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:
- Examine scientific data using both quantitative and qualitative methods.
- Determine parameters within mechanical engineering systems.
- Explore the characteristics and properties of engineering materials.
- 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
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Pass |
Merit |
Distinction |
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LO1 Examine scientific data using both quantitative and qualitative methods |
D1 Analyse scientific data using both quantitative and qualitative methods |
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P1 Describe SI units and prefix notation P2 Examine quantitative and qualitative data with appropriate graphical representations |
M1 Explain how the application of scientific method impacts upon different test procedures |
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LO2 Determine parameters within mechanical engineering systems |
D2 Compare how changes in the thermal efficiency of a given system can affect its performance. |
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P3 Determine the support reactions of a beam carrying a combination of a concentrated load and a uniformly distributed load |
M2 Determine unknown forces by applying d`Alembert`s principle to a free body diagram |
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P4 Use Archimedes’ principle in contextual engineering applications |
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P5 Determine the effects of heat transfer on the dimensions of given materials |
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Pass |
Merit |
Distinction |
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LO3 Explore the characteristics and properties of engineering materials |
D3 Compare and contrast theoretical material properties of metals and non-metals with practical test data |
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P6 Describe the structural properties of metals and non-metals with reference to their material properties |
M3 Review elastic and electromagnetic hysteresis in different materials |
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P7 Explain the types of degradation found in metals and non-metals |
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LO4 Analyse applications of A.C./D.C. circuit theorems, electromagnetic principles and properties |
D4 Evaluate different techniques used to solve problems on a combined series-parallel RLC circuit using A.C. theory. |
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P8 Calculate currents and voltages in D.C. circuits using circuit theorems P9 Describe how complex waveforms are produced from combining two or more sinusoidal waveforms. |
M4 Explain the principles and applications of electromagnetic induction |
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P10 Solve problems on series RLC circuits with A.C. theory. |
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Recommended Resources
Textbooks
BIRD, J. (2012) Science for Engineering. 4th Ed. London: Routledge. BOLTON, W. (2006) Engineering Science. 5th Ed. London: Routledge.
TOOLEY, M. and DINGLE, L. (2012) Engineering Science: For Foundation Degree and Higher National. London: Routledge.
Journals
International Journal of Engineering Science.
International Journal of Engineering Science and Innovative Technology.
Websites
https://www.khanacademy.org/ Khan Academy
Physics (Tutorials)
Links
This unit links to the following related units:
