Mechanical Engineering Design [MSc]

This MSc provides a state-of-the-art introduction to technical design within mechanical

engineering
This MSc provides a state-of-the-art introduction to technical design within mechanical engineering. The School is a vibrant
environment to study, we have 200 years of expertise in teaching engineering, high calibre facilities, strong links with
industry and a vision to provide a modern world-class education. Our course integrates advanced engineering techniques
with hands-on-learning to provide a complementary blend of skills desired by employers.

The course has fundamental modules in the areas of analytical and conceptual design with a wider range of options enabling
you to individually tailor the course to meet your specific needs or interests.

We are curiosity driven and industry inspired and foster an environment in which our highly sought after graduates have
fulfilled their potential.

Degree awarded: MSc

Duration: 12 months full time
Entry requirements:
The standard academic entry requirement for this Master's course is an Upper Second Class UK Honours degree or
international equivalent in a relevant science or engineering discipline.
Contact email: pg-mace@manchester.ac.uk
Contact telephone: +44 (0)161 306 9219
How to apply:
For further information about making an online application for this MSc course, please see the guidance on our School
website about how to apply .
If you have any questions about the application process, the course or about our entry requirements please do contact us
at pg-mace@manchester.ac.uk and we will be happy to advise you further.

Course options
Full-time Part-time Full-time distance learning Part-time distance learning

MSc Y N N N
 Course description
This MSc provides a state-of-the-art introduction to technical design within mechanical engineering. The School is a vibrant
environment to study, we have 200 years of expertise in teaching engineering, high calibre facilities, strong links with
industry and a vision to provide a modern world-class education. Our course integrates advanced engineering techniques
with hands-on-learning to provide a complementary blend of skills desired by employers.
The course has fundamental modules in the areas of analytical and conceptual design with a wider range of options enabling
you to individually tailor the course to meet your specific needs or interests.
We are curiosity driven and industry inspired and foster an environment in which our highly sought after graduates have
fulfilled their potential.

Open days
Our last Postgraduate Taught Open Day was held in November 2017. Information about our Open Days for 2018 will be
posted here as soon as it is available.
To find out more about The School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering we would encourage you to take an
online tour of our School and our facilities with our Virtual Open Day .
Study fairs in the UK: The University attends several study fairs in the UK each year.
Education fairs overseas: We attend many education fairs worldwide each year, giving you the chance to meet
representatives from The University of Manchester near you.

Fees
For entry in the academic year beginning September 2018, the tuition fees are as follows:

 MSc (full-time)
UK/EU students (per annum): £10,500
International students (per annum): £22,500

Entry requirements
Academic entry qualification overview: The standard academic entry requirement for this Master's course is an Upper
Second Class UK Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant science or engineering discipline.

 English language: All applicants will need to demonstrate competency in the English language. Applicants who
do not already possess a recognised English Language qualification will need to take a recognised test such as
IELTS or Pearson and attain the required English Language score:

 IELTS: overall score 6.5 with no sub-test below 5.5

 Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic): overall score of at least 59, with no sub-test below 51

 IBT TOEFL: overall score of at least 90, with no sub-test below 22

 Pre-sessional English: We also accept successful completion of the 10 week pre-sessional English course run by
the University Language Centre to meet our English language requirements.
In order to enrol onto the ten week pre-sessional English course, your current IELTS scores must be at least: 5.5
overall, with no component scores below 5.5

If you would like to take the 10 week pre-sessional course, please email a scanned copy of your IELTS certificate to us
at pg-mace@manchester.ac.uk . We will confirm whether you are eligible to take the course and inform the Language
Centre. Please note that the Language Centre will not accept a booking for the 10 week pre-sessional course without this
confirmation of your eligibility.

The deadline to apply for the ten week pre-sessional course is Friday 11 May 2018. Once we have confirmed that you are
eligible to take the course, you will need to apply online .

Please note we do not accept the 6 or 3 week pre-sessional courses to meet our English requirements.

English language test validity: Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language
test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Other international entry requirements: We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. See English
language entry requirements from your country and other general requirements.

How to apply
For further information about making an online application for this MSc course, please see the guidance on our School
website about how to apply .
If you have any questions about the application process, the course or about our entry requirements please do contact us
at pg-mace@manchester.ac.uk and we will be happy to advise you further.

