MSc Advanced Mechanical Engineering with Energy Systems

University of Strathclyde

This module provides students with an understanding of the operation of modern electrical power systems featuring renewable and low carbon generation, along with the techniques to undertake a basic technical analysis of key electrical devices and systems.

This module provides an understanding of the theoretical and operational principles underlying simulation modelling of energy supply and demand systems and their environmental impact. The emphasis is on practical computer lab-based modelling exercises. It covers detailed energy system simulation, supply-demand matching, energy management and monitoring.

Against the background of international commitments on atmospheric emissions, diminishing fossil fuel resources, renewable energy systems deployment and the liberalisation of energy markets, this module examines sustainable options for energy production, supply and consumption. The aim is to give students an understanding of current trends in the energy market, and to enable a critical evaluation of emerging ideas, technologies and policies especially in relation to new and renewable energy supply systems.

This module introduces students to the principles of experimental aerodynamics and computational aerodynamics performance assessment. It also provides an introduction to the importance of aeroelastic phenomena on aerodynamic design. A range of analysis techniques will be used to develop an understanding of the aerodynamic performance of aircraft and industrial aerodynamic problems.

The principles of propulsion systems for aircraft and rockets are covered. Throughout the class, the overall procedure and methodology for designing a propulsion device, starting from the aircraft concept and the associated engine requirements, through to the aero-thermal design of engine components is presented and discussed. Students will develop an understanding of the overall design process and the performance of aerospace propulsion systems.

The promise claimed for new materials in engineering is most likely to be realised through the use of composites and ceramics. This class aims to give a basic understanding of modern composite materials and an appreciation of predictive modelling and design implications when composites are applied to engineering structures. The main composite manufacturing processes will be outlined.

This module gives students an advanced knowledge of applications of both steam and gas turbines within the power generation industry. The module includes details of power-plants that have been developed specifically to integrate gas turbines such as (gas turbine exhaust gas) heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs) used in combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plants.

Students will develop an understanding of applied industrial metallurgy. Topics include material selection, properties of metals and alloys, characterisation methods, welding engineering, heat treatment and degradation processes.

Condition monitoring and fault detection in structures and machinery plays an important part in the maintenance and protection of equipment, and has come to the fore since the recent advances in computer-based systems. This class provides an understanding of Condition Monitoring (CM) and its relevance to industry. Particular attention is paid to vibration-based health monitoring and signal (time series) analysis.

This module gives students a thorough introduction to the materials science and metallurgy that underpins the design of high temperature applications. This will build on basic concepts to give an appreciation for the theory of alloy design and strengthening mechanisms, including an understanding of the importance of fracture and creep.

Polymer and polymer composite materials have been increasingly used in modern engineering applications such as aerospace, automotive, construction, marine, oil and gas. This class provides background knowledge of polymer and a basic understanding of modern polymer composites. The class will be balanced between science and engineering.

This class aims to introduce the subject of industrial Pressurised Systems and ensure competency in the use of Standards and Design Codes. Pressurised Systems are inherently dangerous since they contain stored energy which must be carefully controlled. A methodology is set down whereby a range of pressurised components can be designed, manufactured, installed and operated to a high degree of safety.

This class is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of spaceflight mechanics, including both orbit and attitude dynamics. The classic two-body problem is solved then used to investigate various modes of orbit transfer and attitude stabilisation for both spin- and 3-axis stabilised spacecraft. The various elements of the class will be brought together to illustrate the mission analysis and design process.

This module provides a structured introduction to the Design Management process, issues and tools. Topics include Integrated Product Development, and the different approaches and aspects to design development including concurrent engineering, team engineering, product management, design management, distributed design, and decision support. Other topics cover the design activity, team and management organisational structures, key issues concerning design complexity, and design performance and innovation.

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) relates to the process of identifying, evaluating and mitigating the biophysical, social, economic, cultural and other relevant effects of development proposals prior to major decision being taken and commitments made. This module provides students with an introduction to methods used to predict environmental impacts, and to see how these may be used to integrate environmental factors into decisions.

This module introduces elements of financial engineering that are applied to reduce risk of business insolvency and enhance the financial robustness of business enterprises. Questions addressed include: What is the best strategy for survival and growth?; What are the options for financing investment projects both in the private and public sectors of an economy?; How would the financial engineer propose to combine loan capital and equity capital to raise funds for an investment initiative; How would he/she advise his/her company/organization to build its investment portfolio to ensure financial security in volatile market conditions?

This module provides students with skills relating to the use of engineering practices in Project Management with particular respect to the effective and efficient use of resources. The syllabus includes an introduction to project management techniques and project control, project networks including critical path analysis, procedural and graphical presentation techniques, an introduction to Contract Law and project budgetary control.

Under Health and Safety legislation, and under the wider European Post-Seveso Directives, it is mandatory for many industries to carry out risk assessments with the aim of showing that risk is As Low As Reasonably Practicable. This module introduces the fundamental techniques of risk analysis and risk-informed decision making. Students will learn the general principles of methods and their place in risk management, as well as the chance to develop skills in applying these methods to variety of engineering examples.

This module provides students with an understanding of the concepts of sustainability and sustainable development. The social, environmental, and economic impact of development strategies will be identified and the mitigation of negative impacts discussed. Topics covered include shifting world views with respect to technology and ecology, green politics, climate change, sustainable development and limits to growth.