Outline

Overview

This unit teaches the student how to recognise where and how their theoretical skills can be applied to the practical situations that they may encounter in this field of design. The unit utilises assumed theoretical knowledge and skills to elucidate the stresses and strains that exit in the different categories of machine parts. It sets out to make the students familiar with the simplifications that are applied to arrive at the analytic expressions commonly used to analyse the individual categories parts. These simplifications usually begin by assuming that only particular types of loads are carried by each category. The resulting analyses provide approximations to the actual stresses and it is possible to have different degrees of simplifications, requiring more or less work, giving better or worse approximations. Should a particular part be used to carry loads that were not allowed for in the traditional method then some more appropriate method must be found or developed. An important aspect is to make the student practiced in a range of modern concepts, techniques and tools, and to be made aware of their strengths and limitations. Options may be provided in the choice of design assignments. Biomedical engineering and vehicle design problems may be provided as options to more general machine design problems.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	MECH2400 and MECH3460
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	MECH5416
Assumed knowledge ?	(AMME1802 OR ENGG1802) AND AMME2301 AND AMME2500 AND MECH3361
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Andrei Lozzi, andrei.lozzi@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Assignment 1	25%	Multiple weeks	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 2	25%	Multiple weeks	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 3	25%	Multiple weeks	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 4	25%	Multiple weeks	n/a
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Assignment 1: The first assignment deals with the application of a modern CAD system, and its integrated Finite Element Analysis package, to the design of simple but diverse types of assemblies.
Assignment 2: The second assignment examines the designs of a space 3D frame to meet a simplified but realistic application.
Assignment 3: The third assignment is devoted to the design of the gear set for a speed reducing gear box.
Assignment 4: The fourth assignment will deal with the design of a clutch or brake for a train, truck or car.

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 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.

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.

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	Finite element analysis	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 02	Review of fatigue failure mechanisms	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 03	1. Presentation of modern approaches in designing; 2. Industrial standard reports	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 04	1. Presentation of the designs of frames in simple and complex industrial situations; 2. Analysis of frames using fundamental principles and FEA packages	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 05	1. Demonstration of similar frame requirements showing the multitudes of possible solutions; 2. Opportunities for lateral thinking	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 06	1. Designs and applications of hydrodynamic bearings; 2. Discussion of design solutions	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 07	Analysis of welded joints for static and dynamic loads	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 08	Practices of gear applications histories	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 09	Presentation of a gear problem	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 10	Presentation on the varieties of brakes and clutches	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 11	Presentation of brake problem	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 12	Presentation of an explicit FEA system	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 13	Discussing advantages and disadvantages of student approaches	Lecture and tutorial (4 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.

Required readings

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

P McHugh & A Lozzi, Mechanical Design 1 & 2 (MECH2400 & MECH3460). USA, McGraw Hill, 2009. 0 07-028142-4.

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. consider the range and evolution of CAD systems to aid in the selection of systems for particular duties, for today and in the near future
LO2. use a modern kinematic and dynamic package that is integral with our solid modeler CAD system to simulate articulated machinery and determine joint loads between the parts
LO3. analyse a simple mechanical assembly, using the FEA package included in our CAD package to critically consider if the assembly can function as required and if the parts are of appropriate shapes
LO4. design and make a space frame to carry specified loads and meet dimensional and functional requirements, such that it may be compared with competing frames
LO5. select a type then design, a brake system for one of a range of applications, such as taxi, crane, metro train or competition car
LO6. design a bolted joint to carry shear loads
LO7. determine the appropriate parameters for a gear pair, and possibly a whole gear train, according to AGMA design guidelines by using the numeric optimising solver built into Excel, providing the means of arriving at the lightest or cheapest gear sets
LO8. apply modern fatigue life predictions in general to component parts
LO9. use a numerical solver to arrive at optimal design dimensions and material properties, provided the invention part of the design is completed and only the size and shape of the design has to be settled
LO10. calculate the parameters that define a matched pair of spur gears, leading to the selection of multiple gear pairs in gearboxes
LO11. apply considerations of geometrical and practical constraints in the design of parts and assemblies.

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.

Structure made explicitly clearer to students.

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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

MECH4460: Mechanical Design 3

Semester 1, 2020 [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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect