Mechanical engineering: heat and flow
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Following an introduction to mechanical engineering and the career and employability opportunities this brings, you’ll study a range of topics relating to thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer and sustainability. Theoretical understanding will be supported and applied with relevant practical sessions using wind tunnels at our award-winning OpenEngineering Labs. Industrially relevant skills of heat transfer analysis are taught using ANSYS, the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software package. In the latter part of the module, you’ll apply the knowledge gained to design the heating and cooling of a low carbon building, as part of the group project.
What you will study
T229 has been designed in three parts; each part is presented both as a printed book with associated online activities. Part 1 focuses on thermodynamics; Part 2 covers fluid mechanics; Part 3 is about heating, cooling and sustainability.
Part 1: Thermodynamics
You’ll consider different forms of energy and how it transforms from one to another. You’ll then discover the limits to these transformations, and the directionality of these processes before learning how heat energy can be harnessed to do mechanical work using a heat engine. This understanding will then be applied to both steam turbines for power generation and jet engines for transport. The reverse process, the heat pump is introduced, as the basis of the refrigeration cycle. Its usefulness in both geothermal power and food preservation is explained.
Part 2: Fluid mechanics
This part looks at the behaviour of liquids and gases moving in a wide range of situations, from domestic plumbing to hurricanes and from jet engines to hydraulic braking systems such as that found in various forms of transport. You will learn how physical and mathematical models help engineers to understand the behaviour of fluids and to solve real-world problems.
Part 3: Heating, cooling and sustainability
You’ll apply your knowledge to design the heating and cooling of ‘low carbon’ buildings and will learn about heat transfer mechanisms within buildings – including radiators, insulation and heat exchange mechanisms. You’ll consider the role of ;engineers in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the context of global climate policies and will be taught how to apply simple Life Cycle Assessment to buildings.
Throughout the module there will be opportunities to complement and enhance theoretical knowledge by carrying out a number of relevant experiments. In Parts 1 and 2, you’ll remotely access our OpenEngineering Laboratory to carry out experiments and acquire data in real time. In Part 3, you’ll gain skills in heat transfer analysis by exploring the use of the industry-standard finite element analysis (FEA) software package, ANSYS. In the latter part of the module, you’ll also learn more about teamwork, before applying this approach to a group project, to design a low-carbon building. If you have concerns about working in a group, then you’ll be advised to talk these through with your tutor as soon as possible.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements to study this module.
However, we recommend you’ve passed one of the following modules:
The module assumes a level of mathematics skill and prior knowledge which you’ll get from successfully completing one of the modules above. It assumes, and builds on, existing knowledge and skill in the use of trigonometry; differential and integral calculus; vectors; polar coordinate systems; and complex numbers.
If you’re not sure you’re ready, talk to an adviser.
Preparatory work
Core engineering A (T271) and Core engineering B (T272) are ideal preparation for this module. We highly recommend you’ve at least studied T271 before studying T229.
What's included
- Access to the module study materials via the module website.
- Three printed module books and a handbook.
Module material is provided in three printed books along with associated online activities on the T229 module website. In order to successfully study this module, you need to access both the online and printed materials. A module map and study planner are available for you to use when planning your study.
The module map shows the overall structure of the module and the key assessment dates, with each week displaying detail of what you will be studying. Each week the study planner has an essential overview, which shows what needs to be studied and the order in which to study the print.
You will need
- A scientific calculator.
- A device capable of producing digital images (e.g. s smartphone, digital camera or scanner).
- Basic drawing equipment.
Computing requirements
A computing device with a browser and broadband internet access is required for this module. Any modern browser will be suitable for most computer activities. Functionality may be limited on mobile devices.
Any additional software will be provided, or is generally freely available. However, some activities may have more specific requirements. For this reason, you will need to be able to install and run additional software on a device that meets the requirements below.
- A desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows
- The screen must have a resolution of at least 1024 pixels horizontally and 768 pixels vertically.
To join in the spoken conversation in our online rooms we recommend a headset (headphones or earphones with an integrated microphone).
Our Skills for OU study website has further information including computing skills for study, computer security, acquiring a computer and Microsoft software offers for students.