Coursework
Master of Engineering (Mechanical with Aerospace)
- CRICOS Code: 069275C
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What will I study?
Overview
The Master of Engineering (Mechanical with Aerospace) is a 2–3 year degree (full-time) depending on your prior study.
Course structure
First year
In your first year (or equivalent) you’ll complete foundation engineering subjects – tailored to students from a non-engineering background. If you’ve completed the Mechanical Systems major in your bachelor’s degree, plus the required maths and science subjects, you’ll receive credit for these foundation engineering subjects and start in second year.
Second and third year
In the second year of the program (or equivalent), you’ll focus on mechanical engineering, discovering how to turn power into motion, and develop skills in fluid mechanics, turbulence and biomechanics. In the third year, you will undertake five advanced technical subjects tailored to aerospace applications in fluid mechanics, propulsion, aeroelasticity and aerospace control.
You’ll undertake an industry, design or research project and gain the skills and knowledge to practice as a professional engineer.
Industry, research and capstone subjects
Mechanical Engineering Capstone Project
Conduct aerospace engineering design or research alongside our world-leading mechanical engineering staff in our Mechanical Engineering Capstone Project. Work on an industry partnered project, or pursue your own exploratory research. You’ll have the opportunity to present the findings to the public at our annual engineering showcase, the Endeavour Engineering and IT Exhibition.
Sample course plan
View some sample course plans to help you select subjects that will meet the requirements for this degree.
Year 1
100 pts
- Semester 1 50 pts
- Semester 2 50 pts
Year 2
100 pts
- Semester 1 50 pts
- Semester 2 50 pts
Year 3
100 pts
- Semester 1 50 pts
- Semester 2 50 pts
Year 1
100 pts
- Semester 2 50 pts
- Semester 1 50 pts
Year 2
100 pts
- Semester 2 50 pts
- Semester 1 50 pts
Year 3
100 pts
- Semester 2 50 pts
- Semester 1 50 pts
Explore this course
Explore the subjects you could choose as part of this degree.
Core
Students must complete the following subjects (100 points):
- Foundations of Electrical Networks 12.5 pts
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Foundations of Electrical Networks develops an understanding of fundamental modelling techniques for the analysis of systems that involve electrical phenomena. This includes networks models of “flow-drop” one-port elements in steady state (DC and AC), electrical power systems, simple RC and RL transient analysis, and networks involving ideal and non-ideal operational amplifiers.
It forms the foundation of many engineering subjects exploring fundamental concepts in electrical and electronic engineering.
The subject will cover key electrical engineering topics in the areas of:
Electrical phenomena – charge, current, electrical potential, conservation of energy and charge, the generation, storage, transport and dissipation of electrical power.
Network models – networks of “flow-drop” one-port elements, Kirchoff’s laws, standard current-voltage models for one-ports (independent sources, resistors, capacitors, inductors, transducers, diodes), analysis of static networks, properties of linear time-invariant (LTI) one-ports and impedance functions, diodes, transformers, steady-state (DC and AC) analysis of LTI networks via mesh and node techniques, equivalent circuits, and transient analysis of simple circuits;
Electrical power systems – overview of power generation and transmission, analysis of single-phase and balanced three-phase AC power systems.Analysis and design of networks involving ideal and non-ideal operational amplifiers.
This material will be complemented by exposure to software tools for the simulation of electrical and electronic systems and the opportunity to develop basic electrical engineering laboratory skills using a prototyping breadboard, digital multimeter, function generator, DC power supply, and oscilloscope.
- Engineering Mechanics 12.5 pts
The aim of this subject is to provide an introduction to modelling the stresses and deformations that occur when axial, torsional and flexural loads are applied to a body in static equilibrium, as well as the translational and rotational motions that eventuate in a body subject to different load applications. This material will be complemented with laboratory and project based approaches to learning.
The subject provides the basis for all the mechanical engineering subjects that follow. The calculations introduced in this subject are the most common type of calculations performed by professional mechanical engineers in all sectors of the industry.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Topics to be covered include free-body diagrams; equilibrium; force systems; stresses and strains; coordinate systems; statically indeterminate systems; flexure; bending under combine loads; torsion; power transmission; kinematics; relative motion; particle kinetics; impulse and momentum; vibration; rigid body motion; angular impulse and momentum; work and energy.
- Engineering Mathematics 12.5 pts
This subject introduces important mathematical methods required in engineering such as manipulating vector differential operators, computing multiple integrals and using integral theorems. A range of ordinary and partial differential equations are solved by a variety of methods and their solution behaviour is interpreted. The subject also introduces sequences and series including the concepts of convergence and divergence.
Topics include: Vector calculus, including Gauss’ and Stokes’ Theorems; sequences and series; Fourier series, Laplace transforms; systems of homogeneous ordinary differential equations, including phase plane and linearization for nonlinear systems; second order partial differential equations and separation of variables.
- Mechanics & Materials 12.5 pts
AIMS
This subject consists of three distinct and fundamentally related topics -
- An introduction to the fundamentals of materials science will be given on atomic structure and bonding, crystal structures and defects, elastic and plastic deformation, dislocations and strengthening and failured (fast fracture, fatigue and creep)
- The mechanics of materials section will extend the concepts of material mechanical behaviour by detailing elastic/inelastic behaviour and introducing the concepts of stress and strain analysis. Topics covered may include the definition of principal stresses, plane stress, plane strain, two-dimensional stress and strain analysis, torsion, pure bending, transverse loading, Mohr’s circle, failure criteria, inelastic behaviour, residual stress
- This subject will also provide an introduction to finite element analysis (FEA) and its application for stress-strain analysis. Particular emphasis will be placed on the fundamental mechanisms by which materials fail under loading.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
- Mechanics: the definition of principal stresses, plane stress, plane strain, two-dimensional stress and strain analysis, torsion, pure bending, transverse loading, Mohr’s circle, failure criteria, inelastic behaviour, residual stress.
