MEC3456 - Engineering computational analysis - 2017

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Faculty

Engineering

Organisational Unit

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Coordinator(s)

Dr Zhe Liu

Not offered in 2017

Synopsis

This unit conveys the fundamentals of numerical analysis techniques for root-finding, interpolation, integration, the solution of ordinary differential equations and data analysis, and Matlab is employed to demonstrate their implementation. The role computers play in both the solution of engineering problems and the acquisition and analysis of data is explored through consideration of common partial differential equations in mechanics, and their solution via finite difference, finite volume, and finite element methods.

Outcomes

  1. Understanding of the role of computers and numerical analysis in modern engineering practice
  2. Appreciation of stability, efficiency and accuracy constraints on available methods for numerical approximation of engineering solutions
  3. Understanding of numerical methods for interpolation, root-finding, integration, solution of ordinary and partial differential equations, and analysis of data.
  4. Knowledge and skills to generate accurate solutions to engineering problems using numerical computing
  5. Knowledge of the types of equations which arise in computational mechanics
  6. Understanding of finite difference, finite volume and finite element methods, and their application to computational mechanics problems
  7. Understanding of methods for data analysis, including sampling, Fourier transforms and filtering
  8. Solve engineering problems numerically
  9. Determine the appropriate technique to solve a problem through consideration of the accuracy, efficiency and stability of available methods
  10. Acquire, analyse and interpret data
  11. Complete tasks as part of a team
  12. Improve oral and written communication skills
  13. Appreciation of the role of computers in engineering industry
  14. Confidence in identifying engineering problems and formulating original solutions.

Assessment

Laboratory and Assignments: 30% + Examination (3 hours): 70%

Students are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final examination component and an overall mark of 50% to achieve a pass grade in the unit. Students failing to achieve this requirement will be given a maximum of 45% in the unit.

Workload requirements

3 hour lectures, 3 hours practice sessions or laboratories per week (this may alternate with 2 hours lectures and 4 hours practice sessions/laboratories) and 6 hours of private study per week

See also Unit timetable information

Chief examiner(s)

Prerequisites