Overview
Machine Design develops the analytical and practical methods required to design, evaluate, and document mechanical components and assemblies. The course integrates mechanics, materials science, manufacturing processes, engineering standards, computational tools, and iterative design practice.
Topics include design methodology; loading and failure modes; static strength; stress concentration; fatigue and endurance; fracture and wear; factors of safety; reliability; material selection; and design for manufacturability, assembly, maintenance, and sustainability. Component design applications include shafts and axles, keys and splines, couplings, fasteners and bolted joints, welded joints, springs, bearings, gears, belts, chains, brakes, clutches, and power-transmission systems.
Students apply free-body diagrams, torque and power relationships, stress and deflection analysis, bearing-life calculations, gear geometry, lubrication principles, tolerancing, fits, geometric dimensioning concepts, and relevant design codes and standards. A substantial integrated design project requires the analysis of realistic loading, use of standards and vendor data, computational or simulation-based validation, and production of manufacturable assembly documentation.
Learning Outcomes
- Translate functional requirements into measurable machine design specifications and constraints.
- Apply free-body diagrams, torque and power relationships, and stress and deflection analysis to mechanical components.
- Evaluate static strength, fatigue life, fracture, wear, reliability, and factor-of-safety requirements for machine elements.
- Select materials, components, lubricants, and manufacturing processes using engineering standards and vendor data.
- Design and size shafts, fasteners, springs, bearings, gears, and power-transmission components for specified loading and service life.
- Analyze tolerances, fits, geometric dimensioning concepts, and assembly requirements for manufacturability and maintenance.
- Compare competing design solutions using performance, safety, cost, sustainability, manufacturability, and reliability criteria.
- Use computational tools, engineering codes, and simulation methods to verify design calculations and validate performance.
- Recognize foreseeable failure risks and incorporate appropriate safeguards, inspection requirements, and maintenance provisions.
- Produce clear engineering calculations, assumptions, component specifications, drawings, and assembly documentation for a manufacturable machine design.
Timetable
| Type | Length | Frequency | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Lab | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Tutorial | 1 hour | Weekly | All semester |
| Workshop | 2 hours | Fortnightly | All semester |
| Practicum | 3 hours | Fortnightly | Second term |
Assessment Schedule
| Type | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Design analysis assignments (3 × 5%). | 15.00% |
| Quiz | Applied mechanics and machine-element quizzes (5 × 2%). | 10.00% |
| Test | Mid-semester design analysis test. | 15.00% |
| Deliverable | Engineering calculations and preliminary component selection. | 10.00% |
| Capstone | Integrated machine design project with analysis, standards, validation, and assembly documentation. | 35.00% |
| Attendance | Laboratory and workshop participation. | 5.00% |
| Exam | Final examination covering analysis and design integration. | 10.00% |
Prerequisites
- Requirement Prior study in engineering materials and manufacturing processes.
Teaching Staff & Programs
This course is delivered jointly by faculty from the participating programs listed below. In line with the Douchewater Way, the University of Sexology tailors core instruction directly to each cohort's specific discipline — adapting curriculum to program needs rather than forcing students into a one-size-fits-all model. Learn more about our approach at The Douchewater Way.
