Unit information: Mechatronics in 2012/13

Unit name	Mechatronics
Unit code	MENG26004
Credit points	10
Level of study	I/5
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. J Burn
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	Successful completion of first 3 years of H150, or first 2 years of H151, H155 or H156.
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Department of Mechanical Engineering
Faculty	Faculty of Engineering

Description including Unit Aims

The unit will enable students to develop the skills to identify key design parameters, select suitable components from manufacturers' data, produce detailed designs from this information with respect to electromechanical systems. This is achieved using specific examples of mechatronic systems in the automotive, manufacturing, robotics and biomedical industries. The unit also covers sensors, their interface with microprocessors, actuators and computer-based control. The unit also provides an introduction to engine design and performance analysis. The course is assessed by continuous assessment and an end of year examination. Provide a foundation in motors, actuators, sensors and computer control required to carry out mechatronic engineering design tasks for automotive, aerospace and industrial automation applications.

• Broaden the students’ understanding of design process, and in particular the interfaces to other engineering disciplines with which they will need to interact as mechanical engineers.
• Increase student awareness of design practice in industry.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Interpret manufacturers' data sheets and select suitable components for a particular task.

• Perform order of magnitude calculations and “back of envelope” calculations from first principles when tackling open-ended design tasks.
• Select an appropriate motor or actuation system and set of sensors for a given application, providing reasons for the choices made.
• Analyse overall system performance using both analytic methods and computer simulation.
• Develop a specification for an integrated electromechanical system that includes one or more actuators, sensors and computer control.
• Design and notate algorithms for control and data processing in mechatronic systems.
• Evaluate different solutions to a given requirement making use of graphical tools such as morphological charts and objective trees.

Teaching Information

12 lectures on core material. 8 3-hour laboratory sessions. 1 guest lecture (speaker from industry).

Assessment Information

50% coursework (3 design exercises); 50% written examination.

Reading and References

Mechatronics: Electronic Control Systems in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (4th Ed.) W. Bolton, (Pearson/Prentice Hall), 2008.