BEng Mechanical Engineering

ENG1002: Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing

This module introduces modern Engineering Mathematics by teaching maths alongside programming.

What you learn in this module will support mathematical content in core modules throughout your programme. You will be introduced to core mathematical tools for modelling Engineering systems which will be developed further in Year 2. You will learn about statistical methods of analysis that are vital tools for Engineers in the 21st century.

An elementary introduction to programming in Python will be provided which will equip you with valuable data processing and modelling skills. The teaching of Python will mirror mathematical content, building on knowledge of specialist packages for matrices, differential equations and statistics.

This module aims to provide you with all mathematical tools to tackle modern Engineering problems. It will allow you to develop strong quantitative skills, such that mathematical tools become second nature so you can focus directly on Engineering challenges and concepts. An important aspect of this is to provide a solid foundation in programming so that it will help you develop new ways of Engineering thinking and cutting-edge solutions to ever-changing societal challenges.

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ENG1005: Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project

The University declared an environment and climate emergency in May 2019. The future of our planet and community is at stake. We know though that simply declaring an environment and climate emergency is not enough so you will be part of a team involved in this real-world Project Based Learning (PBL) module to show our commitment to leading the change required. Your career as a professional engineer will require you to work effectively with multi-disciplinary teams on complex and challenging projects. In preparation for this working environment your first task as a new engineering student will be to work on energy harvesting during this multidisciplinary challenge project.

The PBL driving question is ‘How can we harness ocean energy and convert it into reliable, sustainable and cost-competitive electricity that can be used to power homes, transport, and industries’.

The purpose of this module is to:

• Address the climate emergency through a team project focused on energy harvesting. The PBL project will facilitate the application of the core engineering knowledge gained in Fundamentals of Mechanics, Materials and Electronics.
• Develop 21st century skills in creativity, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, problem solving, leadership and technology literacy.
• Gain valuable experience in research/study skills, sketching, technical communication, 3D modelling and prototyping.
• Steering projects through the design process and creating prototypes for a final PBL ‘Public Product’.

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ENG1007: Fundamentals of Mechanics

In this module we focus on classical mechanics. At the heart of any engineering analysis is the need to understand an object’s response to its environment, whether it’s the forces imparted by traffic as it traverses a bridge or the forces of lift that allow an aircraft to fly. None of this analysis is possible without first understanding classical mechanics. In this module you will cover foundational mechanics theory.

This module aims to equip you with fundamental knowledge and skills in Mechanics. It also consolidates a common knowledge base and begins the development of a learning methodology appropriate to a professional engineer. Through both continuous assessment and the end of year exams, the module encourages you to actively manage your own learning and seeks to develop your ability to communicate your understanding of engineering theory and concepts in a professional manner.

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ENG1008: Fundamentals of Materials

In this module, we focus on two sub-disciplines, fracture mechanics and additive manufacturing. At the heart of any engineering analysis is the need to understand an object’s response to the applied conditions, whether it is the allowed stress level to avoid catastrophic failure of pressurised vessels, or altering material micro- and nanostructures to provide improved ductility, strength, or resistance to fracture. None of this analysis is possible without first understanding basic materials.

You will work through new topics each week with the aid of extensive learning materials, lectures, tutorials, and experimental activities. You will undertake several online continuous assessments throughout the module, which will allow you to evaluate your understanding of the material and diagnose areas that require further attention. Continuous assessments provide ongoing feedback and support you to actively manage your learning.

The module is taught using a flipped learning methodology. Each week, you will review background materials. A flipped learning methodology allows you to extract more benefit from guided tutorials but also requires more upfront work by you in preparation.

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ENG1009: Fundamentals of Electronics

This module introduces the key building blocks of modern electronic systems, focusing on both analogue and digital electronics. You will learn how components like diodes and transistors help control and amplify signals, and how operational amplifiers are used in everyday devices. On the digital side, you’ll explore how computers and digital systems make decisions using logic, learning about the basic rules (Boolean algebra) and building blocks (logic gates, flip-flops, and counters) that underpin digital technology. The module blends theory with hands-on activities to help you understand how electronic circuits work and how they are used in real-world applications.