Course description
This MSc provides a state-of-the-art introduction to technical design within mechanical engineering. The School is a vibrant
environment to study, we have 200 years of expertise in teaching engineering, high calibre facilities, strong links with
industry and a vision to provide a modern world-class education. Our course integrates advanced engineering techniques
with hands-on-learning to provide a complementary blend of skills desired by employers.
The course has fundamental modules in the areas of analytical and conceptual design with a wider range of options enabling
you to individually tailor the course to meet your specific needs or interests.
We are curiosity driven and industry inspired and foster an environment in which our highly sought after graduates have
fulfilled their potential.

Teaching and learning

The Mechanical Engineering Design MSc is a full time course which is studied over 12 months and there is one start date
each year in September. You will develop advanced technical skills in Mechanical Engineering Design that will enable you
to pursue a career in both general and specialised engineering industries or develop an in depth knowledge for a career in
research in industry or academia.
For further information about the course content, please see the example programme structure .
Disability support
Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support
Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

Career opportunities
The Mechanical Engineering Design MSc has a strong focus on employability to support you to take control of your future
and give yourself the best chance of securing your ideal job after graduation. For example there are regular industrial guest
lectures and optional short courses delivered by companies such as National Instruments and Maxon Motors.
Each year Manchester careers fairs, workshops and presentations attract more than 600 exhibitors and 20,000 visitors
illustrating how Top employers target Manchester graduates.
After graduating with a Mechanical Engineering Design MSc you will be in a strong position to seek employment with
companies such as: BP, Rolls Royce, GE Aviation, Airbus, Siemens, Jaguar Land Rover, Bentley Motors, Nissan Motor
Company, Bombardier Transportation, DePuy International, GE Healthcare, E-ON, EDF, Sellafield, Apple.
 Alumni profiles
Mr Suwapatch Autamapanyanan : Design Engineer at Innovative limited, Thailand
Mr Kyriacos Makris : Plant Engineer at Joannou & Paraskevaides, Cyprus
 Destination of Leavers Survey
Every year our The University of Manchester conducts a destination of leavers survey with students six months after they
have graduated. A selection of these destinations since 2010 are highlighted below:
 GE Aviation (Design Engineer
 GE Healthcare (Edison Engineering Development Programme)
 SEPLAT Petroleum Development Company (Drilling Engineer)
 BMP Europe Ltd (Design Engineer)
 The University of Manchester (PhD Researcher
 Formosa Prosonic (Design Engineer)
 Hitachi Home & Life Solutions (India) Ltd (Executive - Quality Management)
 Indra Limited (Mechanical Design Engineer)
 NNPC-NETCO (Mechanical Engineer)
 Shell Petroleum Development company (SPDC) (Oil and Gas Operator)
 Triton Valves Ltd (Senior Engineer, Design and Development)

Accrediting organizations
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers has accredited the Mechanical Engineering Design MSc course under license
from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council. This allows satisfactory completion of the Mechanical Engineering
Design MSc to contribute towards the academic requirements for registration with the Institution as a Chartered Engineer.

Example programme structure

Mechanical Engineering Design (1 Year) [MSc] (Level 6 course unit)
 Credit
Description Semester Requirement Level
Rating

MACE60004 - Research Methods 1 Mandatory 15 6

MACE61029 - Composites and Polymers 2 Optional 15 6

MACE61057 - Structural Integrity 2 Optional 15 6

MACE61059 - Finite Elements 1 Mandatory 15 6

MACE61064 - Acoustics & Advanced Vibrations 2 Optional 15 6

MACE61076 - Robotics, Metrology and

2 Optional 15 6
Bioengineering

MACE62021 - Experimental Methods 1 Mandatory 15 6

MACE61060 - Mechanical Engineering Group

1 and 2 Mandatory 30 6
Design

Research Methods

Unit code: MACE60004

Credit Rating: 15

Unit level: Level 6

Teaching period(s): Semester 1

Offered by School of MACE - Mech/Aero division

Available as a free choice unit?: N

Requisites
None
Aims
1. To develop knowledge and understanding of research methods used in engineering research.
2. To acquire and develop skills in i) the use of techniques, methods and software packages relevant to engineering
research, ii) the planning and management of experimental research work and iv) in carrying out of literature
searches and the presentation of their results.
3. To acquire knowledge of the Project Management steps required to plan, implement and complete an Engineering
research project.

