Overview
This unit aims to integrate and apply prior knowledge in engineering materials, structural mechanics, engineering statics and dynamics and fundamental engineering design to analyse, synthesise and predict the performance of machine components and assemblies according to Australian and International Standards and design codes. You will acquire theoretical knowledge of variable and fatigue loading and failure theories as applied to ductile and brittle materials. You must also understand load carriage and power transmission performance of dynamic machine components.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Prerequisites: ENEX13003 Mechanical Design Practice
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2025
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from SUTE
Some weeks' lecture content is vast.
The unit coordinator should review and truncate the content in the said weeks to ensure the workload and time commitment are equitable.
- Apply variable and fatigue loading theories to predict the life of machine elements
- Interpret Australian and International Standards and design codes used to design machine elements
- Perform detailed force and stress analyses on machine elements using formal design procedures
- Explain the physical basis of the design and operational limits of machine elements
- Work effectively and collaboratively as a member of a design team
- Communicate as professionals through the production of drawings (computer aided) and Bill of Materials, and written technical reports.
The Learning Outcomes for this unit are linked with the Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standards for Professional Engineers in the areas of 1. Knowledge and Skill Base, 2. Engineering Application Ability and 3. Professional and Personal Attributes at the following levels:
Intermediate
1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline. (LO: 1I 4I )
1.6 Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of sustainable engineering practice in the specific discipline. (LO: 1I 4I )
Advanced
1.1 Comprehensive, theory-based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline. (LO: 1A 3A )
1.2 Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline. (LO: 1A )
1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline. (LO: 1I 3A 4A )
1.5 Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline. (LO: 1I 3I 5A )
2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving. (LO: 2A 5A )
2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources. (LO: 2I 6A )
2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes. (LO: 2A 3A )
2.4 Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects. (LO: 5A )
3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability. (LO: 5A )
3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains. (LO: 5A 6A )
3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour. (LO: 2A )
3.4 Professional use and management of information. (LO: 1A 4A )
3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct. (LO: 6A )
3.6 Effective team membership and team leadership. (LO: 5A )
Note: LO refers to the Learning Outcome number(s) that link to the competency and the levels: N – Introductory, I – Intermediate and A - Advanced.
Refer to the Engineering Undergraduate Course Moodle site for further information on the Engineers Australia's Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineers and course level mapping informationhttps://moodle.cqu.edu.au/course/view.php?id=1511
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 30% | ||||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 30% | ||||||
| 3 - Group Work - 40% | ||||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||||
Textbooks
Shigley's Mechanical Engineering Design
Edition: 11th edn (2021)
Authors: Richard G Budynas and Keith J Nisbett
McGraw Hill
Singapore
ISBN: 9789813158986
Binding: Paperback
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing styles below:
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
p.gudimetla@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
- Introduction to design of machine elements
- Design Standards and Design Codes
- Design for Strength & Stiffness - Review of static design methods
Chapter
Lecture Notes
Chapters 1 - 4, Shigley
Events and Submissions/Topic
- Discussion on Assignments, Major and minor projects.
- Assignment 1 (Individual): Online Quiz - 30% total weighting
- Assignment 2 (Individual): Written Assessment (Problem Solving) - 30% total weighting
- Assignment 3 (Group): Applied Project - 40% total weighting
- Form Groups
Assignment 3: Group Design Project - Finalize the selection of group design project and submit a 1 page proposal via the submission link on unit Moodle site. Refer to assignment documentation for further details.
Module/Topic
- Failure Modes and Prevention in Machine Elements
- Failure Theories and Design for Static Loading
Chapter
Lecture Notes
Chapter 5, Shigley
Events and Submissions/Topic
Design case study, Problem solving
Module/Topic
- Design for Variable Loading
- Fatigue Life Methods - Stress-life & Strain-life Methods
- Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM) Method
Chapter
Lecture Notes
Chapters 6, Shigley
Events and Submissions/Topic
Design case study, Problem solving
Module/Topic
- Design of Shafts – materials, shaft layout, shaft design for stress deflection considerations, critical speeds, limits and fits
- Design of shaft components - keys and keyways
Chapter
Lecture Notes
Chapter 7, Shigley
Events and Submissions/Topic
Design case study, Problem solving
Module/Topic
- Design & Selection of Roller Bearings - Variable loading, Selection of ball, cylinder and tapered roller bearings
- Design assessment, lubrication, mounting and enclosure design
Chapter
Lecture Notes
Chapter 11, Shigley
Events and Submissions/Topic
Design case study, Problem solving
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
- Gears – types of gears, Spur gear terminology, Lewis Bending equation
- AGMA Stress equations, AGMA Strength equations, dynamic, overload, size, surface condition factors
Chapter
Lecture Notes
Chapter 13, Shigley
Events and Submissions/Topic
Design case study, Problem solving
Online Quiz Due: Week 6 Friday (29 Aug 2025) 11:59 pm AEST
Module/Topic
- Design of Spur & Helical Gears – Load distribution, hardness ratio, stress cycle life, temperature, reliability factors
- Design of gear trains - calculation of reduction ratios, power transmission
Chapter
Lecture Notes
Chapter 14, Shigley
Events and Submissions/Topic
Design case study, Problem solving
Module/Topic
- Design of Bevel Gears
- Design of Worm Gears
Chapter
Lecture Notes
Chapter 15, Shigley
Events and Submissions/Topic
Design case study, Problem solving
Module/Topic
- Design of Machine frames & Housings
- Design of Non-permanent Joints - Threads, Screws and Fasteners
Chapter
Lecture Notes
Chapter 8, Shigley
Events and Submissions/Topic
Design case study, Problem solving
Module/Topic
- Design of Permanent Joints - Static Design of Welds
- Adhesive Bonding
Chapter
Lecture Notes
Chapter 9, Shigley
Events and Submissions/Topic
Design case study, Problem solving
Problem Solving Due: Week 10 Friday (26 Sept 2025) 11:59 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Design of Mechanical Springs
Design and Selection of Mechanical Seals
Chapter
Lecture Notes
Chapter 10, Shigley
Events and Submissions/Topic
Design case study, Problem solving
Module/Topic
- Tribology, Wear & Lubrication of Machine Elements
- Design & Selection of Journal Bearings
Chapter
Lecture Notes
Chapter 12, Shigley
Events and Submissions/Topic
Design case study, Problem solving
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Online Quiz(zes)
The online quiz will be available throughout week 6. It will comprise of a combination of multiple choice questions and short answer questions related to the content in the first 6 weeks. The quiz will have a duration of 3 hours and you will complete it in one single sitting.