You will also take part in assessed practical electronic laboratories that introduces and develops your practical electronic skills in soldering and wiring. These practical laboratories will also develop the familiarity with using test and measurement equipment and applies your knowledge in both analogue and digital fields and demonstrate applications of their circuits.

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ENS1000: Fundamentals of Engineering

This module exemplifies the unique approach taken here at Exeter to nurturing the next generation of multidisciplinary engineers. It will introduce engineering concepts and theory across the areas of Mechanics, Materials and Electronics and will provide you with a solid grounding on which to build in later modules.

In this module we focus on two sub-disciplines of materials, material science and material engineering, with topics spamming from material properties, material structures, material failure and material applications. At the heart of any engineering analysis is the need to understand an object's response to the applied conditions, whether it is the allowed stress level to avoid catastrophic failure of pressurised vessels, or altering material micro- and nanostructures to provide improved ductility, strength, or resistance to fracture. None of this analysis is possible without first understanding basic materials.

We also focus on classical mechanics. At the heart of any engineering analysis is the need to understand an object's response to its environment, whether it's the forces imparted by traffic as it traverses a bridge or the forces of lift that allow an aircraft to fly. None of this analysis is possible without first understanding classical mechanics. In this module you will cover foundational mechanics theory.

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ENG2007: Introduction to Fluid Dynamics

Almost all engineered objects are immersed either in air or water (or both) or make use of some working fluid in their operation. This is particularly true of machines for energy generation and conversion, such as engines, turbines, and renewable energy devices like wind turbines or wave-energy converters. The ability to understand and predict the behaviour of such devices is therefore of key importance for engineers. In this module, you will learn about the fundamentals of fluid systems: pressure, flow, and viscosity, and how they can be analysed experimentally and mathematically. Engineering applications covered include pumps, turbines, and internal flows in pipe networks.

By the end of this course, you will have the skills to analyse engineering systems involving internal and external flows, using experimental and mathematical techniques together with tables and charts of fluid dynamical and physical properties.

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ENG2009: Modelling of Engineering Systems

This module is designed to introduce second year undergraduates to mathematical modelling techniques for engineering systems, and their implementation using scientific computing (e.g. python).

1. To strengthen mathematical and computational skills for solving mathematical challenges arising in the modelling of engineering systems.

2. To acquire a large variety of analytical, numerical and mathematical techniques to be used for those engineering problems.

3. To build practical skills in translating engineering problem statements into mathematical models / questions, and then analysing, simulating and solving the problem by writing a software programme.

4. Understand the concept of analytical and numerical approximation, and learn methods to validate and test your mathematical formulation and programme.

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ENG2011: Solid Mechanics

This module will provide students with extended understanding of the theories in Solids Mechanics and their applicability in stress/strain analysis, including motion/equilibrium equations, compatibility equations, Hooke's law, elasticity and plasticity, boundary conditions for complex engineering problems, and energy methods for stress and deformation analysis. Such essential engineering knowledge will equip students with commonly required capabilities in mechanics modelling, solving a mechanics model for stress and deformation on a practical problem, conducting stress concentration analysis, interpolating experimental data and associating with industrial problems, and performing basic finite element analysis on structure behaviours. Students are expected to comprehensively use the knowledge and skills attained above to solve various real-life engineering problems in their senior- year modules, individual and group projects, and future career.

This module aims to illustrate the fundamental principles of stress and deformation in a solid under complex loading associated with the elemental structures/components in civil and mechanical engineering. The understanding of solids mechanics will provide the ability to analyse problems in terms of strength and deformation in relation to the design, manufacturing and maintenance of machines, vehicles, structures, and devices in the above-mentioned engineering areas.

