Assignment brief

Module code

MECH2012Y

Module name

Mechanics of materials II

Start date

15 January 2015

Deadline/hand-in

31 March 2015

Assignment title

Stress analysis using Solidworks

Purpose of this assignment

The assignment consists in using the software "Solidworks" to carry out a parametric study
on a mechanical/structural component.
Scenario

This assignment involves identifying a relevant mechanical/structural component and

carrying out a parametric stress analysis on it using Solidworks software.
Load-bearing components exist in many shapes and dimensions. In addition, depending on
their intended application, a variety of materials can be used. For the purpose of this study,
excluding shafts and columns, any load-bearing element can be considered, e.g. beams,
brackets, diaphragms, shells...
The load-bearing element would have to be taken from a real/realistic configuration and
be subjected to a system of point loads and/or distributed loads. The relevant support
conditions would need to be applied to the mechanical system.
The following parameters should be considered:

shape of component
dimensions of component
material(s) from which the component is made
loads being applied
support conditions

Task 1

Model the chosen component in Solidworks

Task 2

It is required that one or more parameters be identified from the above-mentioned set,
which are to be kept fixed: proper justification should be provided as to why the chosen

parameters are kept fixed. Then, relevant simulation studies should be set up in Solidworks.
By running different simulation scenarios, the remaining parameters should be optimized
with respect to allowable stresses/displacements/factors of safety and any other
constraint(s) pertaining to the particular configuration being considered.
Task 3
Write a word processed technical report not exceeding 3000 words (excluding reference
list and bibliography) to present the work carried out.

Submission
The submission for this assignment should include ALL of the following uploaded in a
single ZIP-file:

An A4 cover page containing the details (Full names and UoM student ID number)
of each group member
An A4 page containing the assignment title and the type of component being
analysed. An illustration (3D representation of the part created in Solidworks) of
the component should appear on that page
The technical report mentioned in Task 3
The Solidworks part file

Each of the above should be saved in an individual file as per the following specifications:

Group
Group
Group
Group

no.
no.
no.
no.

Cover.docx
Part.docx
Report.docs
Solidpart.SLDPRT

*
*
*
*

All files are to be included in ONE zip-file name

Group no.zip

and uploaded to the relevant Turnitin account.

(Note: * Group no. to be replaced by G1, G2, as required)
Oral presentation
A group oral presentation of 10 minutes duration will be scheduled for the 2 nd week of
April. Using relevant visual aids/multimedia material, each group will present the work
it has achieved and the results of the study.