MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Academic Year 2026/2027 - Teacher: ROSARIO SINATRAExpected Learning Outcomes
The course aims to train engineering students in kinematic and dynamic modeling of the main mechanical systems and machines, the study of the vibrations of mechanical systems with one or more degrees of freedom, the study of robotic mechanical systems.
Computer numerical exercises will be carried out during the course.
Dublin Descriptors
In line with the Study Programme's objective of training students in the field of industrial engineering, this course contributes to the acquisition of the knowledge and skills summarized below.
Knowledge and understanding
Passing the course examination implies that the student has acquired:
- knowledge of the theoretical and practical aspects and the main design methodologies within the field of applied mechanics of machinery;
- the ability to understand problems—including those of high complexity—related to the design and implementation of mechanical and mechatronic systems.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding:
Passing the course examination implies that the student has acquired the ability to:
- read and interpret drawings and schematics of mechanical systems;
- describe and analyze the static and dynamic behavior of mechanical systems and components;
- identify the most suitable mechanical system solutions for specific applications in industrial and chemical contexts;
- evaluate the operating conditions and limitations of key mechanical devices and systems;
- evaluate the operating and usage limits of automation systems used in mechanical and chemical installations.
Course Structure
Lectures and numerical exercises: 60 hours;
If the teaching will be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements.
Required Prerequisites
Attendance of Lessons
Detailed Course Content
Applied Mechanics
- Introduction, Theory of Machines and Mechanisms
- Kinematic pairs and Mechanisms
- Kinematic chains
- Contact forces and wear
- Dynamics
- Dynamics of the machines
- Power transmissions (part II) belts, chains and joints
- Other mechanisms & fluid transmission
- Gears (part I)
- Gears (part II)
- Gears (part IV)
Mechanical vibrations
- 1 dof free vibrations
- 1 dof damped vibrations
- 1 dof forced vibrations
Introduction to Matlab for Mechanical Systems
Exercises
Textbook Information
[2] Course notes of the lessons.
[3] R.C. Hibbeler, "Engineering Mechanics" Maxwell MacMillan International Ed., ISBN 0-02-946574-5.
[4] F. P. Beer and E. Russell Johnston Jr, "Vector Mechanics for Engineers", (Statics and Dynamics)", McGraw-Hill Book Company.
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vibrations of Linear Mechanical Systems | [2], [3], [4] |
| 2 | Applied Mechanics | [2], [3], [4] |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
- a written test consisting in the study of a mechanical system with the methods studied during the course;
- an oral test based on knowledge of the contents, the relevance of the answers to the questions asked, the ownership of technical language, the ability to make connections between the contents of the program.
The final evaluation will be determined taking into account the evaluation of the due tests.
Learning assessment may also be carried out on-line, should the conditions require it.
To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata — Servizi per le Disabilità e/o i DSA) referring teacher within their department (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti).
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
The candidate describes the dynamics of a simple mechanical model
The candidate describes a forced and non-forced mass-spring-damper system
The candidate writes the equations of the kinematics of a simple mechanical system (four bar linkage, slider cranck etc.)
The candidate describes the wear
the candidate writes the friction with an example
The candidate describes the eq of E-L and N-E