Unit Outline
ENG438
Mechanical Design Simulation
Semester 2, 2024
Jason Ali-Lavroff
School of Engineering
College of Sciences and Engineering
CRICOS Provider Code: 00586B

Unit Coordinator
Jason Ali-Lavroff
Email: jason.alilavroff@utas.edu.au
 

What is the Unit About?
Unit Description
This unit builds skills in industry-relevant mechanical design and simulation techniques. This is done through specific industry focused design projects developing engineering solutions satisfying project briefs and design constraints. The focus is on utilising design, modelling and simulation methods in design of mechanical system components and systems, including for optimization of aspects such as form and function, mechanical compatibility, loading and stress, energy transfer, fluid-structure interaction and vibrations. Consideration will be given to satisfying relevant standards and minimum levels of safety. Findings will be delivered through professional engineering and multimedia-enhanced reports and presentations reporting on design simulation and analysis methods and techniques and design simulation outcomes.
Intended Learning Outcomes
As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.
On completion of this unit, you will be able to:
1
Develop in-depth computer-based mechanical models and simulations to design and optimise industry-relevant mechanical components and systems.
2
Analyse and optimise mechanical components and systems by applying computer-based design simulation methods to meet relevant design specifications and performance criteria.
3
Critically evaluate design simulation methods and outcomes through multimedia-enhanced professional engineering reports and presentations.
Requisites
REQUISITE TYPE
REQUISITES
Pre-requisite
ENG314 Design for Manufacture
Alterations as a result of student feedback
 
 
 

Teaching arrangements
ATTENDANCE MODE
TEACHING TYPE
LEARNING ACTIVITY
CONTACT HOURS
FREQUENCY
On Campus
Tutorial
Design simulation session
4
Weekly
Attendance / engagement expectations
If your unit is offered On campus, it is expected that you will attend all on-campus and onsite learning activities. This is to support your own learning and the development of a learning community within the unit. If you are unable to attend regularly, please discuss the situation with your course coordinator and/or our UConnect support team.

If your unit is offered Online or includes online activities, it is expected you will engage in all those activities as indicated in the Unit Outline or MyLO, including any self-directed learning.

If you miss a learning activity for a legitimate reason (e.g., illness, carer responsibilities) teaching staff will attempt to provide alternative activities (e.g., make up readings) where it is possible.
 
 
 
 

How will I be Assessed?
 
For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.
Assessment schedule
ASSESSMENT TASK #
ASSESSMENT TASK NAME
DATE DUE
WEIGHT
LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:
Report on Preliminary Analysis
Week 5
30 %
LO1, LO3
Assessment Task 2:
Final Presentation
Week 12
30 %
LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:
Final Report
Week 13
40 %
LO1, LO2, LO3
 
Assessment details
Assessment Task 1: Report on Preliminary Analysis
Task Description:
Report on preliminary analysis: Working in groups of two, you are to respond to a problem definition with a background investigation and initial analysis, accompanied by a project management plan for the development and completion of the final solution. This is to be presented in a report that includes:
- System performance specifications (both implicit and explicit).
- Preliminary analyses to estimate performance against the most critical criteria.
- A project management plan that includes a Gantt Chart.
- Individual time log (to be included as appendices to the report).

There may also be project-specific requirements. It is expected that the conclusions are supported by literature research or other relevant evidence.
Task Length:
Maximum 10 pages plus appendices.
Due Date:
Week 5
Weight:
30 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Interpret and identify explicit and implicit performance requirements.
LO1
2
Use initial analyses to estimate system performance.
LO1
3
Compare the outcomes of the analysis with reference to the specifications.
LO1
4
Communicate, interpret and discuss analysis outcomes in a written report.
LO3
5
Propose a viable project management plan for completion of the final solution.
LO3
 
Assessment Task 2: Final Presentation
Task Description:
Final presentation: Presenters are to introduce the problem and provide a background leading up to the project brief. The performance specifications are to be stated by specifying both implicit and explicit requirements for the analysis. The techniques used for the simulation are to be outlined and are to include methods used for the analysis and presentation of results with main outcomes explained and then summarised. The presentation is to be separated equally between individuals in the team and will be assessed individually.
Task Length:
15 minutes in length.
Due Date:
Week 12
Weight:
30 %
 

 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Convey ideas verbally and through body language and audience engagement
LO3
2
Utilise visual aids and supporting materials that enhance the presentation and aid in understanding.
LO3
3
Explain technical details of simulations, analyses and
design choices.
LO1, LO2, LO3
 
Assessment Task 3: Final Report
Task Description:
Report on final solution: Working in groups of two, you will advance your solution from the preliminary report stage to a final engineering solution detailed in a report that will include specific analysis using computer simulation tools. The engineering decisions made will be supported with detailed analyses that demonstrate performance requirements have been met. The report should include:
- Documentation of the project background, performance specifications and processes used for the analysis undertaken.
- Extensive detailed computer analysis outputs with discussion and interpretation.
- Individual reflection on sustainability.
- Conclusions and final recommendations.
- Individual time log (to be included as appendices to the report).
Task Length:
Maximum 13 pages plus appendices in addition to relevant electronic files.
Due Date:
Week 13
Weight:
40 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Interpret and identify explicit and implicit performance requirements.
LO1, LO2
2
Perform computer simulation analysis and compare results to performance specifications.
LO1, LO2
3
Assess sustainability through build quality, reliability, social and economic considerations and lifecycle analysis.
LO1, LO2, LO3
4
Communicate, interpret and discuss analysis outcomes in a written report.
LO3
5
Administer a systematic design and project management process that is well documented.
LO3
 
 
 

How your final result is determined
To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.
Submission of assignments
Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.
Academic integrity
Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see
Important Guidelines & Support.
Requests for extensions
If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.
 
A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.
 
The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.
Late penalties
Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.
Review of results and appeals
You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.
 
 

 
 

Required Resources
Required reading materials
 
 
Recommended reading materials
 
 
Other required resources
Modelling and simulation software as advised.