Machine Design Part I from Coursera

“Machine Design Part I” is the first course in an in-depth three course series of “Machine Design.” The “Machine Design” Coursera series covers fundamental mechanical design topics, such as static and fatigue failure theories, the analysis of shafts, fasteners, and gears, and the design of mechanical systems such as gearboxes. Throughout this series of courses we will examine a number of exciting design case studies, including the material selection of a total hip implant, the design and testing of the wing on the 777 aircraft, and the impact of dynamic loads on the design of an bolted pressure vessel.

In this first course, you will learn robust analysis techniques to predict and validate design performance and life. We will start by reviewing critical material properties in design, such as stress, strength, and the coefficient of thermal expansion. We then transition into static failure theories such as von Mises theory, which can be utilized to prevent failure in static loading applications such as the beams in bridges. Finally, we will learn fatigue failure criteria for designs with dynamic loads, such as the input shaft in the transmission of a car.

What's inside

Syllabus

Material Properties in Design

In this week, we will first provide an overview on the course's content, targeted audiences, the instructor's professional background, and tips to succeed in this course. Then we will cover critical material properties in design, such as strength, modulus of elasticity, and the coefficient of thermal expansion. A case study examining material selection in a Zimmer orthopedic hip implant will demonstrate the real life design applications of these material properties. At the end of the week you will have the opportunity to check your own knowledge of these fundamental material properties by taking Quiz 1 "Material Properties in Design."

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Provides novice-friendly lessons that introduce mechanical design topics

Features industry-relevant design examples

The extensive use of multimedia aids in understanding the concepts

Requires learners to be familiar with mechanics of materials and solid mechanics principles

Covers key topics in mechanical design, including static failure theories and fatigue failure

Provides interactive worksheets for self-assessment

Reviews summary

Fundamentals of machine design analysis

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in the fundamental principles of machine design analysis, particularly focusing on static and fatigue failure theories. Students appreciate the clear explanations by the instructor and the inclusion of practical case studies that illustrate real-world applications of the concepts. However, many learners note that the course assumes a strong prerequisite background in solid mechanics or mechanics of materials, and those lacking this may find the pace or worksheets and quizzes challenging. Overall, it is seen as an excellent introductory course for those with the necessary foundation looking to build analytical skills in machine design.

Case studies connect theory to practice.

"The case studies on hip implants and aircraft wings were really interesting and helped illustrate the theory."

"I liked how the course used real-world examples like the Boeing 777 to show the relevance."

"The case studies made the material more engaging."

"Applying the theories to actual engineering problems was very helpful."

Instructor explains concepts well.

"The professor is very knowledgeable and explains difficult concepts clearly."

"I found the instructor's lectures easy to follow and understand."

"Professor is great at breaking down complex topics."

"His teaching style made learning the material much easier."

Builds strong theoretical understanding.

"This course gave me a great foundation in static and fatigue failure analysis."

"I feel I have a much better understanding of the core concepts after completing this."

"Provides a very strong theoretical basis for machine design."

"The course does a good job of explaining the fundamental failure theories."

Quizzes and worksheets can be difficult.

"Some quiz questions felt overly complex or tricky."

"The worksheets and quizzes were quite challenging, sometimes more so than expected."

"I struggled with some of the homework problems and needed extra resources."

"While the lectures are clear, applying the concepts in the quizzes was hard."

Assumes prior knowledge in mechanics.

"You MUST have a solid understanding of mechanics of materials before taking this class."

"This course assumes prior knowledge of mechanics... if you don't have that, it will be very difficult."

"Students should definitely have completed a solid mechanics course first."

"Without a background in deformable bodies, I found some concepts very challenging."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Machine Design Part I with these activities:

Review Strength of Materials: Mechanics of Solids

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This book covers the fundamental principles and applications of strength of materials with a focus on problem solving. Reviewing this book will help you solidify your understanding of the material properties and failure theories covered in this course.

View Mechanics Of Materials, 7 Ed on Amazon

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Read the chapters corresponding to the course materials.
Solve the practice problems at the end of each chapter.
Review the key concepts and formulas.

Show all one activities

Career center

Learners who complete Machine Design Part I will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design, analyze, and manufacture mechanical systems. This course may be useful for Mechanical Engineers because it provides a foundation in the analysis of static and fatigue failure, which are critical considerations in the design of mechanical systems.

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Product Design Engineer

Product Design Engineers design and develop new products. This course may be useful for Product Design Engineers because it provides a foundation in the analysis of static and fatigue failure, which are critical considerations in the design of new products.

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Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineers plan and oversee the production of manufactured goods. This course may be useful for Manufacturing Engineers because it provides a foundation in the analysis of static and fatigue failure, which are critical considerations in the manufacturing process.

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Materials Engineer

Materials Engineers develop and improve materials for use in a wide range of applications. This course may be useful for Materials Engineers because it provides a foundation in the analysis of static and fatigue failure, which are critical considerations in the development and improvement of materials.

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Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design and construct infrastructure, such as bridges, buildings, and roads. This course may be useful for Civil Engineers because it provides a foundation in the analysis of static and fatigue failure, which are critical considerations in the design and construction of infrastructure.

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Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace Engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, and other aerospace vehicles. This course may be useful for Aerospace Engineers because it provides a foundation in the analysis of static and fatigue failure, which are critical considerations in the design and development of aerospace vehicles.

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Automotive Engineer

Automotive Engineers design, develop, and test automobiles and other motor vehicles. This course may be useful for Automotive Engineers because it provides a foundation in the analysis of static and fatigue failure, which are critical considerations in the design and development of automobiles.

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Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineers design and develop medical devices and other products used in healthcare. This course may be useful for Biomedical Engineers because it provides a foundation in the analysis of static and fatigue failure, which are critical considerations in the design and development of medical devices.

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Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers design, develop, and operate chemical plants and other facilities used to produce chemicals and other products. This course may be useful for Chemical Engineers because it provides a foundation in the analysis of static and fatigue failure, which are critical considerations in the design and operation of chemical plants.

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Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design, develop, and test electrical systems and equipment. This course may be useful for Electrical Engineers because it provides a foundation in the analysis of static and fatigue failure, which are critical considerations in the design and development of electrical systems.

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Industrial Engineer

Industrial Engineers design, improve, and install integrated systems of people, materials, and equipment. This course may be useful for Industrial Engineers because it provides a foundation in the analysis of static and fatigue failure, which are critical considerations in the design and improvement of integrated systems.

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Nuclear Engineer

Nuclear Engineers design, develop, and operate nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities. This course may be useful for Nuclear Engineers because it provides a foundation in the analysis of static and fatigue failure, which are critical considerations in the design and operation of nuclear power plants.

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Petroleum Engineer

Petroleum Engineers design, develop, and operate oil and gas wells and other petroleum facilities. This course may be useful for Petroleum Engineers because it provides a foundation in the analysis of static and fatigue failure, which are critical considerations in the design and operation of oil and gas wells.

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Robotics Engineer

Robotics Engineers design, develop, and test robots and other autonomous systems. This course may be useful for Robotics Engineers because it provides a foundation in the analysis of static and fatigue failure, which are critical considerations in the design and development of robots.

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Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers design, develop, and operate complex systems of people, products, and processes. This course may be useful for Systems Engineers because it provides a foundation in the analysis of static and fatigue failure, which are critical considerations in the design and operation of complex systems.

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