Module: Mechanical Engineering System Simulation

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Mechanical Engineering System Simulation
Module Code	MEC1031 (ITS: MM401)
Faculty	Mechanical & Manufacturing Eng	School	Engineering & Computing
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	7.5

Description

Analysis and modelling of two degree-of-freedom vibrating systems. Matrix representations of multi-dof systems. Free and Forced response calculation. Vibration of continuous systems - calculation of modal frequencies and shapes dependent on boundary conditions and wave equation. Forced vibration of continuous systems. Introduction to computer based simulation of mechanical engineering systems and use of commercial & development packages for simulation. Simulation of mechanical systems and components including machine elements, electrical and electro-mechanical systems, thermal systems, and hydraulic systems. State-variable modelling and techniques for validation of models.

Learning Outcomes

1. Analyse 2 DoF vibrating systems for modal frequencies and shapes and response to harmonic excitation
2. Determine the wave equation for 2nd & 4th order systems and apply boundary conditions to define mode shapes. Perform modal and forced-vibration analyses of simple continuous systems.
3. Develop modelling strategies for multiple DoF simulation
4. Formulate a State variable model of mechanical and other systems
5. Build dynamic models in Xcos and apply parameters through Scilab. Analyse and present output results.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	36	No Description
Lecture	24	Studio Session
Assignment Completion	32	2 Different Assignments over the semester
Independent Study	96	Reading of course material, attempting example questions
Total Workload: 188

Section Breakdown
CRN	20168	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Alan Kennedy	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Analysis of 2DOF vibrating system. Modelling of systems using Xcos and Scilab.	10%	Week 6
In Class Test	Analyse 2DOF vibrating systems, and model a system using Xcos and Scilab	10%	n/a
Assignment	Modelling of 2DOF and continuous vibrating systems. Modelling of other systems using Xcos and Simulink.	10%	Week 11
In Class Test	Analyse 2DOF or continuous vibrating system. Model a system using Xcos and Scilab.	10%	n/a
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	60%	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

General principles for developing models for physical systems

Procedures for developing equations for dynamic response of discrete and continuous systems

Develop models of mechanisms under free, damped and forced excitation

Use of commercial modelling software for mechanisms

Development of custom-built models using Scilab, Xcos & similar tools

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Charles M. Close, Dean K. Frederick, Jonathan C. Newell: 2001, Modeling and Analysis of Dynamic Systems, 3rd Edition, Wiley, 978-0-471-39442-6
Daniel J. Inman: 2009, Engineering Vibrations, 3rd Edition, Pearson Education, 978-0-13-136311-3
A.F. D'Souza, V.K. Gar.: 1984, Advanced dynamics : modeling and analysis, Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, N.J, 0130113123

Articles:
None

Other Resources

Website: Mathworks, MATLAB resources, http://www.mathworks.co.uk/matlabcentral/