Unit 4008: Mechanical Principles

Mechanical principles have been crucial for engineers to convert the energy produced by burning oil and gas into systems to propel, steer and stop our automobiles, aircraft and ships, amongst thousands of other applications. The knowledge and application
of these mechanical principles is still the essential underpinning science of all
machines in use today or being developed into the latest technology.
The aim of this unit is to introduce students to the essential mechanical principles
associated with engineering applications.
Topics included in this unit are: behavioural characteristics of static, dynamic and
oscillating engineering systems including shear forces, bending moments, torsion,
linear and angular acceleration, conservation of energy and vibrating systems; and
the movement and transfer of energy by considering parameters of mechanical
power transmission systems.
On successful completion of this unit students will be able to explain the underlying
principles, requirements and limitations of mechanical systems

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this unit students will be able to:
1. Identify solutions to problems within static mechanical systems.
2. Illustrate the effects that constraints have on the performance of a dynamic
mechanical system.
3. Investigate elements of simple mechanical power transmission systems.
4. Analyse natural and damped vibrations within translational and rotational massspring
systems.