Overview
This project-based learning unit examines the behaviour of mechanical systems. You will apply knowledge of engineering science and mathematics to model, simulate and analyse mechanical systems and consider the nature of engineering assumptions and the effects of uncertainty on analysis and modelling. You will apply control and vibration theory, design and analyse linear and non-linear mathematical models and use simulation software to predict the behaviour of mechanical systems. You will be expected to apply the modelling and analysis of mechanical systems to industrial problems and contexts. You will have opportunities to work individually and in teams to complete projects and to develop interpersonal and technical communication skills. You will prepare professional documentation of problem solutions and project reports.
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 2 - 2023
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 Student survey
Overall, the material sources and contents for this unit are good.
The unit materials shall be reviewed and updated.
Feedback from Student survey
Some assessments' requirements are not clearly stated.
Review and revise the assessments and submit them for peer review before hosting them on the unit Moodle.
Feedback from Unit Coordinator reflection
The workload for students in this unit is high.
The lecturer needs to inspire students to regularly work hard in this unit
- Design mathematical models that analyse and evaluate complex mechanical systems
- Explain and apply control theory and control system approaches to complex mechanical systems
- Apply engineering assumptions in building mathematical models of complex mechanical systems
- Relate theory to the operation and maintenance of mechanical systems in the industrial context
- Identify and evaluate engineering uncertainty and the limitations of mathematical models
- Work collaboratively in a team to produce high-quality outputs
- Create professional documentation including the use of mechanical systems terminology, equations, symbols and diagrams.
The Learning Outcomes for this unit are linked with the Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standards for Professional Engineers in the areas of 1. Knowledge and Skill Base, 2. Engineering Application Ability and 3. Professional and Personal Attributes at the following levels:
Introductory Level
3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour.
3.4 Professional use and management of information.
3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct.
Intermediate Level
1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline.
3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.
Advanced Level
1.1 Comprehensive, theory-based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
1.2 Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.
1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.
2.4 Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects.
3.6 Effective team membership and team leadership.
Refer to the Engineering Postgraduate Units Moodle site for further information on the Engineers Australia's Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineers and course level mapping information https://moodle.cqu.edu.au/course/view.php?id=11382
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||||
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1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | |
1 - Project (applied) - 25% | |||||||
2 - Project (applied) - 20% | |||||||
3 - Laboratory/Practical - 25% | |||||||
4 - Portfolio - 30% |
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | |
1 - Knowledge | |||||||
2 - Communication | |||||||
3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | |||||||
4 - Research | |||||||
5 - Self-management | |||||||
6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | |||||||
7 - Leadership | |||||||
8 - 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 | |
1 - Project (applied) - 25% | ||||||||
2 - Project (applied) - 20% | ||||||||
3 - Laboratory/Practical - 25% | ||||||||
4 - Portfolio - 30% |
Textbooks
Mechanical Vibrations in SI Units
Edition: 6th (2017)
Authors: Rao, Singiresu
Pearson
Harlow, Essex Harlow, Essex , USA
ISBN: 9781292178608
Binding: Paperback
Modeling And Analysis Of Dynamic Systems
Edition: 3rd (2001)
Authors: Close, Frederick & Newell
John Wiley
ISBN: 9780471394426
Binding: Paperback
Theory of Vibrations with Application
Edition: 5th (2014)
Authors: Thomson, W & Dahleh, M
ISBN: 9781292042718
Binding: Paperback
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- MATLAB and Simulink Suite Software (For students without access to a CQUni campus), see the Textbook and Resources section for more information.
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
n.khandoker@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Review of Mechanical Vibrations
Project #1 - Mechanical Vibration Modelling
Chapter
Close: Ch: 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 14 ; Thomas: Ch: 1, 2, 3, 4
Events and Submissions/Topic
Computer Lab: Introduction to Matlab and Simulink
Tutorial: Free Vibration
MIX students are encouraged to join the Computer Lab and Tutorial Sessions via ZOOM online meeting. The times and connection link will be available on Moodle.
Module/Topic
Analysis of Vibratory Systems – Mathematical Theories and Modelling Approaches
Chapter
Close: Ch: 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 14 ; Thomas: Ch: 1, 2, 3, 4
Events and Submissions/Topic
Computer Lab: 1 DOF modelling in Matlab and Simulink
Tutorial: Damped Vibration
Experimental Laboratory 1: Whirling of Shafts*
*Estimated timing, see Moodle for the timing of experimental laboratories for your campus. All labs for MIX and ROK students, will be in Week 4.