- Materials: atomic structure and bonding, crystal structures and defects, elastic and plastic deformation, dislocations and strengthening and failure (fast fracture, fatigue and creep).
- Finite element analysis (FEA): FEA procedure, application of FEA to discrete systems and continuous bodies.
- Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics 12.5 pts
AIMS
This course is an introduction to basic principles of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics. These two subjects are introduced together in a single course, reflecting the large degree of cross-over in applications and basic first principles between the two subjects.
Fluid mechanics is a very important core subject, influencing a diverse range of engineering systems (aircraft, ships, road vehicle design, air conditioning, energy conversion, wind turbines, hydroelectric schemes to name but a few) and also impacts on many biological (blood flow, bird flight etc) and even meteorological studies. As engineers, we are typically concerned with predicting the force required to move a body through a fluid, or the power required to pump fluid through a system. However, before we can achieve this goal, we must start from fundamental principles governing fluid flow.
Thermodynamics could be defined as the science of energy. This subject can be broadly interpreted to include all aspects of energy and energy transformations. Like fluid mechanics, this is a hugely important subject in engineering, underpinning many key engineering systems including power generation, engines, gas turbines, refrigeration, heating etc. This unit again starts from first principles to introduce the basic concepts of thermodynamics, paving the way for later more advanced units
This course aims to develop a fundamental understanding of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, based on first principles and physical arguments. Real world engineering examples will be used to illustrate and develop an intuitive understanding of these subjects.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Topics include:
Fluid Mechanics - fluid statics, static forces on submerged structures, stability of floating bodies; solid body motion; fluid dynamics; streamlines; pathlines and streaklines; conservation of mass, momentum and energy; Euler's equation and Bernoulli's equation; control volume analysis; dimensional analysis; incompressible flow in pipes and ducts; boundary layers; flow around immersed bodies; and drag and lift.
Thermodynamics - heat and work, ideal non-flow and flow processes; laws of thermodynamics; Carnot's principle; Clausius inequality; direct and reversed heat engines; thermal efficiencies; properties of pure substances; change of phase; representation of properties; steam and air tables; and vapour equation of state, ideal gases.
- Systems Modelling and Analysis 12.5 pts
This subject will cover the modelling of a range of physical systems across multiple domains as ordinary differential equations, and then introduce the mathematical techniques to analyse their open loop behaviour.
Topics include:
- Development of low order models of a range of electrical, thermal, mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic dynamic systems
- Different representations of these systems (time and, frequency domains) and transformations between them (Laplace, Fourier and Z-transforms)
- Representations of systems – transfer functions, Bode plots, state space, block diagrams, etc
- Identification of linear time invariant systems (least squares identification)
- Relation to time domain properties of open loop responses – stability, oscillations, etc.
MATLAB will be used throughout the course to complement the presented concepts.
- Mechanical Systems Design 12.5 pts
The subject introduces students to the conceptual engineering design process, with an associated emphasis on realising autonomous mechanical systems. This includes project formulation, ideation, evaluation, and realisation. Project realisation includes physical prototyping and review to assess performance against the initial formulation phase.
The design process incorporates cost benefit analysis with associated socio-economic and human factors, and fault analysis. Autonomous system design includes mechatronic approaches to data-driven system design and regulation.
- Numerical Methods in Engineering 12.5 pts
The aim of this subject is to equip students with computational tools for solving common physical engineering problems. The focus of the lectures is on archetypical physical engineering problems and their solutions via the effective implementation of classical algorithms.
Indicative content: basic programming concepts and construction such as: arrays, loops, conditional statements and functions; numerical computation techniques such as: root finding, systems of linear algebraic equations, least squares, interpolation, differentiation, integration, numerical integration of ordinary differential equations and two-point boundary value problems, numerical stability and convergence, numerical schemes using Fourier analysis
Core
Students must complete the following subjects (87.5 points):
- Control Systems 12.5 pts
AIMS
This subject provides an introduction to automatic control systems, with an emphasis on classical techniques for the analysis and design of feedback interconnections. The main challenge in automatic control is to achieve desired performance in the presence of uncertainty about the system dynamics and the operating environment. Feedback control is one way to deal with modelling uncertainty in the design of engineering systems. This subject is a core requirement in the Master of Engineering (Electrical, Electrical with Business, Mechanical, Mechanical with Business and Mechatronics).
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Topics include:
* Modelling for control, linearization, relationships between time and frequency domain models of linear time-invariant dynamical systems, and the structure, stability, performance, and robustness of feedback interconnections;
* Frequency-domain analysis and design, Nyquist and Bode plots, gain and phase margins, loop-shaping with proportional, integral, lead, and lag compensators, loop delays, and fundamental limitations in design; and
* Actuator constraints and anti-windup compensation.
This material is complemented by the use of software tools (e.g. MATLAB/Simulink) for computation and simulation, and exposure to control system hardware in the laboratory.
- Fluid Dynamics 12.5 pts
AIMS
This subject builds upon previous fluids subjects, providing students with the basic skills necessary to calculate fluid flows around bodies. Broadly speaking the subject is divided into two units; Unit 1: potential flow and Unit 2: compressible flow. These could equally be described as subsonic and supersonic aerodynamics respectively. Fluid flows have broad reaching applications in many engineering systems and examples as broad as building ventilation, mixing, as well as meteorological applications are considered in unit 1. The supersonic course is more firmly concentrated on aeronautical / astronautical applications.
Both units will start from the basic equations of motion governing fluid flow, and build a useable set of tools that enable the students to calculate flow fields in potential and supersonic flows. This approach will give students a clear sense of the origins of the tools that they use, and also a clear sense of the limitations. Such knowledge is necessary since these theories provided much of the backbone to early computational fluid dynamics packages used in industry.