Overview
The unit involves the acquisition of skills and techniques in research methods and related activities which are transferable
across engineering disciplines and professions. It also includes non-technical topics related to research project management
which complement the engineering content. The unit is designed to prepare MSc students to undertake their dissertation
project

Assessment methods
 Report - 60%
 Oral assessment/presentation - 20%
 Practical skills assessment - 20%

Syllabus
1. Introduction Unit structure, Introduction to Blackboard, Introduction to Research Methods, The Scientific Method,
research definitions, research philosophies and approaches, reasoning, research tools and the purpose of engineering
research. Qualitative and Quantitative research. Technology Readiness Levels. 8 2 5 0
2. MATLAB1 MATLAB –
Getting Started
Fundamentals 8 2 5 0
3. Academic Writing Introduction to Academic writing, referencing, Ethics, academic integrity, collusion, fabrication,
plagiarism.
Introduction to Innovation in engineering, patenting, publishing/ IP protection. Types of reports, structural
conventions, Prototyping and test rigs. Case studies of engineering failures. 8 2 5 0
4. MATLAB2 MATLAB – Matrices
Graphics 8 2 5 0
5. Critical literature review Critical literature review, reporting vs critiquing. Types of literature source, data gathering.
Choosing a research dissertation project. Choosing literature sources, search engines, tools and methods, comparison
matrix. Referencing and reference managers. Dissertation title allocation process. 8 2 5 0
6. MATLAB3 MATLAB – Programming
M-Files 12 4 6 2
7. Dissertation Project design Project aims and objectives. SMART objectives. Principles, methodologies and practices
of data collection. Use of software tools. Data handling. Error analysis. Reliability and validity of data. Dissertation
project structure. Using figures, tables and graphs. 10 2 6 2
8. Presentation Skills Types of presentations, planning a presentation, presentation design and structure, presentation
style, visual aids, time limits, poster presentations.
16 2 6 10
9. Subject specific application *Subject specific application as per below 16 2 6 10
10. Introduction to project management Engineers as project managers. Purpose of project management, core
components, PM systems. Project phases and processes, project planning tools, Gantt charts, precedence diagrams and
mind maps. 16 2 6 10
11. Project management 2 Planning a research project, Project characteristics. Project Initiation and planning. Project
deliverables, Work Breakdown Structures and Product Breakdown Structures. Estimating, Program Evaluation
Review Technique and Critical Path Method. Project Management Plans. Activity on Arrow/ Activity on Node
networks. Resource Organisation and Resource Assignment Matrix. Introduction to managing risk. Introduction to
project implementation. Project Closure activities. 15 2 5 10
12. Research methods summary Project tracking and closure, time management, Unit summary and quiz 15 2 5 10
Various times Personal tutorials/ additional subject specific 10
150 26 60 54

*The syllabus content is taught to 5 MSc programmes. These programmes study the following topics separately and
specific to the programme:
MSc in Aero and TPFE An introduction to FORTRAN programming
MSc in AMT Advanced topics and practice for MATLAB
MSc in MED Design tutorial
MSc in Structural engineering will have a case study visit to view relevant buildings locally

Feedback methods
Assessment by supervisors / written feedback on blackboard

Study hours
 eAssessment - 9 hours
 Lectures - 18 hours
 Project supervision - 45 hours
 Supervised time in studio/wksp - 4 hours
 Tutorials - 14 hours
 Independent study hours - 60 hours

Teaching staff
Amanda Lea-Langton - Unit coordinator
Composites and Polymers

Unit code: MACE61029

Credit Rating: 15

Unit level: Level 4

Teaching period(s): Semester 2

Offered by School of MACE - Mech/Aero division

Available as a free choice unit?: N

Requisites
None

Aims
For students to:

1. Describe the concept of composites and their applications in engineering;

2. Use basic principles and means for design and analysis of simple structures made of composites; Familiarise with
a range of typical manufacture processing techniques.

Overview
Composite materials are finding increasing application in various engineering fields due to its advantages over
conventional structure materials. This unit covers a wide range of topics on composite materials and polymers, including
materials, manufacturing techniques and mechanics of composite materials and structures. The intended learning
outcomes are focussed on the basic knowledge of composites and understanding of the design and analysis of composite
structures and manufacturing.

