Mechanical Engineering MSc (16 Months)

Northumbria University, Newcastle

You will learn to develop the ability to apply appropriate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques to the solution of a wide range of problems involving fluid flow and heat transfer. Through the use of application examples within industry-standard software you will become familiar with effective approaches to CFD modelling and to interpret the results gained in light of the underlying equations of viscous flow, heat transfer and other physical models such as turbulence models.

You will extend your knowledge of the theory and application of engineered materials through mechanical and structural analysis. you will apply knowledge of composites, their processing, manufacturing methods and design considerations in advanced composite materials and learn about their application.

You will learn about advanced stress and structural analyses and their practical application as used in modern Mechanical Engineering design and in the failure assessment of components. You will develop skills in the effective use of experimental and computational stress analysis techniques in the design, testing or failure assessment of materials and structures.

Training in research methods provides researchers with an understanding of the ?do?s? and ?don'ts? that are associated with employing particular approaches to the collection and analysis of data. Awareness of research methodologies and methods will enable researchers to practise appropriate techniques and to implement methods accurately. The primary aim of the module is to inform and sensitise you to the choices that are available when planning to undertake a research project. This includes making you aware of a selected range of qualitative and quantitative research methods that can be employed to collect and analyse primary and secondary data arising from studies using these methodological paradigms. Such awareness will enable you to make appropriate choices when executing your research investigation.

You will learn about technologies for the utilisation of renewable and sustainable energy sources for heat and power production using heat engines and other types of converters, such as: Solar, biomass, hydrogen and waste thermal energy resources, internal and external combustion engines, solar thermal energy, geothermal and hydrogen technology. You will explore energy conversion system theory and their application through practical classes where you will also be able to develop skills important to your future engineering practice.

You will learn about current design techniques and concepts in engineering and optimisation methods, such as; direct and inverse design, integrated design within a multidisciplinary design context. You will be guided to develop your understanding of design processes; for example the use of; conceptual/system-level/detail design, design decision support systems, multi-criteria decision analysis, uncertainties in engineering design, deterministic and robust design, design sensitivity analysis, Monte Carlo and Taguchi methods.

Academic skills when studying away from your home institution can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject area in the Department of Architecture and Built Environment. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.