The two units are strongly linked by the same goal. Throughout the potential flow unit, we build slowly from first principles, proving the utility of potential flow solutions, adding building block flows until eventually the course culminates with a demonstration of how these techniques can be used to calculate the flow (and lift coefficient) of subsonic airfoils. The supersonic unit follows a similar approach, building from first principles, until we eventually develop a set of tools that enables the calculation of the flow (and lift coefficient) of supersonic airfoils. In doing so, students will be introduced to many aspects of supersonic aircraft design.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
This subject introduces students to analysis techniques used in subsonic and supersonic flows. Topics covered include (Unit 1) basic introduction to inviscid flow with and without vorticity; concepts and analysis using stream function and velocity potential; incompressible viscous flow past bodies with vortex shedding; magnus effect; complex velocity potential; (Unit 2) speed of sound; aerodynamic heating; normal and oblique shock waves; expansion fans; theories of thin airfoils; shock expansion theory; boundary layer and shock wave interactions; the `sound barrier’; experimental techniques.
- Design for Manufacture 12.5 pts
AIMS
This subject aims to equip students with the skills to undertake abstract and concrete design tasks at an intermediate level, taking into account the wider engineering environment and the ability to select suitable manufacturing processes to realise their designs. As a result, students will also be able to modify products and processes to improve their performance.
This subject will consider the design of machine elements and introduce the manufacturing processes to produce these elements. It will present concurrent design of systems and products; computer-based techniques for geometric modelling and materials selection. The impact of variability in manufacturing will be accounted for in approaches to uncertainty in design, including tolerance technology. It will provide project-based experience in the use of conceptual design techniques and in the management of larger open-ended, team-based design tasks.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
- Fundamentals of materials selection, shape efficient structures and Cambridge Materials Selector.
- Design of springs, columns, pressure vessels, contact loading, bolted joints and pinned and welded joints.
- Nature of quality in design, Quality Function Deployment (QFD), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), tolerance technology, and design for manufacturing, assembly and disassembly.
- Materials 12.5 pts
AIMS
This subject introduces the concept of microstructure and explores its relationship with processing and properties in the context of basic types of engineering materials and their applications. Topics covered include: diffusion, phase equilibrium and diagrams, phase transformation, metallic alloys, ceramics, polymers, composites, surface and other selected non-mechanical properties.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Diffusion, phase equilibrium and diagrams, phase transformation, metallic alloys, ceramics, polymers, composites, surface and other selected non-mechanical properties.
- Thermodynamics 12.5 pts
AIMS
There are 2 related, major topics of study in this subject. Each of these topics will analyse aspects of important thermodynamic devices and will then be integrated to analyse their combined effects in selected devices:
- Cycle analysis: gas turbines, refrigeration and steam cycles
- Heat transfer: conduction, convection, radiation and heat exchangers
INDICATIVE CONTENT
- Heat transfer: 1-D conduction, external convection, internal convection, heat exchangers and thermal radiation
- Cycle analysis: Brayton cycles, turboject cycles, Rankine cycles, refrigeration cycles
- Solid Mechanics 12.5 pts
AIMS
This course will build on the fundamental theories defined previously in Mechanics & Materials. Two principal theories in the determination of stress within a structure are energy methods and three-dimensional analysis.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Topics covered in this course will include engineering plasticity, design of pressure vessels and pipes, thick-walled cylinders, shrink fitting, duplex pressure vessels, inelastic deformation, residual stresses, membrane theory of shells of revolution, yielding, rotating shells, local bending stresses, stress analysis of rotating discs with and without holes, shrink fitting, initial and ultimate yielding, fracture mechanics and fatigue, and introduction to the finite element method.
- Dynamics 12.5 pts
This subject continues from Engineering Mechanics to deepen the understanding of (momentum-based) Newtonian Mechanics. It focuses on the study of the motion of rigid bodies in 3D space in kinematics, kinetics and finally the Newton Euler approach of obtaining the equation of motion as well as collision of rigid bodies. Extension to multi-body systems is introduced in each concept. System analysis is introduced by focusing on a case study of gyroscopic motion.
Kinematics of rigid bodies:
- Non inertial coordinate systems
- Rotation representation
- Angular velocity and acceleration in non-inertial frame
- Constraints.
Rigid Body Kinetics
- Kinetics of rigid bodies:
- Inertia tensor, principle axis
- Parallel axis theorem.
Newton-Euler Approach to obtaining equation of motion.
Collision of Rigid Bodies:
- Impulse-momentum principle
- Collision of point masses (particles)
- Collision of unconstrained rigid bodies
- Collision of constrained rigid bodies.
Gyroscopic motion.
Selective
Choose one of the following 12.5 point subjects. University of Melbourne pathway students are recommended to take Creating Innovative Engineering (ENGR90034).
- Creating Innovative Engineering 12.5 pts
The aim of this subject is to give participants both practical experience in, and theoretical insights into, elements of engineering innovation.
The subject is intense, challenging, experiential and requires significant self-direction. Participants will work on an innovation project sponsored by a local organisation.
A key theme is that the individual cannot be separated from the technical processes of engineering innovation. The impact of both individual and team contributions to the engineering and innovation processes will be examined in the context of real world challenges.
Creating Innovative Engineering (CIE) and its companion subject, Creating Innovative Professionals ENGR90039 (CIP), are delivered by the University's Innovation Practice Program. To learn more about the Program, including the range of organizations that have participated as sponsors, examples of past projects and to hear students talk about their experiences in taking CIE/CIP, please go to the Innovation Practice Program’s website.
All project sponsors will require that students maintain the confidentiality of their proprietary information. Some project sponsors will require students to assign any Intellectual Property created (other than Copyright in their Assessment Materials) to the University. The projects may vary in the hours needed for a successful outcome.
- Critical Communication for Engineers 12.5 pts
Critical Communication for Engineers (CCE) addresses the skills vital for professional success. Problem analysis skills and being able to present solutions effectively to your engineering peers, leaders and the broader community are a powerful combination. These are the focus of CCE.
