Basic Mechanical Engineering Course

Lesson 1 • Scalars, Vectors, and Coordinate Systems

Introduces vector algebra and coordinate transformations essential for force and motion analysis. Builds the mathematical toolkit for statics and dynamics chapters.

Lesson 2 • Energy, Work, and Power Concepts

Defines mechanical energy forms and the work-energy theorem for engineering systems. Prepares students for thermodynamics and machine efficiency analysis.

Lesson 3 • Units, Dimensions, and Measurement

Covers SI and customary unit systems, dimensional analysis, and measurement precision. Provides the quantitative language used throughout all subsequent chapters.

Lesson 4 • Newton's Laws and Force Analysis

Applies Newton's three laws to particles and rigid bodies under static and dynamic loading. Connects fundamental physics to practical load calculations.

Lesson 1 • Centroids, Moments of Area, and Distributed Loads

Calculates centroids and second moments of area for cross-sections under distributed loading. Provides geometric properties needed for beam bending and column buckling.

Lesson 2 • Frames, Machines, and Multi-Body Systems

Extends equilibrium analysis to frames with multi-force members and mechanical linkages. Prepares students for mechanism and machine component design.

Lesson 3 • Friction and Contact Mechanics

Analyses dry friction, wedge action, and belt friction in mechanical assemblies. Enables design of brakes, clutches, and self-locking mechanisms.

Lesson 4 • Truss Analysis Methods

Teaches method of joints and method of sections for determining member forces in trusses. Directly applicable to bridge, roof, and frame structural design.

Lesson 1 • Shear Stress in Beams and Torsion

Calculates transverse shear stress distributions and torsional shear stress in circular and non-circular sections. Enables combined loading analysis in shafts and beams.

Lesson 2 • Axial Load and Deformation

Derives normal stress and axial deformation for bars under direct loading. Introduces statically indeterminate axial systems and thermal effects.

Lesson 3 • Shear, Bending, and Beam Diagrams

Constructs shear force and bending moment diagrams for beams under various load configurations. Identifies critical sections for stress and deflection calculations.

Lesson 4 • Bending Stress and Beam Design

Applies the flexure formula to calculate bending stress and selects beam cross-sections for strength. Connects second moment of area from statics to practical beam sizing.

Lesson 1 • Kinematics of Rigid Bodies

Analyses translation, rotation, and general plane motion of rigid bodies using velocity and acceleration analysis. Directly supports linkage and gear mechanism design.

Lesson 2 • Kinetics of Particles

Applies Newton's second law, impulse-momentum, and work-energy methods to particle dynamics. Provides three complementary approaches for solving force-motion problems.

Lesson 3 • Kinematics of Particles

Describes rectilinear and curvilinear particle motion using position, velocity, and acceleration. Establishes kinematic equations applied in projectile and mechanism analysis.

Lesson 4 • Vibration Fundamentals

Introduces free and forced vibration of single-degree-of-freedom systems with and without damping. Prepares students to identify resonance risks in mechanical designs.

Lesson 1 • First Law of Thermodynamics

Applies energy conservation to closed and open systems including steady-flow devices. Enables enthalpy-based analysis of turbines, compressors, and heat exchangers.

Lesson 2 • Modes of Heat Transfer

Covers conduction, convection, and radiation heat transfer with governing equations and resistances. Enables thermal design of walls, fins, and heat exchangers.

Lesson 3 • Second Law and Entropy

Introduces entropy, irreversibility, and the Carnot efficiency limit for heat engines. Provides the theoretical upper bound for thermal machine performance.

Lesson 4 • Power and Refrigeration Cycles

Analyses Rankine, Brayton, Otto, and vapour-compression refrigeration cycles for performance. Connects thermodynamic theory to real power plants and HVAC systems.

Lesson 1 • Dimensional Analysis and Similitude

Uses Buckingham Pi theorem to derive dimensionless groups and scale model test results. Supports experimental validation and scale-up of fluid system designs.

Lesson 2 • Pumps, Turbines, and Turbomachinery

Analyses pump and turbine performance curves, specific speed, and system matching. Enables selection and sizing of turbomachinery for fluid power applications.

Lesson 3 • Fluid Properties and Hydrostatics

Defines viscosity, density, and surface tension and calculates hydrostatic pressure and buoyancy forces. Provides the property and pressure foundation for all flow analysis.

Lesson 4 • Conservation Laws for Fluid Flow

Applies continuity, Bernoulli, and momentum equations to control volumes in steady flow. Enables velocity, pressure, and force calculations in pipes and nozzles.

Lesson 1 • Bearings, Lubrication, and Seals

Covers rolling-element and journal bearing selection, load ratings, and lubrication regimes. Enables bearing life prediction and seal specification for rotating equipment.

Lesson 2 • Fasteners, Springs, and Pressure Vessels

Designs bolted joints under preload and dynamic loading, helical springs, and thin-walled pressure vessels. Covers the most common structural connections in mechanical assemblies.

Lesson 3 • Shaft Design and Power Transmission

Designs shafts for combined bending and torsion under fatigue loading with keyways and shoulders. Connects dynamics and fatigue theory to rotating machinery design.

Lesson 4 • Fatigue and Failure Under Cyclic Loading

Introduces S-N curves, endurance limits, and fatigue life estimation under variable amplitude loading. Provides the failure analysis basis for all rotating and reciprocating components.

Lesson 1 • Design for Manufacturability and Assembly

Applies DFM and DFA guidelines to reduce part count, simplify geometry, and lower production cost. Connects design decisions directly to manufacturing process capabilities.

Lesson 2 • Concept Generation and Evaluation

Applies brainstorming, morphological charts, and TRIZ principles to generate diverse design concepts. Uses weighted decision matrices to select the most promising concept.

Lesson 3 • Prototyping, Testing, and Design Iteration

Plans prototype builds, defines test protocols, and uses test data to drive design improvements. Closes the design loop by linking physical validation back to specifications.

Lesson 4 • Engineering Optimisation Methods

Formulates design optimisation problems with objective functions, variables, and constraints. Applies analytical and numerical methods to find optimal design parameters.