FACULTY OF ENGINEERING

RESEARCH AREAS Aerodynamics - the investigation of the behaviour of fluids and gases, e.g. how air flows over the wing of an aeroplane to achieve optimum lift with minimum drag, or the form of a turbo charger's blades in order to extract the maximum amount of energy from exhaust gasses. ACCREDITATIONANDREGISTRATION All the BEng degrees have been accredited by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) for registration of graduates as Professional Engineers. These degrees are also recognised in the overseas countries signatory to the Washington Accord, such as Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. MINIMUM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS (MATRIC UNTIL 2007) The average symbol, as well as the symbols for Mathematics HG and Physical Science HG, must all be at least a C. English 1st language at least an E, or English 2nd language at least a C (if no Afrikaans), or English 2nd language at least a D if Afrikaans 1st language was passed. MINIMUM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS (NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE FROM 2008) The average percentage, as well as the marks for Mathematics and Physical Science, must all be above 60%. English 1st language at least 40%, or English 2nd language at least 60% (if no Afrikaans), or English 2nd language at least 50% if Afrikaans 1st language was passed. Mathematical Literacy does not give admission to BEng programmes. SELECTIONCRITERIA There is a selection formula, using the marks obtained for 6 Matric subjects (excluding Life Orientation), with Mathematics and Physical Science counting double. To have a reasonable chance of selection, the achievement in at least two subjects must be above 70%. For each subject in which less than 60% is achieved, the achievement for at least one other subject must be above 70%. LANGUAGEPOLICY All first-year modules are presented in both Afrikaans and English (parallel sessions). Special language skills modules are offered for those students who do not perform well enough in the academic literacy tests. From the second year onwards, most modules are presented in Afrikaans. However, all test and exam papers and assignments are set in both Afrikaans and English and students are free to write any paper or assignment in either Afrikaans or English.

E X CI T I NG A ND DY NA M I C O P P O RT U NI T I E S

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
GEAR UP FOR YOUR FUTURE

Mechanical engineers can study, design, develop and maintain machines, systems and products of a diverse nature to satisfy people's needs. Examples include aeroplane fuselages, robots, food production plants, cooling towers, power stations, mining equipment, diesel and petrol engines, armoured vehicles, missiles, ships, air-conditioning systems, agricultural machinery, household goods like hairdryers, etc. At postgraduate level mechanical engineers can specialize in areas such as product design and manufacturing, marine engineering and shipbuilding architecture, aeronautical engineering, air-conditioning and refrigeration, vehicle engineering and bio-medical engineering. Mechanical engineers often use computers in their work. Complex systems are simulated using computer programmes before being built to verify whether the specific system can operate safely, efficiently and economically.

Energy - the study of the transfer of thermal and mechanical energy with minimal losses e.g. what is the maximum amount of electricity that can be generated from a given energy source, or the optimization of a parabolic trough collector for a solar energy power station, or even how to design a large power station that is suitable for dry South African regions with minimal cooling water. Structures - the study of the strength and rigidity of structures e.g. to determine whether a pole vaulter's pole, which is manufactured from composite materials like carbon fibre, is strong and elastic enough to carry the jumper safely over the crossbar, or to optimize the form of the implant for a knee replacement. Dynamics, vibration and noise - the study of forces on, and accelerations of moving parts e.g. how a car's suspension system reacts when the car has to swerve out at a high speed, or to predict the vibration an underground train can cause in houses on the surface. Mechatronics and control - the use of computers, electric and electronic components to develop machines that can observe and interpret circumstances in order to be faster/better/cheaper, e.g. the underwater stabilizing foils of a cruise ship that counter act against the rolling actions of the hull, or a medical device that can observe how a human walks in order to show whether that person has certain medical problems. Design and manufacturing - the investigation of methods used to design the different components of a machine in order for it to fulfil its function and that can be developed in the fastest, most cost-effective way, e.g. without the need for a prototype.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Mechanical engineers (both men and women) are found in all types of businesses in South Africa and overseas, from the largest corporations (e.g. De Beers, Anglo American, Barlows, Reumech, Sasol, Mittal Steel, Denel, SAB Miller, etc.) to small individual consulting engineering firms. Engineers are often entrepreneurs who start their own companies or head businesses. RESEARCH LABORATORIES The Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering has well-equipped laboratories in which undergraduate and postgraduate students are exposed to the practical application of theory and where research into new technology is done. The most important laboratories include: Heat Transfer and Thermodynamics, Strength of Materials, Dynamic Seat Testing Facility, Fluid Machinery, Marine Engineering and Shipbuilding Architecture, Gas and Air Dynamics, Mechatronics and Computer-Aided Design (CAD). RESEARCH AREAS

P U SHING T HE

B O U N D A RIES
ENQUIRIES The Chairperson Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602 Tel: 021 808 4376 Fax: 021 808 4958 E-mail: meganies@sun.ac.za

UNIVERSITEIT STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY

www.mecheng.sun.ac.za