They are challenging skills to learn—and you will likely work to improve them throughout your career. Effective communication is not merely about how to write a report or to give a formal presentation. Developing a strong argument—having something insightful to communicate—is essential for capturing the attention of an audience. This requires developing good interpersonal skills for gathering information and testing ideas.
The subject is divided into four ‘topics’ presented in sequence through the semester. Each topic is self-contained and dedicated to a different engineering issue. There is an assessment for each topic, meaning that you will be able to apply what you have learned from one topic to the following topics. This way, you will have a lot of opportunities to practise and develop your analytical and communication skills.
- Creating Innovative Professionals 12.5 pts
This subject aims to give participants theoretical frameworks, practical insights, and preliminary skills to work in their chosen profession in contexts where determining what problem to work on is an important complement to knowing how to solve that problem.
Participants will develop these understandings, insights and skills by working in teams on a strategically-important innovation challenge sponsored by an industry organisation. This subject is similar to Creating Innovative Engineering (ENGR90034), but is designed for students seeking a multi-disciplinary learning experience.
Participants will learn theories of human-centred innovation and apply them in their project. They will learn how to work in teams and use those skills to deliver the project. They will learn to conceptualise their career as an innovation project, and how to apply the innovation skills and theories presented in the subject to their own careers.
The subject is challenging, experiential and requires significant self-direction.
Creating Innovative Professionals (CIP) and its companion subject, Creating Innovative Engineering ENGR90034 (CIE), are delivered by the University's Innovation Practice Program. To learn more about the Program, including the range of organizations that have participated as sponsors, examples of past projects and to hear students talk about their experiences in taking CIE/CIP, please go to the Innovation Practice Program’s website.
All project sponsors will require students to maintain the confidentiality of their proprietary information. The University will require all students (except those working on projects sponsored by the University itself) to assign any Intellectual Property they create (other than Copyright in their Assessment Materials) to the sponsor of their project.
Core
Students must complete the following subjects (62.5 points):
- Computational Fluid Dynamics 12.5 pts
AIM
Within this subject you will learn how to use Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to solve practical industrial and research related fluid flow and heat/mass transfer problems. The major assessment within this subject is a capstone project, requiring a CFD treatment of a major piece of equipment related to your degree discipline area. This project may be industry or research based. Learning is supported by a number of structured group-based workshops completed throughout the semester, requiring completion of associated on-line quizzes. This subject may be completed entirely online. Guest lectures from academia and industry will share insights into how they use CFD in their research/workplace.
The content of this subject is split between two related modules:
1) Fundamentals of CFD: Within this module we will cover the mathematical basis of modern CFD methods, using MATLAB as a programming tool to demonstrate specific fundamental concepts. Specific topics include overview, conservation laws, advection-diffusion equations, differencing schemes, finite volume method, stability analysis, error analysis, boundary conditions and solution algorithms for solving Navier-Stokes equations.
2) Applications of CFD: This module will be based around the industry-relevant CFD package ANSYS Fluent. Specific topics include: How to run a basic simulation, meshing, laminar 2D and 3D flows, boundary conditions, discretisation methods, visualisation, turbulence, disperse multiphase flows, free-surface multiphase flows, coupled heat and mass transfer, chemical reactions, use of CFD in industry and research.
- Advanced Fluid Dynamics 12.5 pts
AIMS
The study of fluid dynamics is one of the fundamental disciplines in Mechanical Engineering. In the first part of the course, students will learn about boundary-layer theory, which is a key element of aerodynamic design. A guest-lecture series on wind engineering will build on this knowledge to give students a perspective on one of the most important forms of renewable energy in our society today.
In the second part of the course, students will learn about data acquisition and analysis. These skills are required of engineers working with the technology of today and into the future. The course will help students understand the costs, difficulties and possibilities afforded by sensor systems and instrumentation, with applications for, but not limited to, fluid dynamics.
INDICATIVE CONTENTThis subject will cover selected advanced topics in fluid mechanics. Building on previous fluids courses, the subject is broadly split into two units, although content of these will overlap.
Unit 1: Turbulence and boundary layers. Topics covered include Navier-Stokes equations applied to wall-bounded flows, similarity solutions of the boundary-layer equations, Blasius solution, Falkner-Skan solution, separated flows, turbulent boundary layers, Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations, dimension analysis, pipe friction, Von Karman momentum integral equation, roughness.
Unit 2: Experimental techniques. Through a series of lectures, labs and assignments, students will be introduced to key concepts of experimental (and numerical) techniques related to fluid mechanics. Topics will include: data analysis (to include correlations, discrete Fourier transform, energy spectra); Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV); hot-wire anemometry; advanced potential flow numerical techniques.
- Aerospace Dynamics and Control 12.5 pts
This subject introduces performance, stability and control of a range of aerospace vehicles. It will cover the modelling of aerospace physical systems as ordinary differential equations, and then introduce mathematical techniques to analyse and control their behaviour.
The topics covered in this subject include:- The fundamentals of flight dynamics for flight vehicles in the atmosphere. This will describe the flight dynamic models and stability of flight vehicles.
- The fundamentals of spacecraft dynamics for six degree of freedom space vehicles. This will describe basic orbital mechanics and the translation and rotation of rigid bodies.
- Other key topics that will be considered are control and estimation methods to stabilize flight and orbital vehicles, an introduction to inertial navigation systems and vertical take-off and landing aircraft models.
MATLAB will be used throughout the course to complement the presented concepts.
- Vibrations and Aeroelasticity 12.5 pts
This subject is concerned with the modelling and analysis of vibrating systems. It provides tools to analyse a range of systems in which vibration occurs, including the vibration of systems in which aerodynamic forces are also important (aeroelasticity).
The topics covered in this subject are:
The vibration of a single mass-spring-damper system. This will include the calculation of its natural frequency, its free vibration, and its response to forcing.