Assessment methods
 Written exam - 70%
 Report - 30%

Syllabus

1. Introduction to composite materials: Describes what are composite materials, their characteristics,
advantages/disadvantages and applications.
 2. Anisotropic elasticity: Explains the material behaviour of composites: stress-strain relationship, elastic engineering
constants, stiffness transformation between different coordinate systems, mechanics of lamina.
3. Classical laminate theory: Derive the constitutive law for composite laminate, discuss the stiffness of composite
laminate, explain how to perform stress analysis of laminate. Reveal how the fibre orientation angle and ply stacking
sequence affect the laminate stiffness and strength.
4. Failure theories: Introduce two widely used failure criteria for composites: Maximum stress and Tsai-wu criteria,
explain how to apply them to failure analysis of composites
5. Buckling of laminated composite structures: Derive governing equation for laminate buckling, solve some
examples,
6. Micromechanics: Explain how to predict the effective material properties of composites based on its constituents,
discuss the failure mechanisms of composites.
7. Composite laminate design: Introduce the general design rules, how to use Carpet Plot method and perform laminate
design via an example.
8. Materials: Introduce the concept of polymer, classification, major thermo-physical properties. Discuss processing
technologies; classify the types of fibres/mats/reinforcements (glass, carbon, graphene, kevlar, natural fibres, etc.)
9. Manufacturing processes of polymer matrix composites: Introduce major technological processes and their
advantages and limitations, discuss process parameters and mechanisms and how to optimise these processes;
explain some mathematical models to simulate and optimise these technological processes.

Feedback methods
 Collective feedback in class
 Comments on report
 Feedback form

Study hours
 eAssessment - 3 hours
 Lectures - 30 hours
 Project supervision - 9 hours
 Tutorials - 6 hours
 Independent study hours - 102 hours

Teaching staff
Zhenmin Zou - Unit coordinator

Structural Integrity
Unit code: MACE61057

Credit Rating: 15
 Unit level: Level 4

Teaching period(s): Semester 2

Offered by School of MACE - Mech/Aero division

Available as a free choice unit?: N

Requisites
None

Aims
This unit on Structural Integrity covers a set of methodologies used to assess the life of engineering structures or their
components at design and exploitation stage. The first aim of this unit is to equip the students with the necessary skill set
for life assessment: the current industrial practice for calculating sub-critical crack growth (fatigue) and fitness-for-service
(failure assessment diagram). The second aim is to develop further their engineering judgement competence by firm
understanding of the uncertainties in such assessments and practicing individual analyses and recommendations.

Overview
Predicting the rate of in-service deterioration of materials in engineering infrastructure and industrial plant is of significant
benefit to the economy and the society. This assists designers in selecting appropriate materials and exploitation engineers
in planning maintenance outages. Further, any justified decision for life extension of existing structures could yield
substantial savings. The knowledge and skills for making life assessment therefore become of ever increasing importance
to the major industries – power, aerospace, automotive and manufacturing.

Assessment methods
 Written exam - 80%
 Report - 20%

Syllabus
This unit provides an advanced foundation for analysis of structures containing defects (measured or postulated) that reflects
the current engineering practice in this area. It builds upon prior knowledge of engineering materials to further the students’
understanding on how materials’ constitutions control their mechanical properties, focusing on in-service deterioration and
failure. This is used to introduce the theory of linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) and the new, for the students,
property of fracture toughness. Plasticity in metals is introduced to explain the elastic-plastic conditions ahead of a defect
and to formulate the plastic collapse failure mechanism. This theoretical background is then put together to equip the
students with a contemporary tool for integrity assessment – the Failure Assessment Diagram, as defined in R6 procedure
“Assessment of the Integrity of Structures Containing Defects”. Details of applying the procedure are provided, including
how to account for residual stress effects in assessments. The growth of small defects via mechanical fatigue, i.e. repetitive
loading, is covered in a second part of the course. This provides the students with several approaches to fatigue life
assessment, specifically stress-life (S-N) approach, strain-life (e-N) approach, and LEFM approach for fatigue crack
propagation.

Feedback methods
 Exam - via script viewing
 Report - feedback 2 weeks after submission

Study hours
 eAssessment - 20 hours
 Lectures - 24 hours
 Practical classes & workshops - 14 hours
 Tutorials - 12 hours
 Independent study hours - 80 hours

Teaching staff
Kali-Babu Katnam - Unit coordinator

Finite Elements
Unit code: MACE61059

Credit Rating: 15

Unit level: Level 7

Teaching period(s): Semester 1

Offered by School of MACE - Mech/Aero division

Available as a free choice unit?: N

Requisites
None

Aims
This course will provide students with an introduction to finite element modelling that includes a high level view of the
modelling process as well as an understanding of the underlying mathematics and how finite element programs work
internally. Students will also be given a practitioner’s view of how finite element modelling is used to solve “real”
engineering problems, through a range of industrial case studies. These will be selected to cover the different MSc
programmes. The topics covered will give students the confidence to dig deeper into more advanced issues when using the
method later in their careers, both in an industrial or research context.

