Module: Mechanics of Materials II

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Mechanics of Materials II
Module Code	MEC1004 (ITS: MM212)
Faculty	Engineering & Computing	School	Mechanical & Manufacturing Eng
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This is a core module for all mechanically based engineering degrees. It underpins decisions made in design, and provides a foundation for more advanced analysis techniques and tools.

Learning Outcomes

1. Devise an appropriate calculation from a narrative describing component loading and geometry including simple components under axial, torsion, bending,pressure and thermal loading.
2. Calculate stress and strain in simple elements under elastic loading including pressure vessels and struts
3. Explain how stress can be transformed (in 2D) and apply transformation equations and Mohr's circle.
4. Apply yield criteria to calculate limits on simple components under multiaxial loading
5. Apply a systematic approach to the selection of a material, i.e. mathematically represent a mix of property requirements for particular applications and design goals, and then use material selection charts to identify a subset of suitable materials
6. Incorporate into material choice tools consideration of the phase of material lifecycle contributing most to environmental impact.
7. Run an experiment, present and interpret data and communciate results verbally and in technical report format

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	36	Lectures are used to teach principles, illustrating these with examples. Tutorial questions are addressed throughout lecture time to encourage active learning by providing an immediate opportunity for learners to apply knowledge and practice calculations
Laboratory	12	Preparing, undertaking experiments and write-ups
Assignment Completion	15	Familiarisation with software, undertaking calcualtions and report
Independent Study	32	separate to preparation for assignments, labs and test
Online activity	18	Mec movies time
Directed learning	9	preparation for mid term exam
Directed learning	3	mid sem test and final exam
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20150	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	20%	Examination Weight	80%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC3	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Ronan McCann	Module Teacher

Section Breakdown
CRN	21349	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	20%	Examination Weight	80%
Grade Scale	50PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC3	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Ronan McCann	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Case Study in Material Selection using CES	8%	Once per semester
Laboratory Portfolio	Buckling of Struts or Thin Cylinder Experiment	7%	Once per semester
In Class Test	Pre-seen Tutorial Sheet	5%	Once per semester
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	80%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Elastic Failure
Stress and strain in thin cylinders and spherical shells under pressure. Eulers theory of buckling. Statically indeterminate stress systems. Thermal stresses and strains.

Stress Transformation
Two and three dimensional stress and strain. Princpal stresses Mohr s stress circle.

Plastic Failure
Yield Criteria Models of Plastic behaviour Plastic failure of simple elements (beam or shaft)

Material Selection
Development of Materials Index (MI) tool to identify required balance of materials properties. Application of MI to material selection charts, using Cambridge Engineering selector (CES) software. Adaptation of this method to include environmental impact considerations. Case studies.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

T. A. Philpott: 2008, Mechanics of Materials An integrated learning system, John Wiley & Sons, 978-0-470-04438-4
Michael F. Ashby: 0, Materials selection in mechanical design, Elsevier, 0-7506-6168-2

Articles:
None

Other Resources

1: Website, Timothy A. Philpott, MecMovies,

Update title to "Mechanics of Materials 2" to suit Future's structure Update to 80% exam & 20% CA