UWA Handbooks 2010 - Units
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UWA Handbooks 2010 - Units

Unit details


MECH3422 Mechanisms and Multibody Systems [UG]

Credit 6 points
Availability Semester 2 (see Timetable)
Old unit code 630.319, AMEC3422
Outcomes Students develop an ability to understand and use a gyroscopic effect in a number of industrial applications, as applicable; analyse geometry and kinematics of planar and spatial mechanisms including robotic manipulators; know basic types of planar mechanisms and synthesise them for a variety of applications; understand how industrial robots are controlled; and use mathematical software such as Mathematica and MATLAB to efficiently solve problems in mechanism analysis.

Students also develop an ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals; communicate effectively, both in written form and orally; undertake problem identification, formulation and solution; adapt acquired knowledge to new situations; think and reason logically and creatively; utilise and synthesise knowledge from different disciplines; and have an expectation of the need to undertake lifelong learning and a capacity to do so.
Content This unit includes gyroscopes and some three-dimensional dynamics; gyrocompass, rate gyroscopes, gyroscopic crushers, stabilisation of ships; mechanics of mechanisms; geometry; kinematics (two-dimensional), velocity and acceleration analysis; Jacobian synthesis of planar mechanisms for various applications; four-bar mechanism; special mechanisms; Geneva mechanism, steering mechanism, straight-line mechanisms, load-supporting linkages, cranes, cams etc.; introduction to industrial robot control; and trajectories, linear control.
Assessment This comprises an open-book examination, laboratory reports/assignments and a written report. The examination gives students an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities to independently formulate a solution to a problem. Laboratory sessions allow students to test some of the information given in lectures and extend that information. Challenging problems are selected for assignments. The written report must be clear, concise and informative, and must have an executive summary (word number limits apply). There is a 15 per cent penalty for assignments handed in one day late and a further 4 per cent for each additional day.

Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit except in the case of a bachelor's pass degree student who has obtained a mark of 45 to 49 and is currently enrolled in this unit, and it is the only remaining unit that the student must pass in order to complete the course.
Unit Co-ordinator(s) Professor Karol Miller
Location UWA (Crawley)
Mode on-campus
Unit Rules
Advisable prior study: MECH2401 Engineering Design and Visual Communication
Contact hours—lectures: 30 hrs; tutorials: 15 hrs; labs: 12 hrs
Unit web page http://www.mech.uwa.edu.au/undergrads/sem2.html
[Some unit web pages are still under construction and will be available in 2010.]
Recommended
reading

Craig, J. J. Introduction to Robotics, Mechanics and Control: Addison-Wesley 1989

Erdman, A. G. and Sandor, G. N. Mechanism Design: Analysis and Synthesis: Prentice-Hall 1984

Shigley, J. E. and Uicker, J. J. Theory of Machines and Mechanisms: McGraw-Hill 1995

Waldron, K. J. and Kinzel, G. L. Kinematics, Dynamics, and Design of Machinery: Wiley 1999

Williams Jr, J. H. Fundamentals of Applied Dynamics: Wiley 1996



  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of going to press but may be subject to change.
  • Assistance with study skills, including English language skills, is available free of charge from Student Services for all enrolled students (see http://www.studentservices.uwa.edu.au/ss/learning). Student Services location: Second Floor, South Wing, Guild Village; telephone: 6488 2423.
  • Books and other materials wherever listed may be subject to change. Book lists relating to 'Preliminary Reading', 'Recommended Reading' and 'Textbooks' are, in most cases, available at the University Co-operative Bookshop (from early January) and appropriate administrative offices for students to consult. For first-year units the Bookshop will endeavour to make available photocopies of book lists for individual units. Books marked with an asterisk (*) are available in paperback.
The University of Western Australia
University information CRICOS Code: 00126G
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