Mechanics of Solids Term Project

Semester 2, 2015/16
Goal
To apply the acquired knowledge in Mechanics of Solids to a design oriented problem of interest
to you.
Scope of Project
(a)
Identify a design problem (A list of examples are provided below), and submit a list of
group members and project title by March 18, 2015
(b)

Select any project provided it:

(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)

(c)

is acceptable to the instructor

utilises the principles covered in the module
includes 3-5 students
is not a copy of a solution taken from a text book or from the previous work of
other students.

Define the specifications and constraints for the problem. For example, the specification
for a wall-mounted bookshelf could be:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)

The bookshelf must support 25 textbooks and 20 large three-ring binders.

The bookshelf must not sag in the middle by more than 3 mm.
The bookshelf must be 350 mm deep
The factor of safety should be greater than two.

(d)

Use standard design procedure and drawing conventions.

(e)

You will not be building or testing anything for this project.

(f)

Make it clear how you arrive at your final design, and show detailed drawings of your
design with all the information necessary for someone to construct it.

(g)

Final report due in Week 13 of the Semester.

General Requirements

General (10%):- Cover sheet, neatness, clarity, correct grammar and spelling with
adequate margins, page number, 12 pt font, double spaced, typed. Calculations may be
handwritten. Use the S.I. system for all measurements.

Introduction (5%):- Brief description of the project, why was it chosen, and how the
project was accomplished.

Project goals/objectives and specifications (5%)

Project Drawings (including dimensions), Parts List, and Bill of Materials (25%)

Explanation/Description of your drawings (10%)

Model (simplified drawings for the purpose of analysis, e.g., Force and Load diagrams)
(5%)

Assumptions used in your analysis (5% )

References and Appendices (5%)

Calculations and mathematical correctness (20%)

Conclusion (State the design objective and the results of your calculations) (5%)

Indicate on a separate page the sections or parts where each team member made his/her
contribution (5%)

Submit a hardcopy of your report and email a digital copy to your module instructor. The
project will not be graded until both copies are received. You will need to scan
handwritten or photo-copied materials.

Design Project Ideas

Staircase Design

Closet shelving system

Retaining wall

Chair (wood or metal)

Computer stand

Slide

Stool (wood or metal)

Adjustable ladder

Bus stop bench

Book Shelf

Bicycle frame

Wrench

Gazebo

Diving board

Wheelchair

TV tray

Swing set

Steel bridge

Flowers stand

Fishing pole

Ironing board
2

Foot bridge

Bicycle crank arm

Concrete utility pole

Folding table

Car jack

Balcony

Aquarium base

Portable basketball hoop

Four-post hydraulic car lift

Industrial LPG cylinder

JPSCo power plant boiler

tube

Outdoor signboard to
withstand hurricane

Transmission tower structure

Oil refinery storage tank

Racing car protective cage

Design Process
1.

Problem identification, data gathering, conceptualization and synthesis

(a)

Aims, objectives, performance, criteria, design specfications

(b)

Arrive at a specific definition of the problem

(c)

Gather information from as many sources as possible

(d)

Brainstorming (There will be many bad ideas that can be eliminated later)

(e)

Examples of possible criteria and constraints are:

(i)

Cost

Reliability

Weight

(ii)

Ease of operation

Appearance

Compatibility

(iii)

Ease of maintenance

Strength

Noise level

(iv)

Effectivenesss

Durability

Feasiblity

(v)

Availability

Acceptance

Safety

(vi)

Thermal properties

Liability

Stiffness

(vii)

Surface Finish

Lubrication

Processing

Wear

Friction

(viii) Flexibility

(f)

2.

Write a thorough description of your design

Analysis, Evaluation, Optimisation, and Decision Making

(a)

Preliminary designs, including modelling and simulation

(b)

Detailed calculation for stresses, strains, torsional loading, buckling, etc

3

(c)

Use your engineering knowledge to evaluate the alternatives based on your design
criteria.

(d)

Use the results of your analysis to compare all the alternatives using a systematic
process

3.

Communication
(a)

The three means of communication are used: oral report, written presentation, and
engineering drawings

(b)

Remember! Presentation is important in selling your work.

(c)

The more technically competent and versatile you are in all forms, the more
successful you will be.