Unit Outline

This unit builds upon the particle kinematics and kinetics concepts introduced in Introduction to Mechanical Engineering, extending them to rigid body dynamics, vibrations, and system modelling. Students will explore Newtonian mechanics, energy and impulse methods, and experimental validation to analyse real-world mechanical systems. Through laboratory experiments, theoretical problem-solving, and mathematical modelling, students will develop proficiency in analysing transmission systems, impact mechanisms, and oscillatory motion.

Consideration is made on the efficiency and sustainability of dynamic systems, where students will evaluate energy losses and propose strategies to improve energy efficiency. The climate-safe engineering approach introduced in Introduction to Mechanical Engineering is reinforced here, emphasising how mechanical engineers can reduce the carbon footprint of moving systems.

This unit provides a foundation for advanced mechanics, preparing students for Mechanical Vibrations and Advanced Dynamics in later years, where concepts will extend to three-dimensional motion, complex oscillatory systems, and vibration control. Additionally, this unit develops essential report writing and analysis skills, which will be critical in design-focused units in Years 3 and 4.

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	Solve mechanical engineering problems in two-dimensional mechanical systems involving rigid body kinematics, kinetics and vibration using principles of Newtonian mechanics.
2	Interpret experimental data from dynamic systems and compare it to theoretical models to evaluate system performance and accuracy.
3	Evaluate mechanical engineering systems and propose strategies for improved energy efficiency for reducing carbon footprint and reducing climate impact.

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	ENG107 Mechanical Engineering Foundations AND KMA154

Alterations as a result of student feedback

Alignment of lab experiments with unit content to more closely tie in labs with theory covered during seminars.

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:	Tests (x2)	Refer to Assessment Description	20 %	LO1
Assessment Task 2:	Laboratory / Practical Report	Refer to Assessment Description	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:	Examination	Exam Period	40 %	LO1

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Tests (x2)

Task Description:

Closed book in semester tests (x2) in weeks 4 and 8. The tests are a preparatory learning experience designed to incrementally build students ability to solve theoretical problems in Dynamics. The tests will cover different topics based on content covered in semester. The tests will include questions of similar length and difficulty to exam questions.

The theory and exercises covered during seminars prepare students for the exam, while developing mathematical modelling capabilities which can be applied during the laboratories.

Task Length:

40 minutes each

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Solve two-dimensional rigid body kinematics, kinetics or vibration problems using principles of Newtonian mechanics.	LO1

Assessment Task 2: Laboratory / Practical Report

Task Description:

Laboratory 1: Gear Box Efficiency, Laboratory 2: Impact Mechanism, Laboratory 3: Pendulum. (13% each lab).

The three laboratory experiments are designed for students to experience theoretical principles in practice. These Laboratories complement the theory covered during the seminars and tutorials supporting the development of understanding. Further, the labs provide students with the opportunity for test, measurement, analysis and report writing to prepare them for year 3 dynamics but also report writing skills required for the design units in years 3 and 4. Generative AI use is not permitted.

Week due: 6, 8, 11

Task Length:

8 pages per report.

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Interpret the experimental method and apply theoretical analysis to develop corresponding mathematical expressions.	LO1, LO2
2	Present results with graphs and tabulated data, include a discussion of experimental results for comparison to theory, and formulate conclusions.	LO2
3	Propose efficiency improvements based on consideration of energy losses.	LO3

Assessment Task 3: Examination

Task Description:

Closed book examination with 4 questions.

This exam is designed to assess your understanding of the theory covered throughout the unit, by the solving problems in Dynamics. Students will use material from seminars in addition to the weekly tutorials and tests undertaken during semester, to prepare for the Exam. Feedback on the internal tests will be provided to prepare students for the final examination.

The exam ensures that students have developed technical proficiency in year 2 Dynamics as a stepping stone to year 3 Dynamics where the concepts of kinematics and kinetics are extended to three dimensions in addition to a higher-level analysis of mechanical vibrations.

Task Length:

3 hours

Due Date:

Exam Period

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Solve two dimensional rigid body kinematics, kinetics or vibration problems using principles of Newtonian mechanics.	LO1

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.

To satisfy ILO 1, an average mark of atleast 50% is required on assessment relating to ILO 1 in the labs, test 1, test 2 and the final exam.

To satisfy ILOs 2, 3 an average mark of atleast 50% is required on assessment relating to ILOs 2, 3 in the labs.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

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.