ME304, Winter 1999-2000
Dynamics of Machinery
Revision Date: November 24, 1999


Text: Robert L. Norton, Design of Machinery, McGraw-Hill, 2nd Edition, 1999.

Objectives:
This course is intended to teach the successful student to perform dynamic analysis and design of planar mechanisms and machines including closed and open linkage chains, reciprocating and rotating machines, cams, and flywheels. These form the basis for most machines in practical use. Both graphical and analytical methods are utilized. In addition, the student should be able to use the tools of engineering science and mathematics along with the design methodology of analysis/synthesis/testing/evaluation to create useful mechanisms and machines to meet specified kinematic and dynamic criteria.

Attendance:
Regular, punctual attendance at lecture classes is essential if steady progress is to be made in the course. Attendance on examination days is mandatory. An absence from an examination will be considered excused by the instructor only in documented cases of illness or emergency.  An attendance sheet will be circulated at each class.  It is the responsibility of the student to initial the attendance sheet prior to leaving the classroom.  A student having 7 or more absences will be given a grade of F in the course.

Homework:
Regular reading assignments and solution of homework problems are essential for successful completion of this course. Reading assignments for each day appear in the Course Outline, and should be completed prior to coming to class. Homework problem assignments also appear in the Course Outline. Answers to most of the homework problems appear in Appendix F in the textbook. Available answers to other homework problems will be provided.  Available solutions to the homework problems will be posted periodically in the instructor's bullentin box or on the course web site.

Design/Computer Problems:
During the term some design/analysis problems will be assigned which will require design methodology and decision making. These could include:

  1. establishment of objectives and criteria;
  2. mechanism drawing;
  3. synthesis of methods and tools acquired from the engineering sciences and mathematics;
  4. analysis; and
  5. evaluation/testing.
Some of these problems will be open-ended, and may require the use of the digital computer for solution. Use of the personal computer and available software in the solution of all problems is encouraged. In each case the solution must adhere to format requirements as described by the instructor. The design projects will comprise 20% of the course grade. These problems may be assigned for either individual or small group solution at the discretion of the Instructor.

Examinations:
The examinations in this course will consist of weekly 20-minute examinations, and a 4-hour final examination. All examinations will be closed book and closed notes unless the instructor indicates otherwise. There is to be no joint use of calculators, drawing tools, or other personal equipment during an examination. All writing must cease when time is called on an examination. No make-up examinations will be given. If an examination is missed for reasons the instuctor deems excusable (illness, accident, emergency, etc.) the final examination score will be inserted for the missed examination score. Examinations missed because of unexcused absences will receive a zero score. The weekly examination average will be calculated by dropping the lowest score and averaging the remaining scores. Students with a weekly examination average of 93% or better at the end of the course will be exempted from the final examination, and the weekly examination average score will be used as the final examination score for exempted students. The examination average will comprise 50% of the course grade, and the final examination score will comprise 30% of the course grade.

Grading:
The numerical score for the course will be based on the weekly examinations, the design problems, and the final examination as follows:

Item Percent of Final Grade 
Design Projects
20%
Weekly Class Examinations
50%
Final Examination
30%

The numerical score for the quarter will be determined from the following formula:

N=0.20*DesAvg+0.50*ExamAvg+0.30*FinalExam


where:

N=Quarter numerical score,
DesAvg=Term design project score,
Exam Avg=Weekly examination average score, and
FinalExam=Final examination score.
 

A letter grade G for the course will be assigned as follows:
 

Numerical Score, N Class Grade, G
>=90 A
>=85 and < 90 B+
>=80 and < 85 B
>=75 and < 80 C+
>=70 and < 75 C
>=65 and < 70 D+
>=60 and < 65 D
< 60 F

In borderline grade cases, the final letter grade may, at the discretion of the instructor, be increased. Attendance, punctuality, and professional bearing will be used to influence the instructor's final decision.