The course aims to introduce the design mindset and the main methods for the design of mechanical systems, to provide exposure to the practice of design through application and to encourage understanding of the broader implications of design.
The course covers the following main topics:
Principle of virtual work
- Shafts and shaft components
- Interference fits (hub and key)
- Deflections
- Natural frequencies
- Hyperstatic structures
- Gears
- Failure modes (bending - pitting - micro pitting - scuffing)
- Gear types (spur - helical - bevel - worm)
- Gear configurations (parallel axis, orthogonal axis, planetary)
- Sintetic factors (sizing)
- Strenght calculation (ISO 6336)
- Gear efficiency (Power losses)
- Gear stiffness (Deformation under load)
- Examples of gearboxes (motorcycle and car transmissions)
- Bearings (journal beraing)
- Bolted connections (screwed joints)
- Belts (flat - V - ropes)
- Welded connections
- Pressure vessels
- Miscellaneous
By the end of the course, students should:
- be able to apply the analysis methods to mechanical components and to design the main mechanical systems.
- be able to choose the geometry and materials so to satisfy the requirements of each component in terms of strength
- be able to make reasonable assumptions when data are missing
- be able to make a critical evaluation between different designs solutions
- be able to develop entire projects
EXAMCoursework will be weighted as follows: final written test dealing with a simple design of a structural problem (50%) and, if successful, an oral examination (50%).
- Instructor: Franco Concli