Unit 3: Engineering Science

Unit code T/615/1477

Unit type  Core

Unit level 4

Credit value 15

Introduction

Engineering is a discipline that uses scientific theory to design, develop or maintain structures, machines, systems, and processes. Engineers are therefore required to have a broad knowledge of the science that is applicable to the industry around them.

This unit introduces students to the fundamental laws and applications of the physical sciences within engineering and how to apply this knowledge to find solutions to a variety of engineering problems.

Among the topics included in this unit are: international system of units, interpreting data, static and dynamic forces, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, material properties and failure, and A.C./D.C. circuit theories.

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to interpret and present qualitative and quantitative data using computer software, calculate unknown parameters within mechanical systems, explain a variety of material properties and use electromagnetic theory in an applied context.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this unit students will be able to:

1. Examine scientific data using both quantitative and qualitative methods.
2. Determine parameters within mechanical engineering systems.
3. Explore the characteristics and properties of engineering materials.
4. Analyse applications of A.C./D.C. circuit theorems, electromagnetic principles and properties.

Essential Content

LO1 Examine scientific data using both quantitative and qualitative methods

International system of units:

The basic dimensions in the physical world and the corresponding SI base units SI derived units with special names and symbols

SI prefixes and their representation with engineering notation

Interpreting data:

Investigation using the scientific method to gather appropriate data

Test procedures for physical (destructive and non-destructive) tests and statistical tests that might be used in gathering information

Summarising quantitative and qualitative data with appropriate graphical representations

Using presentation software to present data to an audience

LO2 Determine parameters within mechanical engineering systems

Static and dynamic forces:

Representing loaded components with space and free body diagrams

Calculating support reactions of beams subjected to concentrated and distributed loads

Newton’s laws of motion, D’Alembert’s principle and the principle of conservation of energy

Fluid mechanics and thermodynamics:

Archimedes’ principle and hydrostatics

Continuity of volume and mass flow for an incompressible fluid Effects of sensible/latent heat of fluid

Heat transfer due to temperature change and the thermodynamic process equations

LO3 Explore the characteristics and properties of engineering materials

Material properties:

Atomic structure of materials and the structure of metals, polymers and composites

Mechanical and electromagnetic properties of materials

Material failure:

Destructive and non-destructive testing of materials The effects of gradual and impact loading on a material. Degradation of materials and hysteresis

LO4 Analyse applications of A.C./D.C. circuit theorems, electromagnetic principles and properties

D.C. circuit theory:

Voltage, current and resistance in D.C. networks

Exploring circuit theorems (Thevenin, Norton, Superposition), Ohm’s law and Kirchhoff’s voltage and current laws

A.C. circuit theory:

Waveform characteristics in a single-phase A.C. circuit RLC circuits

Magnetism:

Characteristics of magnetic fields and electromagnetic force The principles and applications of electromagnetic induction

Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria