KB7008 - Advanced Stress and Structural Analysis

You will learn via a combination of tutor contact through lectures and practical sessions and through carrying out work which is directed by the tutor all of which will also prepare you for working by yourself or in groups to seek out new knowledge and develop new skills. The lectures will follow an integrated approach to learning with initial information dissemination, followed by a chance to practice the application of knowledge via the practical sessions, using a problem based learning approach. Classes will expect you to read the lecture notes ahead of the lecture and to use the reading lists for background reading. Practical sessions [and some problem solving in lectures] will provide a rich feedback framework based on problem based learning. Learning will be carried out by fostering teamwork in a development environment and enhancing the students' knowledge of the subject matter through peer engagement.

Class contact provides the initial academic support to the module; however, a number of additional support structures are built within and around this.

Verbal feedback and comments are given throughout the sessions. Such comments may be generic and applicable to all students, typically noting procedures or some technical guideline or could be more directed to the individuals learning. The eLearning Portal (Blackboard) is used in the module where the taught content is replicated along with links to the reading list support, case studies and appropriate web sites showing relation of the theory to the industrial context of the module. Additional support is provided through office contact hours listed on the eLP, where tutors can be accessed in a professional manner to reflect the world of work and enhance employability skills.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
MLO1 Understand complex engineering theories relevant to the failure of materials through fracture and fatigue.

MLO2 Analyse the theoretical and practical aspects of material nonlinearity and its influence on material behaviour.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

MLO3 Utilise a critical and evaluative approach to solving complex problems.

MLO4 Defend your engineering solution, design rationale or analysis.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

MLO5 Exercise creativity and initiative in the development of solutions to complex engineering problems.

Formative Assessment
Formative feedback will come through your active engagement with the tutor and peers in the taught sessions and through dialogue, which through verbal feedback will allow you to reflect on the learning and feed improvements forward to the final submitted work.


Summative Assessment
1 – Coursework (30%, 2500 words or equivalent) assessing MLOs 2 & 4.

2 - Coursework (70%, 3500 words or equivalent) assessing MLOs 1, 3 & 5.

You will receive individual written feedback for each coursework within 20 working days.

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This module will enhance your understanding of the design and analysis of mechanical and structural systems from a mechanics and dynamics perspective. It aims to apply design and analysis methods in solving complex mechanical and structural problems using analytical approaches and numerical techniques such as finite element methods. Giving you a strong background in analytical and numerical analysis of mechanical and structural systems the module offers a good grounding and develops your understanding to facilitate further study and enhance your key employability skills.

This module tackles advanced stress and structural analyses and their practical application as used in modern Mechanical Engineering design. You will engage in the topic of material nonlinearity and its effect on material behaviour and encompass the failure assessment of components through the study of fatigue and fracture. You will develop skills in the effective use of analytical and computational stress analysis techniques in the design, testing and failure assessment of materials and structures.