Will you design the machines of the future?
Car engines, agricultural machines and ship winches. These are all products that have passed through the hands of a mechanical designer. Will you be the future developer of a smarter cooling system for trains or light weight gearbox for wind turbines? Or will you improve machines and their maintenance? The exchange programme Applied Mechanics deepens your knowledge of mechanical-engineering constructions, design tools and methods, and helps you excel in designing and improving machinery and machine parts.
What’s Applied Mechanics like?
Deepen your knowledge of mechanical design during this bachelor's level programme (30 ECTS credits) and immediately put theory into practice during several real, company-driven projects. On top of this, you and your team will be working on an engineering assignment for one or two days a week to solve a problem for a real company.
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Applied Mechanics project (8 ECTS credits)
This project covers the study and design of mechanical systems. As part of a small team, you will actively engage in a real life problem. One or two days a week you will analyze and research an engineering assignment provided by the company you work for. Examples of participating companies are MechDes, VMI, Zuidberg, AWL, GeesinkNorba, Verbruggen and Broshuis.
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Composites (2 ECTS credits)
The module Composites introduces you to the basic calculation methods for stress and strain in composite materials. You will use design software such as SolidWorks Cad and SolidWorks Simulation Add-lns.
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Modelling and validation (4 ECTS credits)
In this module you will make a full stress and deformation analysis of a complicated (“real world”) design problem, by an iterative combination of theoretical calculations, FEM/analysis and practical testing. You will use design software such as SolidWorks Cad and SolidWorks Simulation Add-lns.
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Design tools (5 ECTS credits)
Learn about a range of design tools in this practical training. After an introduction, you get to choose which of the design tools you would like to specialize in. You should choose at least two tools, but you may choose more if you want.
You can choose from the following tools:- KISSSOFT is a software tool which is used to perform calculations on machine parts. This calculating tool is leading in the field of gears.
- CE-marking - During CE-marking, you will deal with technical legal aspects and safety and liability with respect to constructing machines and products.
- SolidWorks Motion/PDM is an extensive multibody tool which is used for various purposes, including the development of cars and rollercoasters.
- Product Data Management is a practical training provided in cooperation with the company VMI. During this training, you learn about recent developments and important matters for mechanical engineers in the field of PDM.
- FMECA provides a basis for design methods and procedures to determine the reliability of a machine and to improve it. Probability approach, failure analysis, loads on contact surfaces, friction, wear and lubrication are subjects FMCEA deals with.
- Non-Linear FEM - During this practical training, you learn how to handle buckling and non-linear material behaviour. You will get to know the limitations of the usual calculations.
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Drive technology (5 ECTS credits)
During the module Drive technology, you will learn more about machine construction, such as electric motors and machine parts. The lectures about electrical drive systems focus on interaction motor and load, DC-motors, stepper motors, AC-power, 3-phase systems and induction motors. Your study of machine parts covers interference fit, couplings and bolt connections. The lectures are supported by a practical training in labs.
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Dynamics and vibration (4 ECTS credits)
This part consists of two series of lectures during which kinematics, dynamics and vibration analyses in practical situations of machine drives will be dealt with. This includes:
- Relative motion analysis using rotating axe and coriolis acceleration
- Linear and angular momentum of a particle
- Impact mechanics
- Linear and angular momentum of a rigid body
- Basic concepts of vibration
- Vibration analysis
- Spring elements
- Mass or inertia elements
- Damping elements
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Technical English (1 ECTS credit)
The objective is to provide a training in translating several technical texts into English so that you will be able to write a graduation report in English (when required) or an executive summary without mistakes in grammar, spelling, idioms and style.
You will practice your writing skills by summarizing and translating short texts that are related to applied mechanics. -
Elective modules
Complete your exchange semester or year by taking one or more electives. The module Introduction to Windesheim is compulsory for all international students, but you are free to choose from the other options. You will receive ECTS credits when you complete a module successfully.
Introduction to Windesheim
Intercultural Awareness
Drama and Improvisation
Dutch Language
Dutch Society -
Course catalogue
Want to know more about the exchange programme of Applied Mechanics? Check the course catalogue for more information about matters such as assessment and teaching methods.
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Applied Mechanics project (8 ECTS credits)
Requirements and application
You are required to have two years of Bachelor’s study experience in a relevant field (e.g. Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering) and English-language skills at B2 level. In order to be able to complete some modules, you will also need mathematics and physics at high school level.
Practical information
Academic Calendar Finance
Housing Visa Facilities
Credits and Grading Partnerships
Learning Agreement
When you decide to do an exchange programme at Windesheim, you have to sign the Learning Agreement of your programme. The Learning Agreement is a crucial document for the recognition of a study period abroad. It is an agreement between you, your university and Windesheim.
Questions about studying at Windesheim? Contact the International Office via +31 884699777 or