Advanced Simulation and Optimisation in Manufacturing

Unit code: NEM4001 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
(NEM2006 or NEM3201) or (NEM2007 or NEM3102) or (NEM3007 or NEM4101)
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Overview
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Overview

In this unit, you will advance your capability to simulate, analyse, and optimise manufacturing processes and mechanical components using cutting-edge engineering tools. You will apply finite element analysis to explore how materials and structures behave under stress, deformation, vibration, and fatigue, using simulation to inform design decisions and improve reliability.



Emphasis is placed on innovation in additive and advanced manufacturing, where you will investigate how process parameters and material properties influence performance, efficiency, and sustainability. Through applied simulation projects and collaborative analysis, you will develop the technical and professional skills to design and optimise high-performance, sustainable systems for modern manufacturing environments.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Apply engineering software tools to analyse and optimise mechanical systems, interpret results effectively, and develop solutions for complex engineering applications;
  2. Evaluate advanced manufacturing techniques, including additive processes, for their influence on material behaviour, sustainability, and optimisation potential;
  3. Analyse and interpret vibration and fatigue behaviour to inform design optimisation and reliability improvements;
  4. Model and evaluate composite material performance using advanced finite element simulations to support sustainable design decisions; and
  5. Exemplify skills in leading and working in collaboration in an inclusive manner to evaluate, interpret, and communicate simulation findings for professional engineering practice.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Portfolio
|
Grade: 20%
Progressive simulation portfolio: (Individual) (2000 words)
Assessment type: Project
|
Grade: 40%
Advanced manufacturing optimisation project: (Report 3000 words + Presentation 10 mins) (Group)
Assessment type: Test
|
Grade: 40%
In-class invigilated problem-solving test: (120 mins) (Individual)

Portfolio: Series of structured tasks involving setup, execution, and interpretation of finite element simulations exploring stress, vibration, fatigue, and composite material behaviour. Students will be required to document and explain their processes through progressive milestone checks and questions to verify deep understanding.

Project: In this secure group project students are analysing and optimising an additive or composite manufacturing process using simulation, sustainability metrics, and performance validation. Students will be required to document and explain their processes through progressive milestone checks and questions to verify deep understanding. Explicit evaluation of individual contributions further supports the secure assessment and assurance of each student’s achievement of learning outcomes.

Test: In this secure invigilated problem solving test students apply finite element analysis and optimisation principles to unseen case studies in advanced manufacturing

Required reading

Required readings will be made available on VU Collaborate.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical Engineering)
NHEM | Bachelor honours degree | Duration: 4 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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