UWA Handbook 2025

Unit Overview

Description

This unit covers the principles of analysis and design of machines' mechanical components and, to some extent, their assemblies using the principles of solid mechanics and engineering standards/codes, introduces students to professional engineering practice (including use of professional references, Australian and international standards and design codes), and provides students with hands-on experience in the mechanical engineering design process.

Credit

6 points

Offering
(see Timetable)

Availability	Location	Mode
Semester 2	UWA (Perth)	Face to face

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) analyse selected machine components and assemblies for static strength, fatigue failure and failure due to elastic instability; (2) apply the rudimentary design process for selected machine components and assemblies; (3) make design decisions supported by logical reasoning, knowledge and creativity when provided with uncertain, ambiguous, imprecise and/or redundant information; (4) quantitatively describe/explain the non-static failure mechanism of fatigue and be capable of incorporating it where appropriate into analysis or design; (5) describe selected commonly used mechanical components with the assistance of principles of solid mechanics and mathematical models formulated using these principles; (6) locate and evaluate literature and other sources of information relevant to the unit content; (7) work effectively in a team to achieve professional outcomes; (8) communicate effectively through concise written technical reports, using discourse conventions relevant to the discipline (including engineering drawing); (9) use selected design standards/codes; and (10) explain the development and limitations of selected models used in the analysis and design of machine components and the need to adapt them to changed circumstances.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) quizzes; (2) assignments; and (3) final examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.

To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the final examination component.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)

Professor Adam Wittek

Unit rules

Prerequisites

Enrolment in

62550 Master of Professional Engineering (Mechanical Engineering specialisation)

Incompatibility

MECH4502 Analysis and Design of Machine Components

Advisable prior study

(ENSC1004 Engineering Materials
or MECH2002 Engineering Materials 2) and (ENSC3001 Mechanisms and Machines
or MECH3001 Mechanisms and Machines) and (ENSC3002 Materials and Manufacturing
or MECH2003 Manufacturing
or MECH3002 Manufacturing) and (ENSC3004 Solid Mechanics
or GENG2004 Solid Mechanics)

Contact hours

lectures: 3 hours per week
specialised lectures and seminars: 3-5 hours per semester
practical classes: 2 hours per week

Recommended
reading

Budynas, R. G. and Nisbett, J. K. Shigley's Mechanical Engineering Design, not older than 8th edn: in SI Units: McGraw-Hill 2008

Juvinall, R. C and Marshek, K. M. Fundamentals of Machine Component Design, not older than 5th edn: John Wiley & Sons 2012

Beer, F. P. et al. Mechanics of Materials, any edn: McGraw-Hill

Gere, J. M. and Goodno, B. J. Mechanics of Materials, any edn: Cengage Learning

Lecture notes: Wright, D. C. Design and Analysis of Machine Elements, latest edn: UWA School of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering