MEC4422

Engineering practices: optimal design

B T Kuhnell

4 points
* 22 lecture hours and 22 tutorial hours
* Second semester
* Clayton
* Prerequisites: MEC3403

Objectives To understand the need for optimal solutions to design problems, the nature of optimisation problems and that real problems have constraints and to gain knowledge of optimisation techniques.

Synopsis Figures of merit, single variable optimisation, selection of optimal materials, multivariable optimisation, optimisation techniques. FEM, FEA, boundary conditions, symmetry, displacement loading, press fits, rigid links, seam/spot welds, advanced FEA.

Assessment Written: 100%

Recommended texts

Balachandran M B Knowledge based optimum design Computational Mechanics Publications, 1993
Baumeister (ed.) Marks' handbook for mechanical engineers McGraw-Hill
Wilde B Foundations of optimization Prentice-Hall