Overview
This project-based learning unit will use cutting-edge computational design techniques to solve complex multidisciplinary problems in mechanical, structural and electromechanical engineering. You will formulate innovative design ideas for authentic applications and use the latest finite element simulation software to obtain accurate insights into how they will perform in practice. You will be introduced to the variational principles in statics and dynamics of structures and machines, finite element methods (FEM) and analysis procedures, principles of multivariate analysis, and parametric design optimisation techniques. You will apply these procedures to model and simulate a variety of problems at the interface of mechanical, structural, electrical and mechatronics disciplines. You will achieve hands-on experience in using an industry-standard finite element analysis software package.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
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 - 2024
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 12-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 25 hours of study per week, making a total of 300 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
Students opined that the content was taught at an advanced level.
More support and additional introductory material should be provided to support students lacking fundamental FEA knowledge
Feedback from SUTE
Students expect more personalised face-to-face interaction in the computer laboratory.
Ensure there is a local academic providing more personal guidance to students
Feedback from UC Reflection
Poor student attendance is a factor contributing to low performance in the unit
Students should be encouraged to regularly attend classes and complete activities on a timely basis.
- Apply finite element methods to model and analyze advanced multidisciplinary engineering problems
- Formulate finite element models to solve complex linear and nonlinear engineering problems
- Critically assess the applicability of advanced non-linear computational design tools and utilise them in several engineering contexts
- Analyse and solve multidisciplinary problems in structural, thermal, thermomechanical and electromechanical systems using advanced modelling and simulations methods
- Solve multivariate and parametric design optimisation problems
- Write and present high quality technical and professional reports that demonstrate information retrieval and processing.
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 Level
1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline.
1.6 Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of sustainable engineering practice in the specific discipline.
3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability.
3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour.
Advanced Level
1.1 Comprehensive, theory-based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
1.2 Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.
1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
1.5 Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline.
2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.
3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.
3.4 Professional use and management of information.
3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct.
Refer to the Engineering Postgraduate Units Moodle site for further information on the Engineers Australia's Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineers and course level mapping information https://moodle.cqu.edu.au/course/view.php?id=11382
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 1 - In-class Test(s) - 20% | ||||||
| 2 - Portfolio - 30% | ||||||
| 3 - Project (applied) - 50% | ||||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 1 - Knowledge | ||||||
| 2 - Communication | ||||||
| 3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | ||||||
| 4 - Research | ||||||
| 5 - Self-management | ||||||
| 6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | ||||||
| 7 - Leadership | ||||||
| 8 - First Nations Knowledges | ||||||
| 9 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | |
| 1 - In-class Test(s) - 20% | |||||||||
| 2 - Portfolio - 30% | |||||||||
| 3 - Project (applied) - 50% | |||||||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Good quality laptop if you wish to practice ANSYS workshops off campus
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing styles below:
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
p.gudimetla@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 08 Jul 2024Module/Topic
1. Introduction to the unit
2. Introduction to the Finite Element Method
Chapter
Lecture Notes
Events and Submissions/Topic
1. Computer Workshop: Introduction to ANSYS Workbench - Overview of GUI
2. Computer Workshop: Static Stress Analysis (Motor cover)
3. Computer Workshop: Gear pump assembly
Week 2
Begin Date: 15 Jul 2024Module/Topic
1. Linear Stress Analysis using FEA
2. Analysis of 1D, 2D and Beam Elements
Chapter
Lecture Notes
Events and Submissions/Topic
Computer Workshop: 1D, 2D FEA and modelling
Computer Workshop: Pressure Cap/Retaining ring
Week 3
Begin Date: 22 Jul 2024Module/Topic
Shape Functions for Elements and Interpolation
Chapter
Lecture Notes
Events and Submissions/Topic
Computer Workshop: Modelling with 1D and 2D elements, Beam modelling
Week 4
Begin Date: 29 Jul 2024Module/Topic
1. Element Technology in ANSYS Workbench
2. Meshing - Guidelines and Rules for Accuracy
Chapter
Lecture Notes
Events and Submissions/Topic
Computer Workshop: Meshing basics, global and local mesh controls, meshing methods
Week 5
Begin Date: 05 Aug 2024Module/Topic
1. Introduction to Nonlinear Modelling & Simulation
2. Nonlinear materials and large scale deformations
Chapter
