Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives The student is expected to develop a greater understanding of the fundamental processes by which engineering designers arrive at acceptable solutions; an awareness of the various techniques and methods which designers can use to develop the best design; an understanding of appropriate topics which will enable engineering designers to produce reliable, safe, optimal and ergonomically acceptable designs; an ability to work through the product planning and development process to produce acceptable designs; the ability to apply various techniques and methods to aid the design process; an ability to select appropriate materials.
Synopsis In this subject the fundamental processes by which designers arrive at acceptable solutions are examined in more detail than previously. Further methods by which designers can be guided towards the best solution are studied along with creativity, material selection, failure analysis, risk and hazard analysis, safety, reliability, product design and development, design for manufacture, ergonomics, maintainability, computer applications in mechanical engineering design, case studies, and other appropriate current topics.
Assessment Examination: 35% + Assignments: 30% + Design projects: 35%