Applied Mechanics

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.

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.

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.

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 (they are examples, the actual overview is provided in the course description every year):

• Maintenance Engineering: With this design tool you learn to gain insight into choices that an engineer has to make with regard to availability, reliability, safety, maintainability and life cycle during the design phase of a technical system.
• CE-marking: it deals with technical -and legal aspects, safety and liability concerning the construction of machines and products.
• Solid Works Motion/PDM: Motion is an extensive Multibody package which , among others, is used during the development or design of cars and rollercoasters. The practical lectures about Product Data Management are provided in cooperation with the company VMI. You acquire knowledge about important matters and recent developments in this area (specifically of interest for mechanical engineers).
• FMECA: During this part of the course a solid base is established for design methods and procedures to determine and to improve the reliability of machines. Failure mode, effects and criticality analysis deals with e.g. loads on contact surfaces, friction, wear and lubrication.
• Non-Linear FEM: during these practical lectures you not only learn to deal with distortions and non-linear material behaviour but with the limitations of conventional calculations as well.
• Hand sketching: With this design tool you will learn to concretize, clarify and communicate design ideas in a fast and accessible way through simple but effective sketches

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.

The outcomes are: 

1. The student can analyse and apply (within an end results accuracy of ±5%) clearly the kinematics of relative motion analysis of rigid-body plane motion using a translating and/or rotating frame of reference. 
2. The student can write, analyse and apply correcly the kinetics formula's for the linear and angular momentum of rigid-body plane motion.
3. The student can analyse and apply the correct model of vibration on a given problem ( free and/ or forced, damped and/or undamped vibration) to solve different basic problems in Engineering vibration. 
4. The student can perform a design for a vibration isolation system correctly and validate the results according to the used theoretical model.

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.

The goal is to acquire knowledge and develop skills in written and verbal communication. Course content Students pick two communication themes out of four concerning written and verbal communication.

Complete your exchange semester or year by taking one or two cross-departmental modules. You will receive ECTS credits when you complete a module successfully.

• Behavioural Change in Organizations
• Cambridge English B2 or C1
• Drama and Improvisation
• Dutch Language
• Dutch Society
• Economic Mindsets
• Innovation Research Competences for Urban Development  
• Intercultural Awareness
• Personal Leadership (7 Habits)

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.

Read the course catalogue