
  • LO7. apply boundary conditions for simple structural problems
  • LO8. demonstrate an understanding of how and why to use energy methods for structural analysis
  • LO9. perform fundamental buckling analysis

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

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

The whole lecturing for UOS will be delivered on Campus.

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.