| Unit name | Design and Nature |
|---|---|
| Unit code | MENGM5042 |
| Credit points | 10 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Emeritus Professor. Burgess |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of Mechanical Engineering |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
The course describes a wide range of mechanical solution principles found in nature and applies dimensional analysis to show why different concepts are found at particular scales. The course also considers aesthetics in nature including concepts like the golden ratio and applies them to man-made artefacts like bridges. Macro and micro structural shapes are described for wood and other materials and shape factors are defined to assess structural efficiency. The course looks at the form and layout of structures like bamboo, feathers and spider's webs and applies form factors to assess structural efficiency. The course also looks at reliability strategies in nature.
