ENG06082 2019 Mechanical Project

Consolidate the skills and knowledge attained across other modules and apply them in an engineering project.

Apply design methods and manufacturing processes in the integration of engineering projects to a given specification.

Plan the phases in a design, build & test a project for a small scale engineering device, taking into account time, resource and technical constraints.

Work effectively as part of a team through all aspects of the project.

Present and communicate effectively their design concepts and finalised project.

Lectures and practical workshop sessions, that incorporate different aspects of engineering will help align the necessary skills required for the successful completion of the projects. Student-centred learning will be encouraged throughout, with consideration given to all student voices and trying to align projects with aspects relevant to their interests. Formative feedback will be provided on an ongoing basis.

This module is 100% continuous assessment that includes both group and individual project work. Details of the allocation of marks to the individual members of the project group will be provided to the students at an early stage in the module, ensuring that there is transparency in the assessment. The assessment will focus around:

• Design Process Implementation (concepts, working drawings, etc).
• Project Management (planning, project plan, teamwork, etc).
• Material Selection (material considerations, parts selection, etc).
• Machine Build (fabrication, machining, automation, finishing, etc).
• Presentations (project proposal, progress report, final presentation, etc).
• Documentation (proposal, brief, specification, final report, etc)

The students must pass the continuous assessment elements of the module.

If a student or a group of students fail the project element of the module, they will be required to resubmit the project again for assessment.

Introduction to stages in the design process, product or system research, clarifying objectives, design brief, project planning, work breakdown, resources, available equipment, timescales, costs and safety issues.

Teamwork, project management and presentation techniques

Brainstorming, concept design, freehand sketching, materials and standard parts considerations, generation and evaluation of alternatives, improving details, costs, environmental considerations, product life-cycle. 

Selection and specification of materials, utilisation and selection of standard parts, incorporation of recycled parts, costs analysis, ordering of parts and materials. 

Selection of final design, design for manufacture, serviceability, creation of 3D CAD prototype models, simulation, production of detailed working drawings to ISO standards, rapid prototyping considerations. 

Manufacturing processes and techniques, machining - turning, milling, welding, fabrication, additive manufacturing, laser cutting, plasma cutting, fitting of standard parts, integration of automation equipment and techniques and assembly considerations.

Testing, trouble shooting, evaluation, conclusions and recommendations.

Communication: stages in group development, roles within teams, sources of conflict, conflict management strategies, assertiveness techniques, motivation, ethical principles, oral presentations.