Module/Topic
Forced Vibration and Support Motion Vibration Modelling
Chapter
Close: Ch: 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 14, Thomas: Ch: 1, 2, 3, 4
Events and Submissions/Topic
Computer Lab: Forced Vibration and Non-linear Modelling
Tutorial: Forced Vibration
Residential School/Laboratories for students. Please check moodle for details.
Module/Topic
Two Degrees of Freedom Modelling
Chapter
Close: Ch: 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 14, Thomas: Ch: 1, 2, 3, 4
Events and Submissions/Topic
Computer Lab: 2 DOF modelling in Matlab and Simulink
Tutorial: Forced Vibration
Experimental Laboratory 2: Torsional Vibration*
*Estimated timing, see Moodle for the timing of experimental laboratories for your campus.
Residential School/Laboratories for students. Please check moodle for details.
Module/Topic
Multiple Degrees of Freedom Modelling
Chapter
Close: Ch: 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 14 , Thomas: Ch: 4, 5, 6, 8.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Computer Lab: Multiple DOF modelling in Matlab and Simulink
Tutorial: Mode Shapes
Module/Topic
Vacation Week
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Control System Theory
Project #2 - Application of Mechanical Control
Chapter
Close: Ch: 5, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 , Thomas: Ch: 4, 5, 6, 8
Events and Submissions/Topic
Computer Lab: PID Controller
Tutorial: Control Block Diagrams
Experimental Laboratory 3: Mass Balance*
*Estimated timing, see Moodle for the timing of experimental laboratories for your campus.
Project 1: Mechanical Vibration Modelling Due: Week 6 Friday (25 Aug 2023) 11:45 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Control System Stability
Chapter
Close: Ch: 5, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 , Thomas: Ch: 4, 5, 6, 8
Events and Submissions/Topic
Computer Lab: Analysis of Controllers
Tutorial: Control Stability Calculations
Module/Topic
Noise and Delay in Control Systems
Chapter
Close: Ch: 5, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 , Thomas: Ch: 4, 5, 6, 8
Events and Submissions/Topic
Computer Lab: Combination of Control, Vibration Modelling and Kinematics
Tutorial: Noise and Delay in Control Calculations
Experimental Laboratory 4: Free Vibration*
*Estimated timing, see Moodle for the timing of experimental laboratories for your campus.
Module/Topic
Real Data Modelling and System Commissioning
Chapter
Close: Ch: 5, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 , Thomas: Ch: 4, 5, 6, 8
Events and Submissions/Topic
Computer Lab: Help on finalizing Project #2
Tutorial: Help on finalizing Project #2
Module/Topic
Portfolio Expectations and Introduction to Demonstration Questions
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Computer Lab: Collating the Portfolio
Tutorial: Portfolio and Demonstration Questions Clarification
Experimental Laboratory 5: Forced Vibration*
*Estimated timing, see Moodle for the timing of experimental laboratories for your campus.
Laboratory Reports Due: Week 10 Friday (22 Sept 2023) 11:45 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Theory Review
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Computer Lab: Review of Modelling with Matlab and Simulink
Tutorial: Review of Vibration and Control Theory Application
Module/Topic
Portfolio Finalization
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Computer Lab: Portfolio Finalization
Tutorial: Portfolio Finalization
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Project (applied)
Project 1 is a team project consisting of 4 to 5 students. The project includes the mechanical vibration modelling and analysis of a mechanical system from a simple single degree of freedom through to multiple degrees of freedom analysis. Three types of modelling and analysis will be used, including mechanical vibration theory, Matlab and Simulink software packages. The project instructions will provide details on the core elements required from modelling through to analysis, discussion and conclusions. The full details of the project is on the Moodle site (available 2 weeks prior to the term). The team project contributes to the units final grade and also provides learning and evidence required for the Individual portfolio submission. To pass the unit, involvement in the team project needs to be demonstrated.
Week 6 Friday (25 Aug 2023) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 8 Friday (8 Sept 2023)
Reports will be returned two weeks after submission.