Overview
The finite element method (FEM) is a numerical technique that can be applied to solve a range of physical problems. In the
field of solid mechanics, the FEM is undoubtedly the solver of choice and its use has revolutionised design and analysis.
The method involves the transformation of a continuous system (infinite degrees of freedom) into a discrete system (finite
degrees of freedom). It is instructive therefore to examine the behaviour of simple discrete systems and associated variational
methods as this provides read insight and understanding into the more complicated systems arising from the finite element
method. The syllabus for this course has been approved by NAFEMS, the International Society for Engineering Simulation.
This means it covers the basic competences identified by industry as being required to carry out simple finite element
analyses in a professional manner.

Assessment methods
 Written exam - 80%
 Report - 20%

Syllabus
Introduction to the basic terminology and modelling workflow for the finite element method: pre-processing, equation
solution, post-processing and post-solution checking. Modelling considerations: choice of boundary conditions, consistent
units, material properties, mesh sensitivity, mesh refinement, convergence and error checking.

Theoretical/mathematical foundation of the finite element method for static elastic equilibrium problems: strong/weak form,
shape functions. Steps in a finite element program for static elastic equilibrium: element stiffness formation, global assembly
and equation solution. Introduction to the solution of problems with a nonlinear response to loading, including time
dependent problems, material and geometric nonlinearity.

Advanced topics in mesh generation and visualisation: reverse engineering, laser scanning, photogrammetry, virtual reality.
The effective use of high performance computing and cloud computing: overview of technologies for simulation, choosing
the best hardware platform and cost benefit analysis.

Feedback methods
Marked papers will be available 1-2 weeks after the submission date

Study hours
 eAssessment - 30 hours
 Lectures - 18 hours
 Tutorials - 14 hours
 Independent study hours - 88 hours
Teaching staff
Lee Margetts - Unit coordinator

Acoustics & Advanced Vibrations

Unit code: MACE61064

Credit Rating: 15

Unit level: Level 6

Teaching period(s): Semester 2

Offered by School of MACE - Mech/Aero division

Available as a free choice unit?: N

Requisites
MACE30442 - Vibrations (Compulsory)

Aims
1. Introduce students to waves in fluids
2. Introduce students to the importance of noise in Engineering Systems
3. Introduce students to advance analytical methods in acoustics
4. Introduce students to advance analytical methods in vibrations

Overview
The unit helps prepare students to tackle and solve a substantial range of engineering problems, some of them complex
and/or novel.

Assessment methods
 Other - 20%
 Written exam - 80%

Assessment Further Information

Other - assessed tutorial work

Syllabus
• The relevance of sound - 1 lecture
• The 1D wave equation - 4 lectures
¿ The 1D wave equation in solids and fluids - 1 lecture
¿ 1D wave propagation - 1 lecture
¿ 1D waves in pipes - 1 lecture
¿ 1D wave propagation across impedance changes
¿ 2 tutorial classes
• The 3D wave equation - 5 lectures
¿ 3D waves in cartesian co-ordinates - 1 lecture
¿ Snell’s Law - 1 lecture
¿ Ray theory - 1 lecture
¿ Cylindrical polar waves - 1 lecture
¿ Spherical waves - 1 lecture
¿ 2 tutorial classes
• Sources of sound - 3 lectures
¿ Lighthill’s acoustic analogy - 1 lecture
¿ General sources of sound - 1 lecture
¿ Sound sources and sinks - 1 lecture
¿ 1 tutorial class
• The relevance of advanced vibration - 1 lecture
• Revision of basic vibration - 1 lecture
• Multiple degrees of freedom for discrete systems - 7 lectures
• Equations of motion: Newton's law, D'Alembert's Principle, Lagrange's Equation;
• Eigenvalue problem: natural frequencies and mode shapes, eigenvalue approach to normal mode solution;
• Orthogonality of modes, transformation from physical to modal space/co-ordinates;
• Proportional and non-proportional damping, static and dynamic coupling;
• Modal analysis: solving for free and forced vibration via modal co-ordinates, FRF for multiple degree of freedom
systems, modal participation factor.
• Multiple degrees of freedom for continuous systems - 6 lectures
• Wave theory: Derivations and solutions of 2nd order wave equations (PDEs) for longitudinal and torsional vibrations of
rods and shafts; Exact frequency equations; Free and forced vibration using closed form solutions;
• Wave theory: Derivations and solutions of 4th order wave equations (PDEs) for flexural vibrations of beams using
Bernoulli-Euler theory; Exact frequency equations; Free and forced vibration using closed form solutions;
• Rayleigh-Ritz approach: Derivations of equations of motion for flexural vibrations of beams using Rayleigh-Ritz
approach; Free and forced vibration via assumed modes;
• Vibration and Shock Control using Viscoelastic and Smart Materials - 3 lectures
• Viscoelasticity: complex modulus of viscoelastic materials, anti-vibration mounts;
• Smart materials: electrorheological and magnetorheological fluids, piezoelectric materials, shape memory alloys;
• Smart structures: collocated sensors and actuators, PZT shunts, active vibration control, semi-active vibration dampers

