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Unit of study_
MECH5416: Design of Micro- and Nanosystems
2025 unit information
This unit teaches the student how to recognize where and how their theoretical skills can be applied to practical situations in the field of mechanical design. As a case study, a set of widely implemented Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) is introduced, including Pressure Sensors, Microphones, Accelerometers, Gyroscopes and Micromirrors. Selected mechanical designs are presented and design choices are discussed with respect to their performance. Notions specific to microfabrication and the concept of scaling laws are introduced and elucidated at commonly implemented examples. The unit includes a hands-on design and modelling part introducing modern multi-physics finite element analysis. Dedicated tutorial sessions introduce the finite element modeling of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems. An emphasis is laid on the capability to couple multiple physics in a single model, including deformation of solids by electrostatic, electromagnetic or electro-thermal forces. The students will learn how to conceive and engineer a MEMS design, and predict performance by multi-physics finite element analysis.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Engineering
| Study level | Postgraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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(AMME2301 or AMME9301) and (AMME2500 or AMME9500) and (MECH2400 or MECH9400) or equivalent study at another institution |
|---|---|
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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MECH4460 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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ENGG1802 or AMME1802 - Eng Mechanics; balance of forces and moments; AMME2301 - Mechanics of Solids; 2 and 3 dimensional stress and strain; AMME2500 - Engineering Dynamics - dynamic forces and moments; MECH2400 - Mechanical Design 1; approach to design problems and report writing; and preparation of engineering drawing; MECH3460 - Mechanical design 2; means of applying fatigue analysis to a wide range of machine components |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. sketch and explain the working principle of a selected MEMS design
- LO2. draw a microfabrication process flow to manufacture a MEMS device
- LO3. compare advantages and drawbacks of a selected MEMS design
- LO4. interprete and evaluate the mechanical design choices of a commercially available MEMS device
- LO5. interprete and evaluate the mechanical design choices of a commercially available MEMS device
- LO6. perform independent research on scientific and technical literature as well as product datasheets on a selected MEMS device
- LO7. summarize history, working principle, mechanical design, performance and applications of a selected MEMS device in a presentation
- LO8. create a finite element model of a selected MEMS device
- LO9. explain the main components of a multiphysics finite element analysis
- LO10. set up, execute, solve and interprete the results of a MEMS Multiphysics finite element analysis
- LO11. perform parameter variation of a mechanical design and discuss performance trends
- LO12. create the mechanical design of a selected MEMS device and discuss the performance based on a finite element analysis
- LO13. summarize the results of a MEMS design in a presentation and in a technical report
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 1 2025
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Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
Important enrolment information
Departmental permission requirements
If you see the ‘Departmental Permission’ tag below a session, it means you need faculty or school approval to enrol. This may be because it’s an advanced unit, clinical placement, offshore unit, internship or there are limited places available.
You will be prompted to apply for departmental permission when you select this unit in Sydney Student.
Read our information on departmental permission.
Additional advice
This unit requires departmental permission to ensure appropriate foundational knowledge is met. If the prerequisite unit/s were completed at the University of Sydney or if you are enrolled in the Master of Engineering, your request will be approved without supporting documentation being required. If you have completed studies at another institution, you must include your transcript when submitting your permission request for review by the Faculty.