Lecture Notes
Events and Submissions/Topic
Computer Workshop: Large scale deformations, Metal plasticity, localised yielding
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 12 Aug 2024Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 6
Begin Date: 19 Aug 2024Module/Topic
Nonlinear Modelling & Simulation 2 - Contact modelling
Chapter
Lecture Notes
Events and Submissions/Topic
Computer Workshop: Contact stiffness, Symmetric v Asymmetric, Interface treatment, Frictional contact
Online Quiz Due: Week 6 Friday (23 Aug 2024) 11:59 pm AEST
Week 7
Begin Date: 26 Aug 2024Module/Topic
1. Nonlinear Modelling & Simulation 3 - Advanced Contact + Contact Diagnostics
2. Adaptive Meshing
Chapter
Lecture Notes
Events and Submissions/Topic
Computer Workshops: Bolted Flange, Nonlinear gasket, Adaptive Meshing for Extrusion Process
Week 8
Begin Date: 02 Sep 2024Module/Topic
Fatigue Analysis - Stress life, strain life methods
Chapter
Lecture Notes
Events and Submissions/Topic
Computer Workshops: Stress Life Method (Con rod), Strain Life Method (engine bracket)
Week 9
Begin Date: 09 Sep 2024Module/Topic
Thermal Analysis - Steady State, Transient
Chapter
Lecture Notes
Events and Submissions/Topic
Computer Workshop: Steady state thermal analysis (conduction, Convection and Radiation Heat Transfer)
Week 10
Begin Date: 16 Sep 2024Module/Topic
Harmonic Analysis - Free vibration/modal and Prestressed analysis, linear and nonlinear buckling analysis
Chapter
Lecture Notes
Events and Submissions/Topic
Computer Workshop: Modal, prestressed analysis, Eigen value linear buckling and nonlinear analysis of a pipe
Portfolio Due: Week 10 Friday (20 Sept 2024) 11:59 pm AEST
Week 11
Begin Date: 23 Sep 2024Module/Topic
Design Xplorer - Parametric Modelling
Chapter
Lecture Notes
Events and Submissions/Topic
Computer Workshops: Parameter manager, DoE
Week 12
Begin Date: 30 Sep 2024Module/Topic
Design Xplorer - Response Surface
Chapter
Lecture Notes
Events and Submissions/Topic
Computer Workshops: RSM, Direct Optimization
Review/Exam Week
Begin Date: 07 Oct 2024Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Exam Week
Begin Date: 14 Oct 2024Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 In-class Test(s)
The online quiz will be held in Week 6. It will comprise of 20 short answer and multiple choice questions based on the content delivered in the first 6 weeks of the term. The test will run for 3 hours. Refer to the unit Moodle site for more information.
Week 6 Friday (23 Aug 2024) 11:59 pm AEST
Week 8 Friday (6 Sept 2024)
Refer to the detailed criteria referenced assessment sheets provided on the unit Moodle site.
- Apply finite element methods to model and analyze advanced multidisciplinary engineering problems
- Analyse and solve multidisciplinary problems in structural, thermal, thermomechanical and electromechanical systems using advanced modelling and simulations methods
- Knowledge
- Communication
2 Portfolio
You will compile a portfolio of selected workshops and showcase your skills in using ANSYS Workbench. The portfolio will comprise of 6 workshops each worth 5%. You must secure a minimum 50% of the weighting in this assessment to pass.
Week 10 Friday (20 Sept 2024) 11:59 pm AEST
Week 12 Friday (4 Oct 2024)
Refer to the unit moodle site for more details and criteria referenced assessment sheets.
- Formulate finite element models to solve complex linear and nonlinear engineering problems
- Critically assess the applicability of advanced non-linear computational design tools and utilise them in several engineering contexts
- Write and present high quality technical and professional reports that demonstrate information retrieval and processing.
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Research
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
3 Project (applied)
This is an individual assessment where you will select ONE problem from a list that will be provided to you via the unit Moodle site. You will apply your engineering and finite element analysis skills to model and simulate the problem, and verify and validate your simulations.
Review/Exam Week Friday (11 Oct 2024) 11:59 pm AEST
Exam Week Friday (18 Oct 2024)
The following assessment criteria shall apply:
1. The problem will be clearly interpreted using relevant theory
2. You will state all the assumptions you have made and the scope of your solution methodology
3. You will clearly specify your modelling approach with appropriate and relevant figures of the meshing, boundary conditions and loads
4. You will postprocess your results and present them in a logical fashion
5. You will discuss all your results and draw appropriate comparison with relevant analytical calculations and provide valid conclusions
6. Your entire body of work will be properly formatted and referenced in Harvard/Turabian style
Refer to the Criteria Referenced Assessment sheets on the unit Moodle site for more specific details on the assessment criteria
- Apply finite element methods to model and analyze advanced multidisciplinary engineering problems
- Formulate finite element models to solve complex linear and nonlinear engineering problems
- Critically assess the applicability of advanced non-linear computational design tools and utilise them in several engineering contexts
- Analyse and solve multidisciplinary problems in structural, thermal, thermomechanical and electromechanical systems using advanced modelling and simulations methods
- Solve multivariate and parametric design optimisation problems
- Write and present high quality technical and professional reports that demonstrate information retrieval and processing.
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Research
- Self-management
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
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?