Feedback methods
Exam - via script viewing and access to papers/solutions
Assessed tutorial work - 3 hours support and 11 hours self study

Study hours
 eAssessment - 14 hours
 Lectures - 26 hours
 Tutorials - 10 hours
 Independent study hours - 100 hours

Teaching staff
Iain Dupere - Unit coordinator

Robotics, Metrology and Bioengineering

Unit code: MACE61076

Credit Rating: 15

Unit level: Level 4

Teaching period(s): Semester 2

Offered by School of MACE - Mech/Aero division

Available as a free choice unit?: N

Requisites
None

Aims
This unit aims for students to acquire knowledge and develop an understanding of three key technological areas in
manufacturing, specifically robotics, metrology and bioengineering. Knowledge of these technologies will enhance the
employability of both design and manufacturing engineers.

Overview
The bioengineering element will provide an insight of medical challenges and an appreciation of medical device design and
manufacture. The metrology element will provide students with an appreciation and understanding of the operation and
limitations of state of the art measurement tools and technologies. This will be applied to inspect manufactured
parts/manufacturing equipment and highlight its importance in the design process. The robotics element will give students
an introduction to the engineering design and analysis of robotic manipulator systems and their applications, including the
mechanics of motion, dynamics, sensing and actuating methods and control strategies.

Assessment methods
Written exam - 80%
Report - 20%

Syllabus
Robotics: Introduction to robotics; Components and Mechanisms; Robot actuation, Drives, transmissions; Robot
Kinematics; Robot programming, trajectory generation and calculation; Robot Control systems; Robot Dynamics; Robot
end effectors and tooling

Metrology: Definition of the most common terminology in metrology; Assessment of static, dynamic and kinematic
properties of machine tools; Types of coordinate measuring machines, their operation and errors; Micro metrology; Large-
scale metrology (laser trackers/scanners); Scanning electron microscopy.

Bioengineering: Introduction to some major diseases/biological systems and the engineering used in current treatments;
Biomaterials; Manufacturing processes; Case studies on the design and manufacture of both external and internal implants
(e.g. prosthetics for amputees, joint replacements, tissue scaffolds, etc); Regulatory and ethical issues in the design and
development of medical devices.

Feedback methods
Students will be given verbal feedback on their performance in and understanding of the three lab activities after each
session.

Written feedback on the coursework will be provided before the final unit exam. Collective feedback is also given during
the lecture periods when marked reports are handed back.

Study hours
 Lectures - 36 hours
 Practical classes & workshops - 9 hours
 Independent study hours - 105 hours

Teaching staff
Robert Heinemann - Unit coordinator

Experimental Methods
Unit code: MACE62021
 Credit Rating: 15

Unit level: Level 6

Teaching period(s): Semester 1

Offered by School of MACE - Mech/Aero division

Available as a free choice unit?: N

Requisites
None

Aims
 Develop the skills (both practical and theoretical) required to become an experimental engineer
 Design and perform experiments and analyse the results
 Use different forms of data capture and analysis
 Explain and demonstrate methods and techniques of analysis relevant to experimental data regardless of source
 Understand and apply experimental methods and techniques applicable to their specific program
 Develop technical group working skills through their contribution to a group project
 Have experience of every stage of the experimental process and have acquired skills of use in any practical
engineering discipline together with some analysis techniques relevant to numerical work.
 Develop specific experimentation skills developed will be extremely valuable to those wishing to pursue a career
in research.

