Numerical Modelling of Mechanical Systems

This unit builds on foundational first-year studies by introducing students to the application of numerical methods for modelling, simulating, and predicting the behaviour of mechanical systems and processes. As computational tools become increasingly integral to engineering design and analysis, students will develop practical skills using industry-relevant software to solve complex problems. Key topics include generating numerical solutions to ordinary differential equations, applying statistical and data analysis techniques to real-world phenomena such as seismic activity, wind energy, and environmental vibrations, and modelling dynamic events like collisions and particle motion through numerical integration and differentiation. Students will also learn to capture, process, and visualise multi-dimensional data using modern analogue-to-digital conversion tools. Throughout the unit, emphasis is placed on linking numerical theory to authentic engineering applications, enhancing computational proficiency and analytical problem-solving aligned with professional engineering practice.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Apply linear regression and statistical analysis techniques to interpret and evaluate real-world engineering data;
2. Create clear graphical representations of engineering results and interpret the visualised data to draw appropriate technical conclusions;
3. Model and analyse dynamic engineering events using numerical differentiation and integration methods;
4. Develop and interpret best-fit probability distributions to represent and assess variability in engineering data; and
5. Apply numerical methods to formulate and solve ordinary differential equations relevant to mechanical and physical systems.