Why you should study this course
Coventry University has a long and prestigious automotive, transport and engineering heritage. Our graduates are employed by automotive vehicle and system manufacturers and design professionals all over the world.
This programme is aimed at both new graduates and experienced engineering professionals who wish to develop advanced skills in thermofluids, metrology, design and technology and engineering simulation and analysis.
You’ll be encouraged to study the principles of engineering, physics and materials science, alongside the design and analysis, modelling and simulation, manufacturing and maintenance of mechanical systems.
The University’s facilities provide access to a wide range of industry standard commercial engineering software used for computer aided design, finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics. You may have the opportunity to model and analyse engineering systems using stress analysis, heat transfer, dynamics and fluid mechanics.
Our current strong links with local industry, which include Jaguar Land Rover, Aston Martin, UNIPART, SAIC, Prodrive, Airbus, Tata, GKN, Ricardo and MIRA, may provide opportunities for industry engagement working on actual projects (subject to availability) which may provide the opportunity to put into practice what you learn, through solving real-life problems.
What you'll study
The course culminates with your individual project, which provides an opportunity to apply the theories and techniques you have learned during your studies. It may focus on one area of study or involve a combination of subjects.
Past student projects have included the following: development of a computer model of Fiat Punto for pedestrian impact simulation; design of novel bone-implant interface medical devices; analysis of fluid-structure interaction with smoothed particle hydrodynamics and a 3D CFD model analysis of urban air flow around high-rise buildings at the Business Centre of La Défense (Paris).
Your project can be industry-based if you are already working or wish to follow the work placement option2. For example, one project commissioned by the US Air Force studied the effect of fatigue and corrosion on the structural integrity of aging aircraft components.
Modules
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Design Principles and Practice - 15 credits
This module aims to develop understanding of a systematic approach to the design process, design management, and creative problem solving, leading to developing an artefact ready for manufacture. Design as a process will be applied via a series of principles to assist the progression of the project to reach a suitable solution and evaluating that against the initial brief.
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Engineering Simulation and Analysis - 15 credits
The aim of this module is to enable the understanding ofthe use of advanced engineering methods in the investigation of complex problems, like the interaction between aerodynamics phenomena, road loading data and structural integrity. The module will address the use of advanced engineering techniques based on Design of Experiments (DOE) and Optimisation where FEA (Finite Element Analysis) based problems will be addressed.
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Wind and Hydro Power Engineering - 20 credits
The aim of this module is to enable you to design and evaluate wind and hydro power systems. You will assess wind and hydro power systems as a source of renewable energy, and determine their performance characteristics and social, financial and environmental impacts. Using aerodynamics, hydrodynamics and blade design principles, you will appraise the design and application of different wind and hydro turbine technologies. Moreover, you should gain a comprehensive understanding of the main challenges facing the wind and hydro power industries.
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Leading Strategic Change through Creativity and Innovation - 10 credits
This module aims to provide you with a framework of knowledge and understanding of how to manage change using creativity and innovation in different types of organisational scenarios. You will be given the opportunity to develop an innovative framework to deliver a change management strategy in a changing organisational context.
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Thermofluid Systems - 15 credits
The aim of this module is for you to apply thermofluids science in the design of different systems. You will also apply the computational fluid flow - CFD commercial software, as a tool for design optimisation and performance evaluation of a fluid flow system component, such as the flow through turbine blades.
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Stress and Dynamics - 10 credits
This module aims at enhancing the profile of the mechanical engineer or scientist who would like to address current and future challenges in design, analysis and optimisation of components, such as the steel components found in offshore structures for renewable energy. The module combines industry-standard CAE software with advanced mechanics of materials and Design Standards (e.g. Eurocodes, NORSOK).
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Durability and Reliability of Mechanical Structures - 10 credits
This module covers the main areas associated with the design and delivery of mechanical components and systems based on durability and reliability attributes. Special emphasis will be on the structural durability and sustainability of renewable energy technologies such as solar power, hydroelectricity, wind energy and tidal turbines that have the potential to help reduce emissions, mitigate climate change and provide a clean environment as well as clean energy for all generations.
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Project Management - 15 credits
This module prepares you for managing organisational change through projects. It focuses on projects involving major changes, including projects related to new products, new plant and equipment and new operating systems, which will affect the lives of people both within and outside the organisation. The module takes a high level, critical and evaluative view of project management, emphasising managerial and strategic use of the tools and techniques of project management.
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Integrated Design Project - 10 credits
The aim of this module is to equip you with the necessary skills towards working successfully within a challenging and demanding working group of the future. It also aims to enhance your ability to combine principles from different disciplines (i.e., synthesis). Coursework is formed of two parts. The first part concerns a study with emphasis on the strength, stability and serviceability of the examined design, while the second part concerns a study with emphasis on the reliability and durability of the design. The coursework also addresses the need for the optimization of the design according to constraints described by Design Standards (e.g. EuroCode, NORSOK).
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Individual Project - 60 credits
This Individual Project provides an opportunity for you to apply theories and techniques from your taught modules. It may focus on one area of study or involve a combination of subjects. The general aims of the individual project are to give you a realistic exercise in the practice of engineering at a professional level.
In addition to the work involved for the individual project, you will be taught and assessed in the required research methods and study skills to complete the project. You will also develop a personal development portfolio during the course and submit this together with the project.
How you'll learn
A wide range of teaching methods will be used including:
Many of the modules adopt an Activity-Led Learning (ALL) approach, for example, we might investigate flow patterns in a network of channels by computer simulation using commercial packages to improve the design of a thermofluid system. Alternatively, in a practical learning session, you may develop measurement skills in our modern metrology laboratory.
