Mechanical Engineering

This course covers the key concepts of the different modes of heat transfer (conduction, convection and radiation) and principles of heat exchangers. It develops proficiency in applying these heat transfer concepts and principles, to analyze and solve practical engineering problems involving heat transfer processes. Topics include introduction to heat transfer; steady state heat conduction; transient heat conduction; lumped capacitance; introduction to convective heat transfer; external forced convection; internal forced convection; natural/free convection; blackbody radiation and radiative properties; radiative exchange between surfaces; introduction to heat exchangers and basic calculation of overall heat transfer coefficient. The course requires students to take prerequisites.

Topics covered provide students with a comprehensive knowledge, theoretical and applied, to design and realize a full mechatronic system. The course content includes an overview of Control systems, modelling of dynamic systems, Laplace Transforms, Root locus, Steady state errors, final value theorem, Frequency response analysis, Bode diagrams, Compensation, and PID Controllers.

Handling commercial finite element software, solving a complex stress analysis problem, obtaining background information on advanced strength of materials theory, solving engineering problems collaboratively in teams, presenting and documenting results. Preparatory lecture series: introduction to components and materials of microelectronics and the surface mount technology (SMT), basic mechanics of elastoplastic deformable bodies, introduction to the concepts of the commercial finite element software ABAQUS. Homework assignments: learning and using the finite element software ABAQUS. Project period: literature review, finite element based stress and durability analysis of a SMT component, presentation and documentation of achieved results.

This course builds on previous stress analysis courses by extending the concepts of linear elasticity to two and three dimensions, as the basis for advanced stress analysis. Topics covered include complex stresses and strains, Mohr’s circle, failure criteria, shear stresses in beams, thick-walled cylinders, plastic failure and buckling of struts. The course enables students to develop sufficient familiarity with stress analysis and strength of materials to design a safe and reliable load-bearing component of simple geometry (or to assess the safety of an existing one).

This course teaches the fundamental laws of thermodynamics and how they can be used to solve a range of simple engineering problems. The pace of the course takes account of students' lack of familiarity with the subject from pre-university studies. The aim of the lectures and tutorials is to develop analytical skills and some design appreciation, involving awareness of the interaction between thermodynamics and considerations of energy resources, materials, solid mechanics, economics, the environment, etc.

This course reinforces students' previous knowledge of stress analysis, and extends this knowledge to more advanced theories and techniques, and to apply these to practical problems. Most of these are developments of methods which have been previously acquired but to more sophisticated problems. New areas of thermal stresses, plastic deformation and residual stresses are treated and a new technique of analysis using energy methods is also introduced and developed. 

This course introduces various fundamental concepts in control system analysis and design. Topics include mathematical modeling of dynamical systems, time responses of first and second-order systems, steady-state error analysis, frequency response analysis of systems and design methodologies based on both time and frequency domains. The course requires students to take prerequisites.

Students learn how to convert raw materials into useful products through conventional and advanced manufacturing processes. The course covers the appropriate manufacturing pathways for producing specific products. Topics include an introduction to manufacturing, metal casting, powder metallurgy and processing, bulk deformation processing, sheet metalworking, machining, cutting tool technology, welding, and additive manufacturing.

This course equips students with knowledge on the unique properties of materials useful in engineering design selection. Topics include commonly used materials in different engineering designs and emerging materials and processes, and life cycle assessment. Students learn concepts of surface engineering, strengthening and hardening techniques, hardenability, heat treatment, friction and wear properties. The course introduces key material properties and testing such as tensile testing, compression testing, torsion test, 3-point bending test along with their specific relevance. Students learn the different ways of degradation of materials when it reacts with environment.

This course offers a study of industrial robotics including morphology and robotic technologies, kinematic control, dynamic modeling, structure of the control system, programming of industrial robots, and industrial robotic applications.