The vibration of mass-spring-damper systems with multiple degrees of freedom. This will include calculation of the system’s natural frequencies and mode shapes, its free vibration, and its response to forcing.
The vibration of continuous systems in engineering applications. This will include the vibration of strings and beams (for which there is one spatial dimension); and the vibration of membranes and plates (for which there are two spatial dimensions).
Aeroelasticity and its relevance in aerospace applications. We will consider the simultaneous influences of mass, stiffness and aerodynamic forces and how they can combine to give rise to aeroelastic phenomena. We will look in particular at the conditions under which i) divergence and ii) flutter can occur.
- Aerospace Propulsion 12.5 pts
This subject will cover the aerodynamics and thermodynamics of aircraft gas turbines and rockets and provide the tools to design and evaluate the performance of jet engines. It will also present the current environmental impacts of aviation and paths for more sustainable aviation.
Topics include:
- Understanding the requirements and background of jet engines, in particular how the requirements translate to the design of an engine.
- An overview of the key aerodynamical aspects of aircraft relevant to the propulsion system and how jet engines create thrust.
- Engine performance parameters. These are discussed in the context of thermal, cycle and propulsive efficiencies.
- Principles and layouts of jet engines. Different classes of engines will be looked at, such as turbojets, turbofans, and bypass ratios, turbine inlet temperature will be discussed.
- Fundamentals of compressible flow relevant to jet engines will be discussed, including stagnation quantities and choked nozzles.
- Dimensional analysis and non-dimensional variables of engines.
- How to configure compressors and turbines, with consideration of blade profiles, flow coefficient, cooling and losses.
- Environmental impacts of aviation and challenges and strategies for more sustainable aviation.
- Rocket propulsion: what are the performance parameters and what are the benefits of staging?
Capstone
Students must complete the following subjects (25 points):
- Engineering Capstone Project Part 1 12.5 pts
The subject involves undertaking a substantial group project (typically in groups of three students) requiring an independent investigation on an approved topic in advanced engineering design and / or research. Each project is carried out under the supervision of a member of academic staff and where appropriate an industry partner.
The emphasis of the project can be associated with either:
- A well-defined project description, often based on a task required by an external, industrial client. Students will be tutored in the synthesis of practical solutions to complex technical problems within a structured working environment, as if they were professional engineering practitioners; or
- A project description that will require an explorative approach, where students will pursue outcomes associated with new knowledge or understanding, within the engineering science disciplines, often as an adjunct to existing academic research initiatives.
It is expected that the Capstone Project will incorporate findings associated with both well-defined professional practice and research principles and will provide students with the opportunity to integrate technical knowledge and generic skills gained in earlier years.
The project component of this subject is supplemented by a lecture course dealing with project management tools and practices.
Note: Students are to take Engineering Capstone Project Part 1 and then subsequently continue with Engineering Capstone Project Part 2 in the following semester. Upon successful completion of this project, students will receive 25 points credit.
- Engineering Capstone Project Part 2 12.5 pts
Please refer to ENGR90037 Engineering Capstone Project Part 1 for this information.
Electives
Choose one elective from this group (12.5 points):
- Computational Biomechanics 12.5 pts
AIMS and INDICATIVE CONTENT
In this subject students should gain an understanding of the structure and function of the skeletal, muscular, and sensory systems of the human body.
Students should also be able to formulate simple, integrative models of the human neuromusculoskeletal system; and to use computational models of the human body to analyse muscle function during activities like standing, walking, running and jumping.
- Soft Tissue and Cellular Biomechanics 12.5 pts
AIMS
This subject aims to develop students' knowledge and capabilities in experimental and computational biomechanics of cells and soft-tissues. Students will apply fundamental mathematical theory of nonlinear continuum mechanics and computational approaches to solve stress-equilibrium equations. Students will learn fundamentals in cell signalling and how cell- and sub-cellular-level processes affect cell and tissue mechanical properties. These concepts will be put to practice in project-based and examination assessments.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
- Nonlinear continuum mechanics theory
- Computational techniques for solving nonlinear mechanics problems
- Soft-tissue mechanical properties
- Cytoskeletal networks and mechanics
- Signalling pathtways and systems-biology related to mechanics of cells and tissues
- Transport System Modelling 12.5 pts
AIMS
In undergraduate subjects, students are exposed to some engineering features of transport and traffic engineering. However, these do not fully provide the requisite knowledge and skills for understanding the modelling and planning aspects of transport system engineering. These competencies are of highest importance for those interested in a career in transport engineering. In this subject, students will be provided with the fundamental concept of four-step modelling in depth, including trip generation/attraction, trip distribution, modal split and traffic assignment. The contemporary topics of transport modelling such as choice modelling, car-ownership and uncertainty modelling in the context of transport infrastructure engineering will also be presented. The subject provides real world examples and assignments. The primary emphasis of the subject is on concepts (rather than mathematical details) and getting students ready for the industry.
- Metocean Engineering 12.5 pts
The subject examines in-depth the observation, analysis and prediction of wind-generated waves in the open ocean, in shelf seas, and in coastal regions. It also provides an introduction to wave and hydrodynamics modelling as a support for engineering applications. It provides a multi-disciplinary overview of problems by combining cutting-edge research in Maritime and Coastal Engineering and industry applications. The subject will provide students with a solid grounding in wave physics that is essential to evaluate the environmental impact on design and operation of marine structures.
Topics include:
- Linear wave theory;
- Second-order wave theory
- Wave Spectrum;
- Tides;
- Wave Measurements;
- Near-shore processes;
- Wave statistics;
- Hydrodynamics and wave modelling;
- Advanced Control Systems 12.5 pts
AIMS
This subject provides an introduction to modern control theory with a particular focus on state-space methods and optimal control. The role of feedback in control will be reinforced within this context, alongside the role of optimisation techniques in control system synthesis. This subject is a core requirement in the Master of Engineering (Mechatronics).
