Mechanical Engineering

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.

The course starts with introductory lectures about the most important topics related to space technologies. In parallel, practical training is given to develop specific engineering skills in mechanics, electronics, and programming that is necessary to conduct the hands-on project. A CanSat is a small satellite in shape of a commercial beverage can that performs several measuring tasks. In this course, a CanSat is designed, built and tested in the field during a rocket launch. Therefore, all basics of topics related to exciting area of space technologies is imparted and practical skills for the development of a CanSat are trained. The theoretical units are supplemented by practical exercises. During project work units, parts of a CanSat are designed with supervision in smaller groups. During a launch campaign, the CanSat is tested under real conditions.Parts of the CanSat are developed in intensely supervised small groups. The course is supplemented by an excursion to space related companies and institutions in Berlin, during which the participants gain insight into facilities used for the development of satellites. Participants should have a general understanding of engineering.

This course covers the basis of energy conversion systems, including electric power generation through energy resources and environmental sources. Focusing on electric power supply, the course addresses consumption patterns from reserves of energy resources and energy consumption of coal and oil. It covers the process of energy conversion; thermal and nuclear power generation; solar power generation, and fuel cell power generation system. To understand environmental issues, the course discusses the concept of general engineering and transport and energy consumption corresponding to the generation of electricity. A lecture tour of the operating power plants will be scheduled.
 

Students usually work in groups of four throughout the year on a major design, make, and test activity. This is based on a project brief approved by the department, or is an agreed subtask of a wider research team. The group is required to develop the brief as a product specification, in collaboration with the supervisor acting as client. The group must also keep full records of the subsequent design, manufacture and test activities in compliance with industrial standards, including the use of logbooks, design review, formal reports, and  both poster and oral presentations. The project culminates in the high profile DMT Exhibition. Throughout the project, each student is required to work to processes detailed in a Quality Plan that their group must write and maintain.

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of continuum mechanics that underpin the theoretical understanding of many engineering disciplines and to demonstrate how problems in continuum mechanics can be solved using numerical techniques. Particular attention is paid to the theory and implementation of the finite element method. The course provides the theoretical basis for higher level courses on applications of finite element methods and finite volume methods and is a companion module to Fluid Mechanics and Stress Analysis.