AI ASSESSMENT SCALE - NO AI
You must not use Al at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
This assessment is exempted from the 72-hour submission grace period and must be completed by the stated submission date/time.
1
Other
Week 6 Friday (29 Aug 2025) 11:59 pm AEST
Week 8 Monday (8 Sept 2025)
The following criteria shall apply to the online quiz:
1. Multiple choice questions - you will choose the best option in the given list
2. Short answer questions - you will provide direct and to-the-point answers to the questions asked. You will cite appropriate examples if and when required to justify your answer. You will also cite appropriate references.
3. You need to secure a minimum of 50% of the weighted marks to pass this quiz.
- Apply variable and fatigue loading theories to predict the life of machine elements
- Interpret Australian and International Standards and design codes used to design machine elements
2 Written Assessment
In this assessment, you will apply the various problem-solving methodologies that will be introduced in the weekly lectures and tutorials to solve a set of selected numerical problems. The problems will be related to the first 9 weeks' content in the unit. You are encouraged to commence this assessment around week 3 and progressively solve the problems as and when the topic is covered in the lecture/tutorial. Please note that solutions in this unit will be very long-drawn and cumbersome and will demand a lot of time and effort. It is strongly encouraged to avoid transcribing your solutions using word-processing rather that you should practice providing hand-written solutions.
AI ASSESSMENT SCALE - NO AI
You must not use Al at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
Week 10 Friday (26 Sept 2025) 11:59 pm AEST
Submission via Online link provided on the Unit Moodle
Week 12 Friday (10 Oct 2025)
The following criteria shall apply to this assessment:
1. You will provide appropriate and neatly labelled free body diagrams
2. You will provide a clear stepwise solution methodology with appropriate justifications as required
3. You will clearly state the sources of data acquired with reference to the figures, tables and other sources from the prescribed textbook or any other relevant sources via the Internet
4. You will show all the mathematical workings in a neat fashion.
5. You will present your final result and discuss the implications of the answer you have obtained from either/and/or material and functional perspectives.
You must secure a minimum of 50% of the weighted marks to pass this assessment.
- Apply variable and fatigue loading theories to predict the life of machine elements
- Perform detailed force and stress analyses on machine elements using formal design procedures
- Communicate as professionals through the production of drawings (computer aided) and Bill of Materials, and written technical reports.
3 Group Work
In this assessment, you will form a team of 4 (maximum) members. You will select an engineering application and design an multi-stage gearbox for the chosen application. Refer to the document provided on the unit Moodle for a detailed description of this assessment. After selecting an application and finalizing the choice of your gearbox, you will submit a project proposal within a week and obtain approval from the unit coordinator. The project proposal shall also include a section highlighting the delegation of tasks amongst the team members and the expected % contribution to the project. This nominated % may be finalized before the submission of your assessment. The final nominated % will be used to ultimately award marks to each team member. You need to submit only one report per group.
AI ASSESSMENT SCALE - AI PLANNING
You may use Al for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.
Review/Exam Week Friday (17 Oct 2025) 11:59 pm AEST
Online Submission
Exam Week Friday (24 Oct 2025)
Refer to the detailed assessment criteria document provided on the unit Moodle. Briefly,
1. You will clearly list the set of apriori decisions and assumptions developed in the initial stages
2. You will stipulate the appropriate materials chosen with detailed references/citations to relevant tables
3. You will systematically apply the mathematical solution methodologies by invoking relevant Australian/AGMA standards
4. The solution will include relevant numerical data along with neatly labelled free body diagrams depicting the forces and reactions as appropriate
5. You will produce full scale engineering drawings that conform to AS1100.201 and AS1100.501
6. You will create your CAD models and include any relevant animations of your gearbox
You will create a zip folder of your efforts and upload your submission via the link provided on the unit Moodle.
Each team member must secure a minimum of 50% of the assessment weighting to pass.
- Perform detailed force and stress analyses on machine elements using formal design procedures
- Explain the physical basis of the design and operational limits of machine elements
- Work effectively and collaboratively as a member of a design team
- Communicate as professionals through the production of drawings (computer aided) and Bill of Materials, and written technical reports.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
