Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Modern mechanical systems interact extensively with electrical machines and electronic sensing and control mechanisms. In order to design such systems an engineer must understand the operations of electric machines, as well the ability to conceptualise and work with system models using computer based simulation and design tools. This unit draws together the mechanical, electrical and electronic fundamentals required to inform useful method in applications, and introduces key computing based techniques which enable the design process.

Aims

This unit aims to provide a basic understanding and application of the fundamentals of single and three phase power, electrical machines and electronics that are typically involved with mechanical designs, and to develop models of mechanical and electrical systems which will form the basis for future closed loop control systems. In the context of these models, key computing skills required to analyse and simulate these systems that will be developed.

Objectives

After completing this unit you should be able to:

1. Analyse complex AC circuit using phasors.
2. Use MATLAB and Excel functions and facilities to solve problems.
3 .Use AC concept to analyse single phase transformer.
4. Evaluate different principles of operations in DC & AC generators and motors and their characteristics.
5. Select suitable DC and AC motors for a particular mechanical load application.
6. Evaluate, design and apply electronic Op-amp circuits for measurement of a mechanical quantity.

Content

The content materials covered in this unit include; single and three phase circuit analysis, AC and DC electric machines and transformer, filters and sensors, operational amplifier circuits, introduction and application of computing programming in MATLAB and Excel, and laboratory practicals. The tree modules in this unit are interweaved using practical assignment on designing, evaluating a DC motor and its application.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The technical content and generic capabilities associated with the electrical machines and electronics will be developed through weekly 2hr lectures and a series of practical laboratories interspersed during semester. In parallel with this, the computing fundamentals will be developed through a second stream of an hour lecture and computer laboratories, where the content from the electrical machines and electronics lecture stream is integrated with the computer education.

Assessment

Assessment for this unit includes laboratory practicals, group assignments as well as the final exam.You will get feedback on problem solving tasks during the tutorials throughout the semester. For the group assignment project, you will get oral feedback during tutorials and written feedback on completion. For the exam feedback is available on request after the exam.

Assessment name: Report
Description: You are asked to design and build a DC motor, the specifications, requirements and guidelines will be provided. You are also asked to report on motor application for specific type. You are also asked to design and build an electronic circuit to measure a mechanical quantity.
Relates to objectives: 2, 4, 5, 6
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Week 8 & 13

Assessment name: Laboratory/Practical
Description: You are attending practical laboratories on DC machines and Op-Amp circuits. Practical sheets are provided to follow direction to examine the characteristic of a DC machine and build Op-amp circuit according to the specifications provided. You will be asked to provide your measurements, assessments and observations during the practical sessions.
Weeks 6-9, 10-12 (assessed in lab).
Relates to objectives: 4, 6
Weight: 10%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group with Individual Component
Due date: Week 6-9, 10-12

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: You are required to solve problems on all of the topics covered in this unit.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Type: Recommended Reference (Electronic and Electric Machines)
Author: Alexander and Sadiku
Title: Fundamentals of Electric Circuits
Publisher: McGraw-Hill, 2000
Edition: 3rd Edition

Type: Reference (Electronic and Electric Machines)
Author: Hughes, Edward
Title: Hughes Electrical Technology
Publisher: Wiley, 1995
Edition: 7th Edition

Type: Recommended Reference (Computing)
Author: Stephen J Chapman
Title: MATLAB Programming for Engineers
Publisher: Thomson, 2005
Edition: 3rd Edition

Risk assessment statement

In this unit you will undertake lectures and tutorials in the traditional classrooms and lecture theatres. As such, there are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the unit.
Students will be required to undertake practical sessions in the laboratory under the supervision of the lecturer and/or technical staff of the School. In any laboratory practicals students will be advised of requirements of safe and responsible behaviour and will be required to wear appropriate protective items (e.g. closed shoes or steel capped shoes).

Students will undergo a health and safety induction before the commencement of the practical sessions and will be issued with a safety induction card. Students who do not have a safety induction card will be denied access to laboratories.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 02-May-2012