Mechanical Engineering

In this course, students work individually and in groups to learn brainstorming techniques and design methodologies, improve drafting and drawing skills, improve communication and presentation skills, and expand creativity. Students learn to think more creatively about engineering design and discover the modern design landscape. The course culminates with a product design challenge project and essay, as well as an exhibition of each student’s work throughout the term. Students also keep a daily drawing journal to experiment with different drawing styles and techniques as well as keep track of individual progress. Assessment is by coursework.

Design analysis in the given context primarily concerns the utilization of computer based analysis methods/techniques for quantitative problem solving in the engineering design process. The finite element method (FEM) is primarily dealt with for the analysis of these mechanical systems. An important part of the design analysis is modelling and handling of the interactions between the different software (structural, thermal and flow) utilized. The goal is to transfer the obtained analyses results into the actual design solution, thus facilitating the preceding design activities. The course also covers how a given design solution subjected to a single or complex phenomena is given a mathematical formulation (model), which in turn can be transformed into an optimization problem. Based on this formulation a suitable optimization method and tool is selected. The software utilized in the course are: ANSYS WorkBench, Autodesk CFD, modeFRONTIER and PTC Creo. The lectures are focused on modelling and selection of analysis type, optimization methods and design of experiments as well as showing industrial applications. Guest lecturers with deep insights in specific techniques are invited.

This class on statics and strength of materials introduces students to the following topics: force/moment, static equilibrium conditions, general force systems, center of gravity, bearings, trusses, foundation of strength theory, stress, distortion, Hooke's Law, beam bending, torsion, shear, and composite stress.

The course includes parts of 3D product modelling by surface modelling, scanning, product simulation, modelling and Rapid Prototyping in 3D. The computerized surface modelling (Rhino och Maxwell studio) deals with the following areas: introduction to 3D modelling; interface basics, primitive objects (spheres, cubes, cylinders); transformation, mirror, and duplicate objects; NURBS-curves (CVs, Edit points and Key-points curves); turn curves into different types of NURBS surfaces (skinned, revolved, planar, extruded and swept); edit CV-curves; working with layers and use layer symmetry; trim excess of surfaces; create advanced double bent surfaces. Other areas covered in the course are: create STL (Sterio Lithography) file; export model to CAD-program; rendering basics using different types of renders including light setup, shaders and textures; animation basics. The computerized product simulation deals with the following areas: introduction to Virtual Reality; interface basics; importing 3D objects; associate behaviors with the objects; create interactivity; the 3D scanning part includes some basic 3D scanning methods; scanning objects and exporting the data to a computer program. The rapid prototyping part of the course includes creating a 3D print from a computerized product model to a physical object.

This course covers the basic processes of manufacturing technology, including technical and organizational methods. In addition to an overview of the most important manufacturing processes, it includes the various mechanical, thermal and chemical principles for the fabrication of technical products.

Biomaterials involve the integration of engineering materials with biological entities in the body. The success of any implant or medical device depends very much on the biomaterials used. The course introduces life-science topics and provides an appreciation of multi-disciplinary approach to problem solving. Topics include biological materials, metals, polymers, ceramics and composites use as implants, relationship between structure-composition-manufacturing process, mechanical testing and evaluation of implants and numerous case studies ranging from heart valves to tissue engineering of bones. Video presentations and invited lectures from clinicians compliments the breadth covered in this course.

This course develops the principles of stress and strain in three dimensions and illustrates the 2D plane stress and plane strain states as special cases of the 3D scenario. Stress and strain transformations in 3D and 2D are studied and special stresses and strains such as principal stresses and strains in 3D, etc. are discussed. Equilibrium, compatibility, and constitutive relationships are developed. Experimental stress analysis is treated in conjunction with laboratory exercises and the course concludes with a treatment of yield criteria and plasticity including assessment of the likelihood of failure in practical stress analysis scenarios such as in members undergoing combined bending and torsion and in pressure vessels.

In this course students acquire knowledge of the most important topics related to space robotics and planetary exploration. Course participants learn the parts of a space rover system and understand their correlations. In addition, they are able to plan and conduct a planetary exploration mission. Students are taught how to design a part of a rover system with regard to mechanics, electronics, and programming. The course starts with introductory lectures about the most important topics related to space rover technologies and planetary exploration. In parallel, a practical training is given to develop specific engineering skills in mechanics, electronics, and programming that are necessary to conduct the hands-on project. During project work units, parts of a rover are designed with supervision in smaller groups. In a mission scenario on a test-bed, the rover is operated under real conditions. The course requires no specific robotics-related knowledge. Experience in programming is an advantage.

The course gives students knowledge, skills, and experience in an industrially based mechatronic development project, which is conducted up to a working prototype. It is essential that the work is done in a team with competences from various fields. The development process starts with extensive information search, brain storming, and evaluation, activities which often encompass 30-40% of the total work load. This has been done in the course APPLIED MECHATRONICS. Then follows the selection of concept, constructive design of the product idea, ordering of components, building, testing, and adjustments. The course concludes with the official presentation of the designed products, where representatives from industry, course leaders, and the press take part.