Principles and Applications of Strength (H7102)
Principles and Applications of Strength of Materials
Module H7102
Module details for 2025/26.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 5
Pre-Requisite
Engineering Mechanics
Materials & Manufacturing Processes
Module Outline
ave you ever ask yourselves why objects break? It happens in nature and every area of human activity and to answer this question we have to look not only at the shape of the object and the loads acting on it but also deep inside it, at the structure of the materials, the strength of the bonds between the particles making it, the purity of the material and many other factors. In Newtonian Mechanics we looked at the objects from an outside perspective. In This Strength of Materials we look at what happens inside it, at the internal forces which are developed and which react to the external loading. To do this effectively and efficiently we introduce and use the concepts of stress and strain.
The engineer nowadays can use software packages as tools for solving complex problems related to the strength and physical performance of mechanical parts and assemblies. No matter how convenient these tools are, they cannot replace the simple, analytical calculations of stresses and deflections, which are the object of study of Strength of Materials. This discipline introduces fundamental concepts, which allow the student to understand the physical phenomena that take place when materials are under the action of forces. By mastering those fundamental concepts one not only is able to carry out quick calculations, but can use more efficiently and even improve the numerical tools aforementioned. These concepts are vital to the mechanical design process and it can be said that without the prediction of the strengths of the parts no mechanical design process can take place.
Module Topics
Internal forces in solids; Stress and strain; Uniaxial stress and strain; Tension - compression; Statically indeterminate systems in tension - compression; Buckling; Biaxial stress; Thin-walled pressure vessels; Plane stress; Relationships between stress and strain; Elastic failure criteria; Stress measurement; Torsional loading; Springs; Strain energy in torsion; Beam bending theory; Shear force and bending moment diagrams; Stresses and deflections in bending; Strain energy in bending; Indeterminate beams; Dynamic loading; Thick wall cylinders; Rotating discs; Elementary plastic design.
The syllabus covers the following AHEP4 learning outcomes: C2, M2, C3, M3, C4, M4, C12, M12, C16, M16
Library
Statics and mechanics of materials, Hibbeler, R. C, International 2nd ed. Year: 2004
Structural mechanics, Hulse, R., Cain, J., Year: 2000
Strength of materials and structures, Case, J., Chilver, A.H.Y, Ross, C. T. F, 4th ed. Year: 1999
Strength of Materials, Timoshenko, S. P, 3 ed. Year: 1955
Strength of Materials, Ryder, G. H, 3 ed in SI units. Year: 1969
Applied Strength of Materials, Jensen, A, Chenoweth, H., 3 ed.Year: 1975
Mechanics of materials, Gere, J. M., 5th SI ed. Year: 2002
Mechanics of materials, Hibbeler, R. C, Fan, S. C, Year: 2008
Mechanics of materials, Gere, J. M., Timoshenko, S. P., 3rd SI edition. Year: 1991
Elements of stress analysis, Hayman, J. Year: 1982
Mechanics of materials, Beer, F. P. , Johnston, E. R. , 3r.ed. Year: 2002
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Module learning outcomes
Analyse complex problems based on understanding and application of well-established engineering, mathematical and natural science principles to reach conclusions regarding the strength and deformation of parts subjected to various types of loading.
Apply appropriate analytical methods to model the stress field and strains in parts subjected to loading recognising their limitations and the simplifying assumptions made.
Select, evaluate and use technical literature to understand and analyse elastic and plastic behaviour of mechanical parts
Use experimental methods to evaluate strain and understand their importance and limitations
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 27.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Report | T1 Week 7 | 33.00% |
| Report | T1 Week 9 | 33.00% |
| Report | T1 Week 2 | 34.00% |
| Unseen Examination | Semester 1 Assessment | 73.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Semester | Workshop | 1 hour | 01010101010 |
| Autumn Semester | Lecture | 1 hour | 11111111111 |
| Autumn Semester | Laboratory | 2 hours | 01000010100 |
| Autumn Semester | Lecture | 2 hours | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Prof Romeo Glovnea
Assess convenor
/profiles/250860
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