While this is a team report, each member of the team may receive varying grades. In the final report, the team will be asked to specify each members percentage contribution in the project. This percentage contribution will be used to determine the grade each student will receive. To help with team management the percent contribution should be discussed at the beginning of the project and at the end of the project. Each team member should reference their own contributions in the team report by use of the Harvard author-date system i.e. (McClanachan 2018).
The team report will be graded on the main elements of modelling through to analysis, discussion and conclusions. The report should also be professionally presented, clearly show and explain the development of modelling equations, models including any assumptions or limitations of the analysis. To maximise time spent on the unit's core aim it is recommended that diagrams are hand-drawn and any mathematical equations or working be handwritten and scanned into the document. The report should be written and contain enough detail such that an engineer could understand, check and if necessary repeat the work described. A detailed marking criteria specific to the project elements is available on the Moodle site (available two weeks prior to the start of the term).
- Design mathematical models that analyse and evaluate complex mechanical systems
- Work collaboratively in a team to produce high-quality outputs
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Research
- Self-management
2 Project (applied)
Project 2 is a team project consisting of 4 to 5 students. The project applies mechanical control and control theory analysis to a mechanical system. Control is applied to a simple single degree of freedom model through to multiple degrees of freedom model. Three types of modelling and analysis will be used, including the use of control theory, Matlab and Simulink software packages. The project instructions will provide details on the core elements required from the application of control through to analysis, discussion and conclusions. The full details of the project are on the Moodle site (available 2 weeks prior to the term). The team project contributes to the units final grade and also provides learning and evidence required for the Individual portfolio submission. To pass the unit, involvement in the team project needs to be demonstrated.
Week 10 Friday (22 Sept 2023) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 12 Friday (6 Oct 2023)
Reports will be returned two weeks after submission.
While this is a team report, each member of the team may receive varying grades. In the final report, the team will be asked to specify each members percentage contribution in the project. This percentage contribution will be used to determine the grade each student will receive. To help with team management the percent contribution should be discussed at the beginning of the project and at the end of the project. Each team member should reference their own contributions in the team report by use of the Harvard author-date system i.e. (McClanachan 2018).
The team report will be graded on the main elements of the application of control through to analysis, discussion and conclusions. The report should also be professionally presented, clearly show and explain the development of the control system, equations, models including any assumptions or limitations of the control system and analysis. To maximise time spent on the unit's core aim it is recommended that diagrams are hand-drawn and any mathematical equations or working be handwritten and scanned into the document. The report should be written and contain enough detail such that an engineer could understand, check and if necessary repeat the work described. A detailed marking criteria specific to the project elements is available on the Moodle site (available two weeks prior to the start of the term).
- Explain and apply control theory and control system approaches to complex mechanical systems
- Work collaboratively in a team to produce high-quality outputs
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Research
- Self-management
3 Laboratory/Practical
The experimental laboratories will begin in Week 2. The schedule of the laboratory classes will be announced in week -1.
There is a compulsory experimental laboratory program in the unit to aid your understanding in the area of mechanical vibration fundamentals. All students, Internal and Mix mode, will complete a full laboratory program. Attendance at the laboratories is required to pass the unit. The laboratories topics include:
- Whirling Shafts
- Torsional Vibration
- Mass Balancing
- Free Damped Vibration
- Forced Damped Vibration
Rockhampton and Mix mode students will complete the laboratory program during the Residential school (see the Residential School Timetable link under the 'General Information' heading of this document). The timing of the laboratories for other on-campus students will be determined in Week 1 via consultation between the students and the lab technician. Mix mode students may make a request to the Unit Coordinator to attend the laboratory sessions at other campuses (however these typically will at multiple times during the term).
While the laboratories will be done in groups of 4 to 5 students, each student is to submit their own individual laboratory reports. Use the group environment to confirm and check measurements and application of theory and sample calculations however the presentation of results, discussion and reflections should be your own individual work.
The laboratory reports will include the measurements, results, calculations, discussion and reflections (the laboratory sheets are available on the Moodle site). Laboratory reports are due one week following the laboratory, please refer to the assessment submission block on the Moodle site for exact the due dates.
Week 10 Friday (22 Sept 2023) 11:45 pm AEST
Laboratory Reports are due one week following the completion of each laboratory.
Week 12 Friday (6 Oct 2023)
Laboratory Reports will be returned two weeks after submission.
