Objectives of Programme's Learning Outcomes

• Imagine, design, carry out and operate solutions (machines, equipment, processes, systems and units) to provide a solution to a complex problem by integrating needs, constraints, context and technical, economic, societal, ethical and environmental issues.
• Optimally design and calculate the dimensions of machinery, equipment, processes, systems or units, based on state of the art, a study or model, addressing the problem raised; evaluate them in light of various parameters of the specifications.
• Mobilise a structured set of scientific knowledge and skills and specialised techniques in order to carry out mechanical engineering missions, using their expertise and adaptability.
• Master and appropriately mobilise knowledge, models, methods and techniques specific to mechanical engineering.
• Study a machine, equipment, system, method or device by critically selecting theories and methodological approaches, and taking into account multidisciplinary aspects.
• Assess the validity of models and results in view of the state of science and characteristics of the problem.

Learning Outcomes of UE

- To understand the fundamentals of computer-aided simulation of mechanical systems (conceptual definition of the system, construction and integration of the equations of motion, equations of specific force elements) so as to induce a deliberate usage and to avoid the pitfalls (for that purpose, the workshops combine a home made tool requiring a theoretical knowledge and a black box commercial software);
- to illustrate how a simulation tool, when used carefully, can help the engineer in his design process (force determination for dimensioning, assessment of dynamic performances of machines, stability analysis,...);
- to improve the practical knowledge of the English language (course, notes and reports in English).

Content of UE

Mathematical tools: localization in space, vectors, homogeneous transformation matrices, rotation tensors.
Elements of a mechanical system: bodies, joints, force elements.
Kinematic analysis: degrees of freedom, configuration parameters, velocities, accelerations, kinematic matrices.
Numerical construction of equations of motion (minimal and Cartesian coordinates).
Numerical integration: ODE, DAE, accuracy, stability.
Other numerical problems: static analysis, assembly, eigen analysis
Applications: vehicles on tires or rails, contact with friction

Prior Experience

Geometry. Theoretical mechanics. Numerical analysis.

Type of Assessment for UE in Q2

• Presentation and/or works
• Oral Examination

Q2 UE Assessment Comments

The evaluation is based on the laboratory (reports and participation) and the oral examination.
During the oral examination, the students must first answer questions about theory for which they may have the course notes during 30 minutes. In a second step, the students must solve by simulation a problem inspired from the workshops. For this part, the students may have whatever they want.
Maximal duration: 4 hours.
The mark is distributed in this way - Theory question of the oral examination: 40 %. - Application question of the oral examination: 30 %. - Workshops : 30 %

Type of Assessment for UE in Q3

• Oral examination

Q3 UE Assessment Comments

Idem 1st session for the oral examination. The mark related to the workshops is automatically carried over, unless the student refuses it, in which case the oral examination is worth 100 % of the mark.