Overview
This project-based learning unit will use cutting-edge computational design techniques to solve complex multidisciplinary problems in mechanical, structural and electromechanical engineering. You will formulate innovative design ideas for authentic applications and use latest finite element simulation software to obtain accurate insights into how they will perform in practice. You will be introduced to the variational principles in statics and dynamics of structures and machines, Finite Element Methods and analysis procedures, principles of multivariate analysis, and parametric design optimisation techniques. You will apply these procedures to model and simulate a variety of problems at the interface of mechanical, structural, electrical and mechatronics disciplines. You will achieve hands-on experience in using an industry standard finite element analysis software package.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2020
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 12-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 25 hours of study per week, making a total of 300 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Have Your Say
Feedback provided to some assessments was not clear.
The UC provided a lot of general feedback to the class and did not transcribe all of it individually. This will be taken care of in the next offering.
Feedback from Have Your Say
Students demand face-to-face lectures
This is a common demand from all international students. They need to however get attuned to the emerging trends in distance and cloud-based learning pedagogies. The UC will make every effort to help students overcome this challenge through improved local on-campus support.
- Apply finite element methods to model advanced multidisciplinary engineering problems
- Formulate finite element models to solve complex linear and nonlinear engineering problems
- Critically assess the applicability of advanced non-linear computational design tools and utilise them in several engineering contexts
- Analyse and solve multidisciplinary problems in structural, thermal, thermomechanical and electromechanical systems using advanced modelling and simulations methods
- Solve multivariate and parametric design optimisation problems
- Write and present high quality technical and professional reports that demonstrate information retrieval and processing.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 1 - In-class Test(s) - 20% | ||||||
| 2 - Portfolio - 30% | ||||||
| 3 - Project (applied) - 50% | ||||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 1 - Knowledge | ||||||
| 2 - Communication | ||||||
| 3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | ||||||
| 4 - Research | ||||||
| 5 - Self-management | ||||||
| 6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | ||||||
| 7 - Leadership | ||||||
| 8 - First Nations Knowledges | ||||||
| 9 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | |
| 1 - In-class Test(s) - 20% | |||||||||
| 2 - Portfolio - 30% | |||||||||
| 3 - Project (applied) - 50% | |||||||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
Additional Textbook Information
A range of lecture material will be provided to the students along with some recommended readings in the unit profile.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing styles below:
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
p.gudimetla@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 09 Mar 2020Module/Topic
1. Introduction to the unit
2. Introduction to Finite Element Analysis
Chapter
Lecture Notes
Events and Submissions/Topic
1. Form teams, discussion on assessments, projects and expectations
2. Computer lab: Introduction to ANSYS Workbench - Overview + Basic Stress Analysis
3. Computer workshop: motor cover
Week 2
Begin Date: 16 Mar 2020Module/Topic
Introduction to SpaceClaim
Chapter
Lecture notes
Events and Submissions/Topic
Computer Lab: SpaceClaim workshop continues
Week 3
Begin Date: 23 Mar 2020Module/Topic
Review of Structural Mechanics - Displacement, Stress and Strain Relationships
Chapter
Lecture notes
Events and Submissions/Topic
Computer Lab: 2D and 3D Static Structural stress analysis
Workshop: Pump Housing - Linear structural
Week 4
Begin Date: 30 Mar 2020Module/Topic
1. Shape Functions for Elements and Interpolation
2. Analysis of 1D, 2D and Beam Elements
Chapter
Lecture Notes
Events and Submissions/Topic
Computer Lab: Modelling with beam elements, 2D heat transfer problem - steady state thermal analysis
Workshop: Pump housing - thermal analysis
Week 5
Begin Date: 06 Apr 2020Module/Topic
1. Element Technology in ANSYS Workbench
2. Meshing - Guidelines and Rules for Accuracy
Chapter
Lecture Notes
Events and Submissions/Topic
Computer Lab: Meshing basics, global and local mesh controls, meshing methods
Computer workshop: Shell Pressure Vessel
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 13 Apr 2020Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 6
Begin Date: 20 Apr 2020Module/Topic
Review of Mechanical Vibrations & Structural Dynamics
Free vibration/modal analysis, Prestressed analysis, forced vibrational analysis,
Chapter
Lecture Notes
Events and Submissions/Topic
Computer workshops: Modal analysis of a frame, Gantry crane, Eigenvalue Buckling of a Pipe
In-class Test Due: Week 6 Friday (24 Apr 2020) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 7
Begin Date: 27 Apr 2020Module/Topic
Nonlinear Modelling & Simulation 1 - Large scale deformations, metal plasticity
Chapter
Lecture Notes
Events and Submissions/Topic
Computer Lab: Large scale deformation, Metal plasticity, localised yielding
Week 8
Begin Date: 04 May 2020Module/Topic
Nonlinear Modelling & Simulation 2 - Contact modelling
Chapter
Lecture Notes
Events and Submissions/Topic
Computer Lab: Contact stiffness, symmetric v asymmetric, interface treatment, contact with friction
