MEEN1008W Mechanics for Engineers

Academic Year 2022/2023

This is an introductory mechanics module designed for engineering students based on the simple applications of Newton's laws. The module provides a fundamental foundation for students who will subsequently study more advanced topics including applied dynamics, mechanics of solids & structures, and mechanics of fluids. Topics studied in detail are related to 2D and 3D Statics, Friction, and Kinematics of a Particle and of a Rigid Body (1D and 2D). The particular topics include the following: (1) Statics: Scalars and vectors; (2) Newton's laws and Law of gravitation; (3) Forces; (4) Free body diagrams; (5) 2D and 3D force systems; (6) Equilibrium in 2D; (7) Equilibrium in 3D; (8) Distributed forces, centres of mass and centroids; (9) Friction; (10) Kinematics in 1D and 2D: Position, velocity and acceleration; (11) Motion in rectilinear and curvilinear coordinate systems; (12) Trusses and cables.

Laboratories based on two selected topics from:
o Resultant of static forces and equilibrium of forces;
o Friction on an inclined plane;
o Compression and tension in trusses;
o Rectilinear motion: velocity and acceleration

Team Assignment:Teams of students will work in a concentrated period (3 weeks) on a design & make challenge that relates to various topics covered in lectures in order to enhance their learning opportunities and to develop their engineering skills.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:
1. Visualise physical configurations and thereby construct simplified three-dimensional sketches and meaningful mathematical models in terms of real materials, actual constraints and the practical limitations which govern the behaviour of machines and structures.
2. Explain concepts of statics and kinematics.
3. Use Newton's laws to express and solve problems in the mechanics of solids and fluids in mathematical terms.
4. Analyse and interpret laboratory measurements of mechanics experiments.
5. Demonstrate an awareness of safe laboratory practice in the use of a range of laboratory equipment.
6. Work effectively as a member of a team/group in the collection, analysis, presentation and reporting of engineering information, while adhering to standard conventions for technical reporting but using diverse forms of communication.

Indicative Module Content:

(1) Statics: Scalars and vectors
(2) Newton's laws and Law of gravitation
(3) Forces
(4) Free body diagrams
(5) 2D and 3D force systems
(6) Equilibrium in 2D
(7) Equilibrium in 3D
(8) Distributed forces, centres of mass and centroids
(9) Friction
(10) Kinematics in 1D and 2D: Position, velocity and acceleration
(11) Motion in rectilinear and curvilinear coordinate systems
(12) Trusses and cables

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

36
Tutorial

5
Practical

12
Laboratories

6
Autonomous Student Learning

60
Total

119
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
(1) Lectures with in-class MCQ assessments and end of trimester examination (assessed)
(2) Task-based learning in the form of two laboratory sessions (assessed)
(3) Problem-based learning in the form of a group assignment (assessed)
(4) Case-based learning in the form of on-line and timetabled tutorials (not assessed) 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
MEEN10030 - Mechanics for Engineers

Additional Information:
This module is delivered overseas and is not available to students based at the UCD Belfield or UCD Blackrock campuses


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: Midterm 1 Unspecified No Graded No

20
Examination: Midterm 2 Unspecified No Graded No

20
Lab Report: Lab Report 1 Unspecified n/a Graded No

5
Group Project: Mechanics Project Unspecified n/a Graded No

15
Examination: Exam 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

35
Lab Report: Lab Report 2 Unspecified n/a Graded No

5

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Recommended Text (either of the following are suitable, as per student's choice):
o Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics & Dynamics, Beer & Johnston, McGraw Hill.
o Engineering Mechanics: Statics & Dynamics, Hibbeler, Prentice Hall.
o Engineering Mechanics: Statics & Dynamics, Meriam & Kraige, Wiley.