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ENG2012: Structural Behaviour

This module builds on the mechanics component of Fundamentals of Mechanics, Materials and Electronics in first year and Solid Mechanics in second year. You will further your understanding of structural analysis and its importance to engineering design. You will develop cornerstone skills, essential for civil, structural and mechanical engineers. You will enhance your mathematical analysis skills and develop ability to perform linear elastic analysis of beams and 2D frame structures both quantitatively and qualitatively. You will explore techniques underpinning structural analysis including strain energy, virtual work, and flexibility methods. You will also investigate instability and plastic collapse mechanisms of simple structures. You will further develop your experimental skills and awareness of health and safety practice within engineering.

This module addresses topics that are essential to the design and understanding of the behaviour of engineering structures under static loading. The module will provide a mathematical basis for quantitative analysis (including calculating internal forces, reactions, deflections, rotations, buckling capacity and plastic collapse) as well as qualitative analysis of beams and frames. It will lay the foundations for more advanced structure design modules.

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ENG2013: Sustainable Design Challenge Project

Engineering design is a complex activity, which combines using technical knowledge with creative skills. Across two terms, this module lets you apply core knowledge gained throughout your degree and extend your understanding of the stage-gate innovation process through a creative real-world Project Based Learning (PBL) collaborative technical design project. You will learn to produce and use engineering drawings, building on your sketching and Computer Aided Design skills to appreciate how engineering drawing are used as a method of unambiguous communication.

The PBL driving question is ‘How can we design products to optimise performance, cost and manufacturing?’

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ENS2005: Control Engineering

The advancement of technology during the 20th century put control engineering on the map - and it still plays a critical role in everything from simple household washing machines to high performance fighter aircraft. This module will give you a fundamental understanding of control engineering for single input single output systems. In particular, you will analyse the fundamental concept of feedback and its impact on system dynamics. You will study the performance of closed loop systems from a time domain and frequency domain perspective. Classical approaches to studying closed loop systems will be introduced including root-locus, Nyquist and Bode diagram methods. The module will also describe a method for parameterizing all stabilizing controllers for a given plant model, and how this result can be used from a design perspective. The module will also introduce the fundamentals of proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control, which you will use to analyse and design control systems. The module will describe the concepts of gain and phase margins for assessing the robustness of closed loop systems to modelling uncertainty.

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ENS2035: Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer

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ECM3160: Materials

This module builds on the materials science content of the core course and equips you with a deeper understanding of the deformation, strengthening and failure of materials, including surface processes. You will learn about failed components and the processes and techniques of Materials analysis. The module content also emphasises the interrelationship between mathematical models of materials and their mechanical properties and provides material in support of the subsequent design modules.

By the end of this module, you will demonstrate aptitude in using phase diagrams, TTT-diagrams and micrographs to predict the composition and properties of metals and alloys. You will also be capable of applying the concept of dislocations to quantitatively describe plasticity, strengthening and creep, and utilising Weibull statistics to predict the failure of ceramics.

Furthermore, you will show competence in adopting advanced materials selection algorithms to support design, and will understand the different types of friction and wear and extract friction coefficients from typical graphs. Moreover, you will comprehend different types of surface treatments (including laser, nitriding and carburising) and have the ability to establish links between principles and applications.

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ECM3175: Individual Project

The Individual Project module will enable you to put into practice your research, project management and engineering skills, engaging you in the development of your own real world solution to an engineering problem or challenge. From clearly articulating the rationale for your project, to scoping and refining the design and finished product, you will work individually to apply the knowledge gained from other modules in your degree programme. You will be expected to innovate, create and present your engineering solution, honing your entrepreneurial as well as academic and practical skills. In this way, the module will enable you to develop valuable transferable skills for future employment in industry.

In this module, you will apply the knowledge and skills obtained from taught modules to devise a real engineering solution at a professional level. You will be encouraged to use initiative, imagination and creativity during the management of your project, devoting around 300 hours of independent study towards its completion. You will study with greater levels of autonomy than in previous taught modules.

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ENG3015: Structural Dynamics

Much of modern engineering involves structures that move dynamically or have parts which move dynamically, e.g. automotive/aerospace structures, gas turbines used to propel aircraft or rotating components in machine tools. Even seemingly static structures such as buildings, bridges and grandstands are subjected to dynamic forces such as earthquakes, wind and human-induced dynamic loads such as walking or jumping.