Overview
This unit covers the science of experimentation from planning through to data delivery and introduces data reduction
techniques. A variety of experimental labs are traditionally included in engineering degrees but the process of designing,
running, analysing and reporting is rarely covered in detail. This unit will prepare potential research engineers for data
gathering activities and tests in both industry and academia. It includes relevant examples of direct application to industrial
and scientific challenges such as wind tunnel testing and structural health monitoring. The unit incorporates a set of core
topics relevant to all experimental engineers and program specific content with more detailed information on challenges,
techniques and applications to individual specialisms. In addition to specialism specific content, the laboratories within the
unit are specialism specific with a focus on relevant experimental challenges within each industry.

Assessment methods
 Other - 50%
 Report - 50%
Feedback methods
Feedback is provided to individual programmes after each quiz with generic hints and suggestions for improvements.
Questions in the quiz have feedback built in. Formative feedback is provided on the initial document response to the
specification of the group project. There are drop-in sessions for group project work allowing groups to gather feedback on
their work if required. The final (group) report will have significant feedback. Throughout the semester feedback and
interaction is available through discussion forums on BB9.

Study hours
 eAssessment - 2 hours
 Lectures - 18 hours
 Practical classes & workshops - 14 hours
 Project supervision - 40 hours
 Tutorials - 6 hours
 Independent study hours - 70 hours

Teaching staff
Mark Quinn - Unit coordinator

Mechanical Engineering Group Design

Unit code: MACE61060

Credit Rating: 30

Unit level: Level 4

Teaching period(s): Full year

Offered by School of MACE - Mech/Aero division

Available as a free choice unit?: N

Requisites
None

Aims
To convey the principles and practices of design and of team working by undertaking a real industrial project throughout
the whole academic year

Overview
Projects are submitted by a range of internal and/or industrial sponsors and each is tackled by a group of 4-5 students. All
aspects of design are covered including concepts, viability, analysis, manufacturability, cost, opportunity and IP. A key
component is the creation (and assessment) of a physical prototype of the finished design.

Assessment methods
 Other - 10%
 Report - 40%
 Oral assessment/presentation - 10%
 Practical skills assessment - 40%

Assessment Further Information

Other - Assessed tutorial work 10%

Syllabus
Projects are submitted by a range of internal and/or industrial sponsors and each is tackled by a group of 4-5 students. All
aspects of design are covered including concepts, viability, analysis, manufacturability, cost, opportunity and IP. A key
component is the creation (and assessment) of a physical prototype of the finished design.

Feedback methods
 Original project pitch: Immediate feedback given (1st/2nd project choice awarded). More detailed feedback is given
in subsequent week.
 ‘Dragons Den’ funding pitch: Immediate feedback is given (level of funding awarded). More detailed feedback is
given in subsequent week.
Continuous (weekly) feedback provided during development of design.
 Personal performance forms: Immediate feedback is given regarding the (anonymized) students’ views on the team
progress.
 Testing criteria: Feedback is given on the development of an appropriate testing regime, and suitable criteria for
pass/fail of the design.
 Product testing: Immediate feedback on the success of the design against the students’ own performance criteria
 Technical report: Feedback given within two weeks of submission.
 Reflective report: Feedback given within two weeks of submission.

Study hours
 Demonstration - 24 hours
 Lectures - 3 hours
 Project supervision - 140 hours
 Tutorials - 72 hours
 Independent study hours - 61 hours

Teaching staff
Carl Diver - Unit coordinator

Example dissertation projects

Mechanical Engineering Design (1 Year) [MSc]
Design optimisation and structural reliability
Supervisor: Dr K Davey

Design optimisation involves: the selection of a set of variables to describe the design alternatives; the selection of objectives
(criteria), expressed in terms of the design variables, which are to be minimised (or maximised); the determination of a set of
constraints, expressed in terms of the design variables, which must be satisfied by any acceptable design; and the determination
of a set of values for the design variables which minimise (or maximise) the objectives, whilst satisfying all the constraints. The
focus of this project is on the determination of constraints and the role reliability analysis has on the determination of the
constraints. Measures of structural reliability can be deterministic (factor of safety, load factor, partial factor) or probabilistic
(normal, lognormal, Gumbel, Frechet, Weibull, Gamma). Simple structural designs are to be assessed in combination with the
many possible methods of defining the constraints in a design space. Distributions can be visualised with the aid of Mathematica
and/or Matlab.

