The laws of physics are fundamental to the study of all branches of engineering. The content of the module is at an introductory level and generally deals with matter, energy, and their interrelationship. The application of the principles of physics to all branches of engineering underlies the content, while experimentation with an emphasis on engineering systems is undertaken in consolidation.
Broadly fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, light and sound, atomic and nuclear physics.
Dimensional analysis. Units.
Fluid statics. Buoyancy. fluid mechanics, streamline flow, continuity equation, Bernoulli’s equation, viscosity, Stokes law, Poiseuille’s law. Application to submerged plates and flows in channels
Elasticity, tensile, bulk, shear stress and strain, relationships between moduli, thermal stress.
Introduction to the loading of beams in structures.
Thermal processes, heat flow, U-values. Humidity. Dry and dew point profiles in walls.
General gas law. First law and second laws of thermodynamics, thermodynamic processes.
Application to internal combustion engines, and an overview of the Carnot, Otto and diesel cycles.
Wave parameters & wave types. Mathematical description of a wave, superposition and normal modes, interference by division of wavefront/amplitude, diffraction. Sound intensity/ levels, reverberation, Doppler effect.
Structure of the nucleus, radiation, radioactivity, methods of measuring radioactivity. Fission. Fusion.
Lectures, Tutorials, Laboratories.
Peer engagement through a classroom response system (clickers).
Group work.
Peer and self assessment.
Project work.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 70 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 30 |