This module will provide you with basic knowledge and understanding how engineering structures respond to dynamic loading and how they can be designed to avoid adverse effects on them relevant to their dynamic behaviour. Particular emphasis will be given to theoretical concepts of single- (SDOF) and multiple-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) systems which form foundations of general structural dynamics in broad areas of mechanical and civil engineering. The module will then make use of these theoretical concepts to analyse specific but common problems in mechanical and civil engineering to illustrate the general approach.

This module is suitable for all Engineering students who have taken the prerequisite ENG1002 Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing, and ENG2012 Structural Behaviour modules.

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ENG3022: Finite Element Analysis for High Value Manufacturing

This module will provide a hands-on introduction to Finite Element Analysis for modelling complex structures and materials. This helps to maximise the performance of our designs by analysing the suitability of materials and equipment before and during manufacturing. It will provide a elementary foundation in the mathematical foundations of finite element analysis, building on the stiffness matrix approaches introduce earlier, however it focuses on an introduce to using finite element analysis using a commercial finite element package (ANSYS) to evaluate the manufacturability of different materials to enhance the design and early evaluation of critical design parameters. The module will be 100% coursework with a series of coursework deliverables: coursework 1, which test fundamental understanding, and coursework 2, testing how FEM can be used for engineering design.

This module is suitable for all Engineering students who have taken the prerequisite ENG2011 Solid Mechanics

The aim of this module is making the students familiarised with different FEA applications required for the design and manufacturing including stress analysis, thermal analysis, vibration, and impact & crash analysis. These types of evaluations will help to achieve high value manufacturing by minimising the waste, and required design cycles, for an optimal high-quality product. Such evaluations also help to validate and certify the designs for manufacturing.

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ECM3164: Operations Management

When managing operations, there are many aspects to consider, which can determine the success of a business. For instance, is it best to make your product with hand tools, or do you want to mass produce with moulds but face huge costs when a design changes and you must re-tool? Designing a company's resources is central to operations management and a key focus of this module.

This module provides you with practical, hands-on experience using operations management-related software to analyse operations, supported by case exercises and video discussions. You’ll also gain exposure to Big Data analytics and its transformative potential in operations management—no prior technical or programming knowledge is required. A laboratory session will introduce you to Industry 4.0 concepts in the Exeter Digital Enterprise System (ExDES) laboratory, highlighting their relevance to modern operations management.

This module explores the current approaches to running engineering operations facilities and strategies, as well as giving you an introduction to computer tools. The module combines lectures with case exercises and video discussions to enhance your learning experience. You will also gain hands-on exposure to operations management software, explore Industry 4.0 concepts using the Exeter Digital Enterprise System (ExDES) laboratory demonstrator, and apply Big Data techniques to modern operations management challenges.

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ENG3005: Fluid Dynamics and CFD

Fluid dynamics is a key element of mechanical engineering, with applications to automotive and aerospace engineering in particular. However the governing equations of fluid mechanics are complex and difficult to solve for realistic engineering problems. Computational Fluid Mechanics is the application of computational analysis to solve the equations of fluid mechanics. In this module you will learn about the solution of the Navier-Stokes equations which govern fluid mechanics, and the basics of their solution through CFD, together with applications in engineering including exterior aerodynamics, aerofoils, and wind turbines.

The module is developed around two pieces of project work (worth 30% each) together with a short exam (1.5hrs, 40% of marks). The first project analyses boundary layers through experiment and numerical solution using Python, whilst in the second you will look at aspects of wind turbine design, in particular the properties of an aerofoil (experiment) and CFD analysis of the turbine structure.

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ENG3012: Mechatronics

This module takes you into an interdisciplinary field of engineering dealing with the integration of mechanical, electric and electronic components coordinated by a controller. You will have the chance to learn a broad range of mechatronic systems and components, including analogue and digital circuits, sensors, actuators, energy harvesting and system integration to gradually build your capability to design mechatronic systems. You will also have practical hands-on session to learn how to build real-world mechatronic systems, ranging from simple LED light flashing and DC motor control circuits, to complex robot arm control and ultrasonic range detection.