Dynamic response of nuclear waste container subjected to drop loading

Supervisor: Dr Qingming Li

It is necessary to ensure the safety of nuclear waste container during transportation. IAEA has set criteria for the potential impact
threats during transportation. Student on this project will establish a FE model using ABAQUS or LS-DYNA for a standard
nuclear waste container and conduct numerical simulations on several drop tests. Response and/or damage of the container will
be identified based on numerical results and analyses. The energy distribution in the nuclear waste will be predicted, based on
which the possible release rate can be estimated.

Dynamic crushing of honeycombs

Supervisor: Dr Zhenmin Zou

Honeycombs are often proposed to be used for impact energy absorption purposes. Experimental studies in the literature reveal
that the dynamic crushing of a honeycomb material is quite different from its quasi-static counterpart. One of the most distinctive
features is the enhanced stress required to crush the material. The crushing stress increases with the increase of the impact velocity.
In this project, the dynamic crushing process of a chain of honeycombs will be simulated using commercial finite element code
ABAQUS. The aim of this project is to investigate the mechanism for the increase in crushing stress and energy absorption of
cellular materials under dynamic loading condition and to validate a simple one-dimensional analytical model developed in the
literature.
Concealed weapon detection using acoustic and ultrasonic waves
Supervisor: Dr S O Oyadiji

Although the possession, carrying and use of firearms are criminal offences in the UK, there has been an increase in the number
of firearms offences. Related to this is the number of brutal attacks committed with knives. Consequently there is the need for the
development of techniques to detect concealed weapons, whether firearms or knives, in public places. For metallic weapons, the
metal detectors commonly used for security checks at airports and high security public buildings can be used. However, the citing
of metal detector portals in open spaces such as city centres and town squares will not be effective as criminals will simply avoid
such places. There is therefore the need for the development of techniques that can be deployed remotely. The aim of this project
is to develop a technique based on the use of acoustic and ultrasonic waves for detecting concealed weapons at standoff distances.
The project is linked to a sponsored research project.

Distinguish the support looseness and crack in a cantilever beam based on the vibration response
Supervisor: Dr Jyoti K Sinha

The study involves Finite element (FE) modelling of a cantilever beam. In the FE model, a crack and the looseness in the support
have to be introduced one by one to begin with and then introduction of both faults simultaneously. The vibration responses need
to be calculated for the known applied force for each case and their results should be compared both in time and frequency domain
to bring out the possible feature to distinguish these two faults. The study requires programming skill in MATLAB and little
knowledge of structural dynamics.

Stiffness of stitched FRP laminate structures

Supervisor: Dr Jack Wu

Stitched fibre-reinforced plastics layered structures have been widely used where through-the-thickness properties are important.
The stiffness of such a composite structure is the main concern of this project. In current stiffness analysis, most analytical models,
from classical laminate theory (CLT) to various high order plate/shell theories, can only take a few elastic constants of a layer
into account, and hence no predictions can be made for transverse moduli, E33, G13 and Poisson's ratios. The project is to program
a developed analytical model for the stiffness of an orthotropic stitched laminate structure based on 3-D iso-strain/ iso-stress
assumption. All elastic stiffness can be estimated numerically. The program would be able to be applied to a generalized laminated
structure such as 3-D woven fabrics and layered foundations in geotechnics.

Accreditation
Mechanical Engineering Design (1 Year) [MSc]
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers
Mechanical Engineering Design MSc is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers has accredited the MSc programme for Further Learning. This allows satisfactory
completion of the MSc to contribute towards the academic requirements for registration with the Institution as a Chartered
Engineer.

Teaching staff
Mechanical Engineering Design (1 Year) [MSc]
The teaching staff that contribute to this course, includes a large number of specialists in the field of mechanical engineering
design.

The course is currently delivered by:

Course Director: Dr Andrew Weightman

Teaching staff includes:

 Keith Davey
 Qingming Li
 S Olutunde Oyadiji
 Kassandra Papadopoulou
 Andrey Jivkov
 Azam Tafreshi
 Zhenmin Zou
 Sergey Utyuzhnikov
 Lei Ren
 Kali-babu Katnam

Contact us
Mechanical Engineering Design (1 Year) [MSc]
 Email: pg-mace@manchester.ac.uk
 Postgraduate Admissions: tel. +44(0)161 306 9219
 Course Director: Dr Andrew Weightman