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Topics include:
State-space models - first-order vector differential/difference equations; Lyapunov stability; linearisation; discretisation; Kalman decomposition (observable, detectable, reachable and stabilisable subspaces); state-feedback and pole placement; output-feedback and observer design in both continuous-time and discrete-time.
Optimal control - dynamic programming; linear quadratic regulation in both continuous-time and discrete-time. Model predictive control in discrete-time; moving-horizon with constraints.
- Economic Analysis for Engineers 12.5 pts
This subject seeks to -
- Build a thorough understanding of the theoretical and conceptual basis upon which the practice of financial project analysis is built and its application to engineering
- Satisfy the practical needs of the engineering manager toward making informed financial decisions when involved in an engineering project
- Incorporate critical decision-making tools that engineering managers can bring to the task of making informed financial decisions.
- Engineering Entrepreneurship 12.5 pts
AIMS
This subject is available as an elective in many of the Melbourne School of Engineering's Masters programs. It is aimed both at students who have immediate entrepreneurial intentions and at students who may be considering starting their own business at some point in their careers. The subject is designed to introduce all participants to their potential as entrepreneurs. By developing their own enterprise proposal within small groups, students will learn and demonstrate various processes by which successful new ventures move from idea to launch.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Business modelling, opportunity analysis, value creation, financial management, sources of finance, creativity, innovation, entrepreneurial behaviour, successful engineering entrepreneurs.
TEACHING METHOD
The teaching method is based around a structured process of mini-lectures, class exercises, and active hands-on learning by doing. Intensive field research and minimum viable product development are very important to the subject. Learning is further enhanced through meetings with the lecturer and review by peers.
- Introduction to Energy Systems 12.5 pts
AIMS
This subject provides a general introduction to the many issues that need to be considered when examining the global energy system.
These include -
- A brief history of different forms of energy and energy technologies
- The historical relationship between energy use and industrialisation
- The social, environmental and economic costs and benefits of different forms of energy and energy technology
- An introduction to energy resources and resource economics
- A brief review of the costs of different forms of energy
- Historical, current and projected energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutant emissions
- Opportunities for greenhouse gas mitigation.
- Internship 25 pts
AIMS
This subject involves students undertaking professional work experience at a Host Organisation’s premises. Students will work under the supervision of both a member of academic staff and an external supervisor at the Host Organisation.
During the period of work experience, students will be introduced to workplace culture and be offered the opportunity to strengthen their employability. Students will undertake seminars covering topics that will include professional standards of behaviour and ethical conduct, working in teams, time management and workplace networking.
- Design for Integration 12.5 pts
AIMS
As a result of satisfactorily participating in this subject, students should be able to undertake design tasks at an intermediate level, considering performance under uncertain system integrity due to fatigue and wear, and have the ability to design or select suitable ameliorating solutions.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Topics covered in this subject may include: general concepts of function, integrity, value, quality, efficient use of resources in the synthesis of solutions to design problems; specific mechanical elements such as gears and other common means of power transmission, and their design; development of understanding, in the engineering paradigm, of general concepts such as: function, integrity, value, quality, the efficient use of resources in the synthesis of solutions to design problems.
Students will also be exposed to -
- Design for fatigue: characteristics of fatigue fracture, two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) stress conditions
- Management of the design process: initial appreciation, information flows and networks, characteristics of manufacturing processes affecting product design
- Cumulative damage hypothesis
- The Weibull distribution
- Design for wear: surface phenomena and tribology; its application to bearings and seals
- Quantitative measures of reliability.
This subject has been integrated with the Skills Towards Employment Program (STEP) and contains activities that can assist in the completion of the Engineering Practice Hurdle (EPH).
EPH is a mandatory requirement for completing the Master of Engineering.
- Advanced Motion Control 12.5 pts
AIMS
This subject is intended to give students an overview of the present state-of-the-art in industrial motion control and the likely future trends in control design. Students will be exposed to and have practical experience in the design and implementation of advanced controllers for various motion control problems.
Advanced modelling and control topics will include system identification, modelling and compensation of friction and other disturbances, industrial servo loops, model-based and model-free controller design, and adaptive control. Applications will be drawn from industrial, medical and transport automation (eg robots, machine tools, production machines, laboratory automation, automotive and aerospace by-wire systems).
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Advanced modelling and control topics will include system identification, modelling and compensation of friction and other disturbances, industrial servo loops, model-based and model-free controller design, and adaptive control. Applications will be drawn from industrial, medical and transport automation (eg robots, machine tools, production machines, laboratory automation, automotive and aerospace by-wire systems).
- Advanced Thermodynamics 12.5 pts
AIMS
This subject is an introduction to combustion theory and applications. In the first part we discuss combustion fundamentals, including thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, conservation equations, and application of these principles to solve simple flames and reacting flows. In the second part we discuss combustion engines and the combustion phenomena in spark-ignition and compression-ignition engines.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
- Chemical thermodynamics and kinetics - flame temperatures, Gibbs free energy and equilibrium, chemical kinetics, combustion mechanisms of common fuels.
- Governing equations - mass, momentum, species and energy conservation for idealized reactors and simplified reacting flows.
- Flames - theoretical analyses of laminar flames, premixed flame (flame speed, quenching, flame stabilization), diffusion jet flame (flame geometry, conserved scalar, soot formation).
- Reciprocating engines - engine cycle analysis, turbulent combustion in spark ignition and diesel engines, cylinder-pressure analysis, pollutant formation and emission control, alternative power-trains and fuels.
- Additive Manufacturing of Metals 12.5 pts
The subject has two major objectives, which are delivered in two parts of the subject. In the first part, the subject focuses on the understanding of the microstructures and mechanical properties of selected engineering alloys. Where applicable, case studies in industrial applications and state of the arts research will be incorporated in the delivery of the subject to enhance learning. The mode of delivery in this subject will include both conventional lectures as well as the critical appraisal of the research literature.