Aimed at both electronic and mechanical engineers, this module combines major components of mechanical, electric and electronic engineering to explore how mechatronic systems are designed and built, right from learning the fundamental knowledge and concepts of major components in the systems, through to building mechatronic systems for real-world applications.

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ENG3016: Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer

This module covers engineering thermodynamics and heat transfer, including refrigeration, heat exchangers and compressors, as well as various aspects of power generation such as gas turbines, internal combustion engines and modern systems such as hybrid power trains and fuel cells.

Processes of heat and energy transfer are fundamental to mechanical engineering, particularly when it comes to power and energy generation. This module introduces the theory and practice of engineering thermodynamics and heat transfer. You will be introduced to the fundamentals of thermodynamics and heat transfer and explore their application in analysing steam operated power plants and design of heat exchangers. You will develop cycle analysis for the design of refrigerators, compressors, gas turbines, compression and spark ignition engines. Furthermore, you will study the properties of fuels, their combustion, exhaust composition, atmospheric pollution, exhaust emissions and reduction. The module also introduces you to the scientific and engineering aspects of other powertrains such as hybrid systems and fuel cells, which are becoming increasingly important in vehicle engineering.

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ENG3018: Control Engineering

The advancement of technology during the 20th century put control engineering on the map - and it still plays a critical role in everything from simple household washing machines to high performance fighter aircraft. This module will give you a fundamental understanding of control engineering for single input single output systems. In particular, you will analyse the fundamental concept of feedback and its impact on system dynamics. You will study the performance of closed loop systems from a time domain and frequency domain perspective. Classical approaches to studying closed loop systems will be introduced including root-locus, Nyquist and Bode diagram methods. The module will also describe a method for parameterizing all stabilizing controllers for a given plant model, and how this result can be used from a design perspective. The module will also introduce the fundamentals of proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control, which you will use to analyse and design control systems. The module will describe the concepts of gain and phase margins and the H-infinity norm, for assessing the robustness of closed loop systems to modelling uncertainty. The lectures are supported by computer laboratories for modelling and simulation of systems using the Control Engineering toolbox in Matlab.

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ENG3023: Zero Emission Vehicles

Today, it is of paramount importance to stimulate the creativity of students to solve the challenges in the decarbonisation of the transportation sector.

This module aims to provide you with a solid foundation in modelling and control techniques for zero-emission powertrains. Throughout the module, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the core components of a fully electric vehicle, including batteries, power converters, electric motors, and drives, as well as mechanical elements. Furthermore, the module will introduce you to the fundamentals of energy balance and management principles specific to electric vehicles, along with an introduction to optimization approaches applied in this domain.

The module provides a comprehensive exploration of the concepts of modelling, energy-power management, control, and optimisation as they relate to zero-emission vehicles. It will enable you to develop a range of interdisciplinary skills at the intersection between mechanical, electrical, and control systems engineering. A central theme of the module is to demonstrate the significance of mathematical modelling and equations in critically evaluating power requirements, efficiency, and energy balance in the context of electric vehicles.

The module will encourage the creation of an inclusive team-work environment where you will contribute as a group to achieve common goals.

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PHY3222: Energy, Materials and Sustainability

This module will allow you to develop a critical, scientific, and pragmatic understanding of the role energy and materials can play in building a sustainable future. The module will emphasise the relationship human activity has with our only finite resource, the Earth . The environmental and societal impacts of acquiring energy and primary resources required to survive as a species will be explored. We will discuss the costs and limitations of manufacturing using more sustainable materials on a planet with finite resources. You will gain a strong background in renewable energy generation and new materials to help build a sustainable future.

This module will provide you with:

• A global perspective of our total energy and resource needs now and in the future.
• An overview of established energy sources.
• An overview of renewable energy sources including photovoltaics, wind, and wave power
• An overview of how these more sustainable technologies can help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and the environmental implications of the move to renewable energy sources.

In addition, the module will enable you to:

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