Stress analysis, dynamics and engineering materials are core engineering topics. This module will deepen your knowledge of the underpinning science and mathematics, engineering analysis, design, environmental and economic context, and engineering practice. You’ll build confidence in analysing engineering problems, evaluating information, and communicating your ideas. Further development of reflective engineering practice is integral throughout. You’ll discuss aspects of your study with other students and your tutor, conduct remote experiments using our OpenSTEM Labs and use industry-recognised software.
What you will study
The module consists of three parts – each supported by a printed book:
Part 1: Stress Analysis for Structural Design
In this first part, you’ll build on your understanding of different types of loading and stress in engineering structures; you’ll move on to explore complex stress analysis in two dimensions. The module uses real-world engineered products (e.g. an aircraft wing) as case studies to demonstrate how engineering structures experience combined loading conditions leading to complex stress states. Alongside hand calculations for stress analysis, it will introduce you to computer-based methods. You’ll explore using finite element analysis software for the stress analysis of simple engineering structures. It will also introduce you to failure criteria and how to use stress analysis to predict or design against failure.
Part 2: Dynamic Analysis for Engineering Design
The subject of the second part is motion – you’ll learn how to describe, model and analyse motion. First, you’ll study the movement of objects and the reason for that movement – in other words, the forces acting on those objects and causing them to move. You’ll go on to study dynamics using energy methods and applying laws of thermodynamics to dynamic systems. You’ll also learn design methods to encourage good vibration when required, or to limit unwanted vibration that could cause damage.
Part 3: Engineering Materials for Improved Performance
The final part of the module is about what limits the useful life of engineered components and what engineers can do to make them last longer. You’ll look at some of the failure and degradation mechanisms that act within engineering components over time and reduce their lifetime in service. This part will introduce you to some of the methods engineers have developed to extend a component's lifetime in service, by choosing the right material to start with and then manipulating or treating it somehow.
Remote experiments in our OpenEngineering lab will enhance the theoretical underpinning – you’ll interact with equipment in real-time or with an ongoing experiment, from your computer. You’ll also gain industrially relevant stress and structural analysis skills by exploring an industry-standard finite element analysis (FEA) software package. The module integrates mathematics teaching into the engineering materials, giving context and an opportunity to practice its application. You’ll practise maths and engineering questions – through interactive quizzes – in preparation for the interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs). We’ll base assignment questions on activities in the module material.
Entry requirements
You must have passed one of the following modules:
The module assumes a level of mathematics skill and prior knowledge that 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.
Also, you must have passed (or be waiting for your result for) Core engineering A (T271).
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
marking your assignments and offering detailed feedback to help you improve
providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content
guiding you to additional learning resources
facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the dedicated forums.
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Assessment
Course work includes:
2 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
4 Interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs)
Examination
We regularly review the assessments in our modules, so we may update the examination method used for this module to an in-person exam or an online invigilated exam. When we are making such a change, we will make it clear on this page. If we need to make a change after you have registered, we will notify you as soon as possible. If you have additional requirements, we will support you to complete your assessments.
What's included
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
a week-by-week study planner
course-specific module materials
audio and video content
assessment details and submission section
online tutorial access
access to student forums.
We also provide physical:
module books
module handbook.
You will need
a scientific calculator
a device to take digital images of your work (e.g. a phone/digital camera or scanner).
Computing requirements
Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer with at least 8 GB of RAM. A 22" or larger monitor is recommended. It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
Operating systems – Windows 11 only. Any macOS is unsuitable.
Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection. You’ll need control over your internet connection settings – corporate firewalls may prevent FEA software from accessing the licensed served hosted by the Open University.
Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended; Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.
Minimum and recommended requirements for The Open University Ansys software:
i3 processor or equivalent (i5 equivalent or above recommended).
512 MB graphics card (1 GB or higher recommended).
A version of Ansys for Linux OS is also available. The Linux version may require more than 4 GB of RAM.
25 GB hard drive (50 GB or larger strongly recommended).
Physical ‘C:/’ drive present.
You’ll need administrator privileges on your machine.
OpenGL-capable.
See System and browser requirements for Ansys software for further information on Ansys Student Version.
Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
If you have a disability
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying T272 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
Future availability
Core engineering B (T272) starts once a year – in April.
It will next start in April 2027.
We expect it to start for the last time in April 2029.