MSc in Advanced Mechanical Engineering

Cranfield University

To develop advanced analytical, numerical and experimental capability in the modelling, analysis and control of noise and vibration in energy systems. Modern energy systems operate under increasingly demanding dynamic conditions. Excessive vibration and noise can reduce efficiency, accelerate fatigue failure, increase maintenance costs and generate environmental noise pollution. The transition toward sustainable energy technologies introduces new dynamic challenges such as lightweight structures, high rotational speeds, fluid–structure interactions, acoustic resonance in pipelines, and low-frequency noise emissions. The module provides students with specialist skills increasingly sought by employers in the renewable energy, offshore, and energy infrastructure sectors, where vibration and noise control are critical for regulatory compliance and operational performance.

The sustainability industry has been experiencing growing challenges driven by decarbonisation, examples include the increasing difficulties in balancing energy systems caused by the penetration of uncertain and less controllable renewable generation. Nevertheless, the widespread installation of measurement and control units have enabled innovations in data analytics, especially is using AI to support planning and operation in sustainability industry, which effectively addresses the challenges. The scientific and technical concepts of machine learning and AI methods/tools and their potential advantages in the sustainability sector will be taught in this module. The module aims to provide the students with data analytical skills from machine learning and AI technology, and evaluate the advantages/disadvantages of their applications in the sustainability industry. Additionally, the module aims to provide students with essential skills (e.g. computer programming and coding in Python) for applying machine learning in resolving practical problems.

To introduce the principles of risk and reliability engineering to engineers, including the associated tools and methods to solve relevant engineering problems in industry. This will be illustrated through a corrosion-based example, while also highlighting issues with data generation and interpretation.

This is a specialised module to advance your technical skills in industry prototyping design processes. This module will also introduce you to the facilities/workshops available at Cranfield.

To appraise existing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques and tools for modelling, simulating and analysing practical engineering problems related to renewable energy, with hands on experience using commercial software packages used in industry.

The purpose of this module is to provide you with experience of planning a project that will involve scoping and designing a product. The module provides sessions on project and planning, including sustainable design principles, project risk management and resource allocation. A key part of this module is the consideration of systems thinking approach for creating innovative solutions, ethics, professional conduct, and the role of an engineer within the wider industry context as well as considerations for equality, diversity and inclusion.

This module brings together theories and computational practicalities of Finite Element Analysis (FEA). This combination enables you to use FEA for modern engineering purposes, whilst understand the underlying mechanics. You will be provided with step-by-step ABAQUS tutorials to get familiar with basic and advanced functionalities of this finite element software package. The lectures and hands-on practice will help you to develop strong FEA skills such as investigating the stress and strain distribution in complex geometries, components, and structures.

Design of optimum thermal and energy storage systems is one of the key prerequisites to enhance the performance and efficiency of conventional and future energy systems. This module aims to enable students to combine and apply the principles of heat transfer, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics in the design and optimisation of thermal systems, required in chemical engineering processes. The module introduces students to a wide range of challenges and opportunities in heat recovery and energy storage, and provides them with practical approaches and solutions to enhance the system efficiency.