Week 9
Begin Date: 11 May 2020Module/Topic
Nonlinear Modelling & Simulation 3 - Advanced Contact + contact diagnostics
Chapter
Lecture Notes
Events and Submissions/Topic
Computer workshops: Bolted Flange, nonlinear gasket
Week 10
Begin Date: 18 May 2020Module/Topic
Rigid body Dynamic Analysis, Flexible Dynamic analysis
Chapter
Lecture Notes
Events and Submissions/Topic
Computer workshops: Landing gear - rigid and flexible dynamic analysis
Portfolio Due: Week 10 Friday (22 May 2020) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 11
Begin Date: 25 May 2020Module/Topic
Fatigue Analysis - Theory and approach
Chapter
Lecture Notes
Events and Submissions/Topic
Computer Lab: Stress based Fatigue Analysis
Week 12
Begin Date: 01 Jun 2020Module/Topic
Parametric Modelling and Design Optimization
Chapter
Lecture Notes
Events and Submissions/Topic
Computer workshop: Design optimization of a crane hook
Review/Exam Week
Begin Date: 08 Jun 2020Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Exam Week
Begin Date: 15 Jun 2020Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
This unit is geared towards imparting very useful computer methods to analyze and interpret the behaviour and performance of several types of mechanical components using hands-on software instructions during nominated weekly hours. It is imperative that you acquire a minimum of 75% attendance to all lecturers and computer laboratories. An attendance register will be maintained to keep track of your participation. Failure to secure this minimum attendance will result in a 20% penalization of the overall mark which may affect your overall grade.
1 Project (applied)
A 90-minute supervised class test will be held in Week 6. You will require to provide short answers to questions about FEA. More information will be provided ahead of the exam.
Week 6 Friday (24 Apr 2020) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 7 Friday (1 May 2020)
1. Your answers will be brief with accurate definitions as required
2. Where applicable, you will draw neat free body diagrams
3. Your work will be properly referenced in Harvard/Turabian style
- Apply finite element methods to model advanced multidisciplinary engineering problems
- Formulate finite element models to solve complex linear and nonlinear engineering problems
- Critically assess the applicability of advanced non-linear computational design tools and utilise them in several engineering contexts
- Analyse and solve multidisciplinary problems in structural, thermal, thermomechanical and electromechanical systems using advanced modelling and simulations methods
- Solve multivariate and parametric design optimisation problems
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Research
2 Written Assessment
In this assessment, you will carry out 5 FEA tasks that will be progressively introduced to you during the term. You will select 3 of your choice and the UC will assign 2 other exercises with some specific requirements. More details will be made available on the unit Moodle site.
Week 10 Friday (22 May 2020) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 12 Monday (1 June 2020)
This is an individual assessment and you will develop a report and submit it. The following assessment criteria shall apply:
1. The problem will be clearly interpreted using relevant theory
2. You will state all the assumptions you have made and the scope of your solution methodology
3. You will clearly specify your modelling approach with appropriate and relevant figures of the meshing, boundary conditions and loads
4. You will postprocess your results and present them in a logical fashion
5. You will discuss all your results and draw appropriate comparison with relevant analytical calculations and provide valid conclusions
6. Your entire body of work will be properly formatted and referenced in Harvard/Turabian style
Refer to the assessment handout for more specific details on the assessment criteria
- Apply finite element methods to model advanced multidisciplinary engineering problems
- Formulate finite element models to solve complex linear and nonlinear engineering problems
- Write and present high quality technical and professional reports that demonstrate information retrieval and processing.
- Knowledge
3 Project (applied)
This is an individual assessment where you will select a problem from a list that will be provided to you via the unit Moodle site.
Exam Week Monday (15 June 2020) 11:45 pm AEST
Exam Week Friday (19 June 2020)
The following assessment criteria shall apply:
1. The problem will be clearly interpreted using relevant theory
2. You will state all the assumptions you have made and the scope of your solution methodology
3. You will clearly specify your modelling approach with appropriate and relevant figures of the meshing, boundary conditions and loads
4. You will postprocess your results and present them in a logical fashion
5. You will discuss all your results and draw appropriate comparison with relevant analytical calculations and provide valid conclusions
6. Your entire body of work will be properly formatted and referenced in Harvard/Turabian style
Refer to the assessment handout for more specific details on the assessment criteria
- Critically assess the applicability of advanced non-linear computational design tools and utilise them in several engineering contexts
- Analyse and solve multidisciplinary problems in structural, thermal, thermomechanical and electromechanical systems using advanced modelling and simulations methods
- Solve multivariate and parametric design optimisation problems
- Write and present high quality technical and professional reports that demonstrate information retrieval and processing.
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Research
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
