Mechanical Engineering

This course provides a method for solving physical problems that are described by partial differential equations. The course project gives students an experience and theoretical understanding in solving comprehensive physical problems using the finite element method.  The course content includes: strong and weak formulation of differential equations; approximating functions; Galerkin’s method; finite element formulation of heat conduction; finite element formulation of deformable bodies; finite element formulation of bending; and isoparametric elements and numerical integration.

This course uses the knowledge and skills achieved from earlier courses and independently seek and find solutions for complex mechatronic assignments. The course has two parts. The first one is the development of a concept based on a set of technical and functional specifications from a real problem in industry. The concept can be implemented into a working industrial prototype in another optional course (EIEN70 Mechatronics, industrial product design). This task is solved in groups composed by at least one E-student and at least one M-student to form a mechatronic team with various competences. The other part of the course is an individual assignment to construct a complete mechatronic system aimed at controlling a DC motor from a PC interface, including computer communication, electronic design also on the circuit board, microprocessor programming, sensor technology, and automatic control strategies. The system is built in a lab open 24/7, where cooperation is encouraged but still the final examination is individual. Assumed prior knowledge: Approved basic courses in programming, automatic control and electronics/electrical engineering.

This course provides students with an understanding of the tools and techniques required to interface between mechanical components and the wider world, involving sensing, actuation (e.g. motors) modelling and control.

The course is concerned with gathering, critically analyzing, and presenting a coherent body of information on an engineering-related topic. The group is allocated a theme and each member of the group is assigned a topic relevant to the theme. The students, operating as a group, are required to research the theme, developing a body of interrelated knowledge and an understanding of their topics. This is accomplished primarily through investigation of the published literature, and by making contact with industry and other organizations. The objective is to collect, distil, analyze and present in a logical fashion, a summary of the information collected.

Students discuss key aspects of the ethical debates around robotics and artificial intelligence, focusing on the healthcare and medical sectors. The seminar includes an introduction to interdisciplinary methods of responsible technology design. Students work in interdisciplinary teams on proposals for responsible design, and they learn appropriate methods on the topics of scenario analysis, value assessment, and critical design thinking.