The second part of the subject focuses more specifically on the additive manufacturing process of metals. The subject will explore the general case principles of the additive manufacturing of metals and the various processes involved. Similarly, the material will be delivered through lectures and the critical appraisal of technical and scientific papers.
The selected advanced alloys may include but not limited to light alloys, ferrous alloys, superalloys, intermetallic alloys, ultrafine and nano structured alloys, amorphous alloys and metal matrix composites.
- Advanced Solid Mechanics 12.5 pts
AIMS
This course will expand on the basic principles established previously in Solid Mechanics.
Methods of three-dimensional stress and strain analysis will be extended to allow the student to obtain solutions using analytical and/or numerical methods. These will include the analyses of principal stresses and strains, three dimensional Mohr’s circles, strain gauge experimentation and failure criteria. In addition, this unit will focus on plastic deformation of solids, including the analysis of residual stresses and the collapse load of structures. The responses of materials to fatigue and fracture, as well as their creep and viscoelastic behaviour, will also be explored. Finally, this unit will provide a number of examples of experimental applications of solid mechanics analysis based on modern research techniques.
The goal of Advanced Solid Mechanics is to consolidate the solid mechanics principles presented in the student’s Engineering degree, and the equip students with skills required to solve a range of engineering problems they have not seen before. In addition, this subject seeks to teach a number of modern research methods, techniques and skills by drawing on biomechanical research in the field of solid mechanics, and the major challenges in the field.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
The following topics, delivered through lectures, guest seminars, group problem solving activities, and tutorials, will be assessed:
- Three dimensional stress-strain analysis (weeks 1-2)
- Strength theories and yield criteria (weeks 3-4)
- Plastic behaviour of materials (weeks 5-6)
- Fracture Mechanics(weeks 7-8)
- Contact (weeks 9-10)
- Creep and Viscoelasticity (week 11)
- Biomechanics (week 12)
- Applied High Performance Computing 12.5 pts
The use of physics-based computer simulation is a powerful tool in the scientific and engineering fields that allows for the investigation of phenomena that are often inaccessible by other means. As modern compute architectures continue to increase in terms of parallelism and power, so too can these simulations increase in scale and fidelity, but only when equipped with an understanding of the mathematics and underlying hardware, necessary to leverage this power. This subject will aim to develop such an understanding by tying together key tools and techniques used in the design of scientific software targeted at High Performance Computing (HPC) resources.
This subject will introduce several numerical methods that are ubiquitous in the solution of ordinary differential equations (e.g. Euler and Runge-Kutta methods), partial differential equations (e.g. finite difference and finite element methods), linear systems (e.g. conjugate gradient method), and apply these tools to solve governing equations commonly found in areas such as fluid dynamics and thermodynamics. This subject will investigate the development of software targeting shared memory multicore architectures with OpenMP, distributed memory architectures with MPI, and GPU accelerators with CUDA.
- Sensor Systems 12.5 pts
This subject deals with principles of physical sensing mechanisms, sensor data processing, sensor networking. It provides an appreciation of challenges in designing and implementing sensor-based solutions in a range of applications.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Topics covered include:
- Sensors (construction and characteristics)
- Filtering of sensor outputs
- Sensor networks (communication between sensors and coordination of a large number of sensors)
- Case studies.
- Advanced Dynamics 12.5 pts
This subject continues from Dynamics to deepen the students’ understanding of Engineering Mechanics, specifically focusing on Analytical Mechanics:
- Kinematics and Generalised Coordinates.
- Virtual Work and Virtual Displacement, Generalised Force.
- Energies: Kinetic, Potential.
- Lagrange approach: dealing with constraints.
- Lagrange’s Approach to obtaining equation of motion.
- Comparison to Newton-Euler Approach.
- Hamiltonian Mechanics.
- Linearisation of system dynamics about equilibrium points (system stability about equilibrium points.
- Artificial Intelligence for Engineers 12.5 pts
Upon completion, students are expected to gain an overview of a major area of artificial intelligence known as deep learning, including Convolutional and Recurrent Neural Networks, Variational Autoencoders (VAEs) and Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs). Students will also learn computational intelligence methods of optimization and modelling. An ongoing focus will be the applicability of these methods to engineering systems. Students are expected to practice some of the methods they learn on real and synthetic data and appreciate the strengths and limits of the approaches they learn.
A variety of topics in computational intelligence are expected to be covered, with selections to be made from 1) neural networks including generative networks, deep neural networks and convolution neural networks, 2) learning methods including unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning and semi-supervised learning, 3) appreciation of other Computational Intelligence methods: fuzzy systems and evolutionary algorithms and 4) an introduction to stochastic dynamic programming and its relationship to AI. Mechatronic applications in broader terms and case studies from other relevant areas of engineering will be discussed.
- Helicopter Design 12.5 pts
This course covers a diverse range of topics related to the operation and design of helicopters. Civilian and military operators are increasingly using helicopters for a variety of applications. In certain roles helicopters offer numerous advantages over fixed-wing aircraft by meeting the growing needs of multi-dimensional flight including hover. The unique roles and missions of helicopters introduce several design issues and challenges for the design engineer to address.
Helicopter design is governed by the role, missions, payload, mission systems (internal or external) and the flight profile. This requires an understanding of helicopter operations; of mission systems technologies to provide the mission capability; and of aerodynamics to provide the flight performance.
Through the subject, students will be able to transform helicopter system operational requirements to design requirements; and be able to apply helicopter conceptual design stages. As an exercise, the students will develop a conceptual design of a helicopter, based on the proposed role of the helicopter and mission requirements.
- Helicopter Design 12.5 pts
This course covers a diverse range of topics related to the operation and design of helicopters. Civilian and military operators are increasingly using helicopters for a variety of applications. In certain roles helicopters offer numerous advantages over fixed-wing aircraft by meeting the growing needs of multi-dimensional flight including hover. The unique roles and missions of helicopters introduce several design issues and challenges for the design engineer to address.