Each student is to submit their own individual laboratory reports. Students are requested to show the measurements, calculations, results, discussion and required reflections as detailed in the laboratory sheets provided in Moodle. The laboratory reports should not contain work by any other student.
Five reports are required, each worth 5% of the unit's final grade.
The reports will be graded on accuracy of measurements, correct application of theoretical calculations, presentation of results, discussion and comparison to theory, further understanding shown in the required reflections and overall presentation. To maximize time spent on the unit's core aim it is recommended that diagrams are hand-drawn and any mathematical equations or working be handwritten and scanned into the document.
As the theory is presented on the laboratory sheets it is not required to repeat or explain the background to the theory. However, the equations used in the calculations should be shown with some sample calculations and any additional description of your analysis. The remainder of calculations can be submitted in the appendix or calculated with the use of a MS Excel spreadsheet. Any additional files, the student has used should be submitted with the laboratory report as a PDF file.
- Relate theory to the operation and maintenance of mechanical systems in the industrial context
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
4 Portfolio
The Portfolio of Individual Work is a record of your individual journey through this unit. It should include your own work on the projects, tutorial questions, worked examples, demonstration questions and team management contributions. To maximise time spent on the unit's core aim it is recommended that diagrams are hand-drawn and any mathematical equations or working be handwritten and scanned into the document. The portfolio should only contain work which you completed. Any contributions by others should not be included. Descriptions of the parts of the portfolio are listed below:
- Reflective Journal
In the reflective journal section of the portfolio, students will reflect on what they have set out to learn, how they have approached their learning, what they have achieved, where in industry they could apply what was learnt and what they would do differently in future to improve. The journal should also include reflections on management and teamwork skills learnt during the unit.
- Workbook
The workbook section should contain your own work on the team projects. It is suggested to keep an exercise pad to record any handwritten work done on the projects this work can then be scanned and added into your portfolio. Provide suitable headings to describe the work and include the date. Work by others should not be included. Use the reflective journal to record your input into team discussions and management. The workbook should contain screenshots of software code or models you created with some brief commentary. The workbook should also contain any tutorial questions or worked examples you completed, however, these should not be a direct copy of any solutions provided but should help to show your understanding of the unit's material. Students are encouraged to include their own exploration of the unit content by individually extending tutorial work or correcting parts of the team projects.
- Demonstration Questions
A selection of optional demonstration questions will be made available on the Moodle for students to complete and include in their final portfolio. Completing these questions will assist students to demonstrate their individual ability. A high involvement in the projects will help with the demonstration questions. As suggested earlier to save time it is recommended that diagrams and any mathematical equations or working be handwritten and scanned into the document.
Without any Demonstration Questions or other individual work it will be very difficult to attain a Distinction or High Distinction Level, unless you can demonstrate an exceptional level of involvement in the projects.
- Supporting Matlab, Simulink and Excel Spreadsheet files
In the portfolio submission, include any files you created during the unit. The files should have appropriate file names and be named in your portfolio document. If a file is not entirely your own work you should clearly indicate your contribution in the comments section of the file or elsewhere in the final portfolio document. Compress the files into a single 'zip' archive and submit the zip file along with the written portfolio document.
Review/Exam Week Monday (9 Oct 2023) 11:45 pm AEST
Feedback will be provided on Certification of Grades date.
The portfolio will be used to assess your: contributions to the team projects, increase in knowledge, effective management of yourself and others, team collaboration, communication and documentation of technical work. Students are expected to nominate a grade that they consider should be awarded. This must be clearly substantiated with evidences of individual work in support of such claims. These claims will be assessed based on the how well the material in the portfolio demonstrates your ability and understanding regarding the unit's material.
The award of grade will depend the student’s demonstrated individual achievement of the learning outcomes of the unit, the student’s involvement in the team projects and the holistic development of each student. A detailed Portfolio Assessment Criteria Matrix is available on the Moodle unit site which will be inline with CQUniversity's Grades and Results Policy, see extract below:
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Range of marks | |||
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- Apply engineering assumptions in building mathematical models of complex mechanical systems
- Identify and evaluate engineering uncertainty and the limitations of mathematical models
- Create professional documentation including the use of mechanical systems terminology, equations, symbols and diagrams.
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Self-management
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.