Mechanical Engineering MSc

Core modules

• Advanced Computer Aided Engineering

  Get experience of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) as applied in industry with emphasis on the analysis, manufacture and test of components, assemblies and processes. This module is predominantly hands-on and employs industry-standard linear static and non-linear software. There will be revision of the use of linear static software and an introduction to non-linear FEA. We'll discuss the theoretical aspects of linear and non-linear FEA, with particular reference to how this affects their use in industrial applications. There's also an emphasis on the validation of the FEA models by alternative calculations and practical tests. Validation of FEA models is considered an essential part of the modelling process if recommendations are to be made in practice, as people's lives often depend on FEA computer models. The expected life of the product will be estimated based on the results of the FEA analysis and taking into account the expected operational environment of the product. Teaching takes place in the FEA computer lab and will initially be based on a series of exercises to introduce the software packages we use. The exercises are carefully designed to ensure you fully understand the importance of the software selected for a particular application. The exercises will also illustrate how to select appropriate ‘boundary conditions’ and materials.

• Automation and Robotics

  This module is focused on the area of smart automation technology and robots in conjunction with Intelligent systems and adaptive machine communication. Comprehensive overview of technical aspects and the state-of-the art methods in design and operation will provide students with acquired knowledge and concepts for automation, programming and interaction of these intelligent systems in Flexible Manufacturing cell, and further consideration of their adaptability to change of settings. The module will further explore the capabilities, limitations and future trends in robot systems in order to specify and plan robot installations with major phase in design and operation of automated industrial applications for manufacturing functions. The main topics of study are automation and control fundamentals; robotics and intelligent machines; and intelligent manufacturing systems that prepares students for a multi-disciplinary career in mechanical, electronic, and programming of automated mechanical and manufacturing systems. Instruction based learning and Simulated Problem Based Learning enables students to use motion control hardware, robots and other work cell components that are used in industry today. The module also aims to give the students an understanding of the operational efficiency, benefits of automation and the techniques used to plan for and implement automation projects. Furthermore; the opportunity to take time out to reflect and appreciate the capabilities, limitations and future trends in robot systems in order to specify and plan robot installations and what future developments might be envisaged, both in specific work place context and in a general professional academic context.

• Advanced Materials and Structural Integrity

  Learn to understand the advanced concepts of material processes and their importance in the mechanical behaviour, integrity and performance of structures. We will cover durability concepts involving fatigue, crack generation and stress flow in the parts initially, and later extend the concepts to include structural analysis and stability evaluation of mechanical systems. We will explain the concept of non-linear behaviour of engineering materials as a common phenomenon in the structural behaviour of load-bearing members. The module is formed within industrial needs and standards to highlight the necessity of feasible and applied part design.

• Computational Fluid Dynamics

  Gain a systematic, in-depth understanding and critical awareness of advanced fluid mechanics and numerical methods. In this module, our objective is to systematically develop in-depth knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry can be used to create and translate knowledge to solve challenging problems in the discipline. It also develops a conceptual understanding of the subject that enables you to critically evaluate research and state of the art technology, create a critical awareness of current problems, and develop new vision, at the forefront of academic knowledge. During this module we'll cover subjects including: errors, condition numbers and roots of equations; direct and iterative methods for linear systems; Navier-Stokes equation; finite differences for elliptic, parabolic and hyperbolic equations; Fourier decomposition, error analysis, and stability; high-order and compact finite differences; finite volume methods; time marching methods; Navier-Stokes solvers; grid generation; finite volumes on complex geometries; finite element methods; spectral methods; boundary element and panel methods; turbulent flows; boundary layers; Lagrangian Coherent Structures. In a recent survey by Technavio, the global market for CFD is projected to grow at 16.5% per year.

• Research Design and Methods

  Gain an in-depth understanding of the theories and methods of research and research design and develop a theoretical and practical foundation in research for your major project/dissertation. You will get an understanding of a range of approaches to research, including quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods, together with an understanding of a number of specific research methods. You will develop your knowledge of research design in order to critically consider the design for your research project, including preparing your proposal and considering ethics and ethical issues. You will develop a theoretical and practical foundation from which to develop your Masters Level Major Project/Dissertation.

• Innovative Product Design and Manufacture

  You will be provided with an in-depth knowledge of innovative design methods together with time compression technologies that will reduce the time of delivering new products to market. You will use a range of design tools to apply innovative design methods and to improve the design of an existing product, such that it can be manufactured and assembled at a minimum cost and yet maintain the level of quality and reliability demanded by customers. Tools such as 3-D solid modelling and engineering software tools will be extensively used throughout the module. Our module will also enable you to plan the method of manufacture of a product using suitable modern manufacturing and prototyping methods. You will be introduced to modern equipment, such as CNC machines, rapid prototyping machines and automated inspection.

• Engineering Quality Management

  Quality management methods are essential in today's engineering and business environment. This module provides a critical awareness and an in-depth understanding of the principles of modern quality assurance and their applications in engineering. Among the topics we'll cover are: the history and nature of quality management; views of the gurus and ISO 9000; problem solving tools; benchmarking; quality function deployment; statistical process control; failure modes and effects analysis; significance testing; design of experiments and Taguchi methods. You'll gain a professional working knowledge of the reliability engineering techniques that can be applied to monitor risk assessment and improve the safety of an industrial plant.

• Engineering Major Project

  This module supports you as you prepare and submit a Masters-stage project, dissertation or artefact. It's an opportunity to select and explore in-depth a topic of interest and relevance to your course - and to gain a significant level of expertise. Through this module you will: demonstrate your ability to generate significant and meaningful questions in relation to your specialism; undertake independent research using appropriate, recognised methods based on current theoretical research knowledge; critically understand method and its relationship to knowledge; develop a critical understanding of current knowledge in relation to a chosen subject, and critically analyse and evaluate information and data, which may be complex or contradictory, and draw meaningful and justifiable conclusions; develop the capability to expand or redefine existing knowledge; to develop new approaches to changing situations and/or develop new approaches to changing situations and contribute to the development of best practice; demonstrate an awareness of and to develop solutions to ethical dilemmas likely to arise in your research or professional practice; communicate these processes in a clear and elegant fashion; evaluate your work from the perspective of an autonomous, reflective learner.