Helicopter design is governed by the role, missions, payload, mission systems (internal or external) and the flight profile. This requires an understanding of helicopter operations; of mission systems technologies to provide the mission capability; and of aerodynamics to provide the flight performance.
Through the subject, students will be able to transform helicopter system operational requirements to design requirements; and be able to apply helicopter conceptual design stages. As an exercise, the students will develop a conceptual design of a helicopter, based on the proposed role of the helicopter and mission requirements.
- Human Centred Mechanical Design 12.5 pts
This subject provides a project-based learning experience to design and develop a proof-of-concept prototype mechanical device that addresses a need for a person living with disability. Projects are defined by real-life challenges provided by people with a lived experience of disability who also help mentor teams. The goal is to engage in human-centred design thinking that is socially, technically and financially sensible and that delivers products that are feasible, desirable and viable. Topics covered include human-centred design principles, the design thinking approach to problem solving, life as a person with disability and engineering ethics.
- Human Centred Mechanical Design 12.5 pts
This subject provides a project-based learning experience to design and develop a proof-of-concept prototype mechanical device that addresses a need for a person living with disability. Projects are defined by real-life challenges provided by people with a lived experience of disability who also help mentor teams. The goal is to engage in human-centred design thinking that is socially, technically and financially sensible and that delivers products that are feasible, desirable and viable. Topics covered include human-centred design principles, the design thinking approach to problem solving, life as a person with disability and engineering ethics.
- Environmental Fluid Mechanics 12.5 pts
AIMS
Fluid flows are widespread in nature and everyday life. Environmental Fluid Mechanics is the scientific study of naturally occurring flows of air and water on our planet Earth, especially of those that can affect the environmental quality of those fluids. With the rapid change of environment and its impact of society, it has become increasingly important for students in engineering to have a systematic knowledge of environmental fluid mechanics. This course will focus on a diverse range of environmental systems, including the atmosphere, the oceans, lakes, streams, subsurface environments and building ventilation. Consequently, this course is designed to be of interest and relevance for all students majoring in Physics, Engineering, or physical streams of marine or climate science.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
This subject will concentrate on the fluid dynamics of processes which may range in scale from the millimetre size turbulent eddies up to the accidental release of a pollutant which may spread to contaminate a region many kilometres in size. The buoyancy effects and the fluid motions associated with density differences are central to most of the flows which will be addressed in this course. These density differences may be due to differences in temperature, concentration of a solute, composition or the presence of a phase change.
The subject begins with an overview of the field of fluid mechanics and description of the physics governing fluid flow. These physical principles are applied to some examples, including free-surface flows, gravity current, stratified flows, gravity waves, convection and heat transfer, and fluid instability. The course will have four major components which consists of 1. Waves in fluids (interfacial waves and internal gravity waves), 2. Vertical flows (turbulent plumes, filling box, double-diffusive convection), 3. Horizontal flows (shallow water approximation, single-layer hydraulics, gravity currents, particle-laden flows, two-layer flows) and 4. Turbulent mixing (mixing across very stable interfaces and turbulent convection).
- Environmental Fluid Mechanics 12.5 pts
AIMS
Fluid flows are widespread in nature and everyday life. Environmental Fluid Mechanics is the scientific study of naturally occurring flows of air and water on our planet Earth, especially of those that can affect the environmental quality of those fluids. With the rapid change of environment and its impact of society, it has become increasingly important for students in engineering to have a systematic knowledge of environmental fluid mechanics. This course will focus on a diverse range of environmental systems, including the atmosphere, the oceans, lakes, streams, subsurface environments and building ventilation. Consequently, this course is designed to be of interest and relevance for all students majoring in Physics, Engineering, or physical streams of marine or climate science.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
This subject will concentrate on the fluid dynamics of processes which may range in scale from the millimetre size turbulent eddies up to the accidental release of a pollutant which may spread to contaminate a region many kilometres in size. The buoyancy effects and the fluid motions associated with density differences are central to most of the flows which will be addressed in this course. These density differences may be due to differences in temperature, concentration of a solute, composition or the presence of a phase change.
The subject begins with an overview of the field of fluid mechanics and description of the physics governing fluid flow. These physical principles are applied to some examples, including free-surface flows, gravity current, stratified flows, gravity waves, convection and heat transfer, and fluid instability. The course will have four major components which consists of 1. Waves in fluids (interfacial waves and internal gravity waves), 2. Vertical flows (turbulent plumes, filling box, double-diffusive convection), 3. Horizontal flows (shallow water approximation, single-layer hydraulics, gravity currents, particle-laden flows, two-layer flows) and 4. Turbulent mixing (mixing across very stable interfaces and turbulent convection).
- Advanced Materials 12.5 pts
Students will learn about the mechanical behaviour and structure of materials, from the continuum modelling of properties to the microscopic origin of the behaviour with reference to available and appropriate multiscale modelling techniques.
The subject will cover the microstructure‐property relation in elastic and plastic deformation, timedependent deformation (creep)
and failure in materials with emphasis on engineering materials. The diverse mechanical behaviour will be discussed for different
materials classes, including metals, functional materials, architectured materials, composites and polymers.
- Industrial Systems and Simulation 12.5 pts
Industries widely apply systems engineering for various projects (e.g., product design, process improvement) to handle the system complexity and to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency through the project life cycle. This subject offers a practical introduction to the system engineering principles in an industrial context. The lectures and project work will expose students to the various stages of the systems engineering process and a range of simulation techniques.
Topics covered are grouped in four modules: 1) fundamentals of systems engineering; 2) functional analysis and conceptional modelling; 3) model implementation and discrete event simulation; and, 4) model validation and system evaluation. This subject will include a high level of industry engagement. Real world problems and industry projects will be used as learning instrument to provide first hand experience and to reinforce the system thinking as engineers. Industrial speakers are also invited as guest lectures to provide broader examples of engineering projects.