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Mini Project FAQ - Details

The mini-project is due at the end of Week 13. Students will work in their lab groups to choose a topic related to one of the themes provided and complete a poster to submit online. Topics must be approved, and only the first 6-7 groups can work on each theme on a first-come first-served basis. The project is worth 50 points total and assesses individual contribution as well as the final poster which should include calculations, diagrams and other relevant course content.

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Tusanita Mapuola
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92 views

Mini Project FAQ - Details

The mini-project is due at the end of Week 13. Students will work in their lab groups to choose a topic related to one of the themes provided and complete a poster to submit online. Topics must be approved, and only the first 6-7 groups can work on each theme on a first-come first-served basis. The project is worth 50 points total and assesses individual contribution as well as the final poster which should include calculations, diagrams and other relevant course content.

Uploaded by

Tusanita Mapuola
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Mini Project FAQ’s

1.) When is the mini-project due?

The mini- project poster is due at the end of Week 13.

2.) What should I do in a mini project?

You are required to use the given themes to select a topic. Eg under the theme of Theories in Mechanics
a possible topic is – “The Triple Dot Product Explained”. You will carry out the project and finally submit
a poster online.

3.) Who can I form a project team with?

Your lab group will be your project group. It is important that all members contribute as you will be
giving team marks to your fellow members based on their contribution.

4.) Can I form a project team outside my lab group?

No. Only students whose lab has been cross credited can form group with other students whose lab
has been cross credited.

5.) How do I start the mini project?

When your project group meets – decide a suitable theme and topic. That is important as only the first
6 groups can take up a particular theme. Groups will choose a theme online and it will be on first come
first take basis.

6.) How is the mini project assessed?

The project is marked out of 50 which will be 10% of your CW. 40 points for final poster and 10 points
given to you by your team based on your contribution. Additional 5 bonus points are available for
taking up a challenging theme. Themes that have bonus marks have a ‘*’ attached.

7.) How should I choose a topic?

Discuss within your lab groups and choose a suitable theme. Ensure that one of your group members
selects the theme on moodle as limited students can work on one theme. After you have chosen a
theme – create a topic and use the proposal form to submit your project proposal. Note only the first
7 groups will be allowed to work on one theme. After the first 7 signups, the theme will close on
Moodle. Choice will be open for all till end of week 6. Groups who do not choose a topic by week 6
end, get zero in project. Only one student per group is to choose a project theme – if a group has
chosen many themes using different group members they will have a 30% overall mark deduction so it
is important that only one group member chooses the project.
Mini Project Themes

1.) Trusses

Study how trusses transfer loads and why they are useful in structures. Take some examples around USP
where a truss has been used. Make approximate calculations. Final poster must contain neat CAD
diagrams as well.

2.) Frames

Study how Frames transfer loads and why they are useful in structures. Take some examples around USP
where a frame has been used. Make approximate calculations. Final poster must contain neat CAD
diagrams as well.

3.) Center of Gravity.

Study the various ways of finding COG. Research different machines eg boats, Buses, robots and
compare the importance of COG for stability in different conditions. Show appropriate equations and
diagrams.

4.) Friction

Friction is both useful and harmful. How does friction play a role in mechanics?. How does it affect our
analysis?. Choose any two surfaces and compare how friction changes the mechanics due to contact
between the two surfaces. Show all relevant equations.

5.) History of Machines

Machines have evolved over centuries. Pick any two of the six simple machines and discuss their
invention, their working and how these machines have been used so far. Provide equations and
relevant formula.

6.) Theories in Mechanics


Pick any theory in mechanics or vector mathematics. Discuss this theory in details and provide
derivations to prove this theory. Follow the history of the theory and discuss how it has contributed to
mechanics. Provide all equations and formula.

7.) Computer Problems*

Create a program in excel or any software to evaluate a beam. Your program should be able to find
reactions, shear force and bending moment for a simply loaded beam. The loading should include 2
reactions and 3 loads. The program should work in different combinations of loadings.

8.) Sports Mechanics

Pick any sport and study the application of mechanics in that sport. Make sample calculations for certain
conditions and make simple suggestions how knowledge of mechanics can lead to better performance in
sports. You may also study gym exercise under this theme. Show relevant equations.

9.) Materials in Mechanics

Pick any common structural material such as steel, concrete or wood and present a detailed review.
What makes it suitable for certain applications? What are the limitations of these materials? .
Compare its use against other materials eg steel vs wood for truss applications.

10.) Overhead crossing design*

Overhead crossing will solve many problems in traffic congestion and safety. Make a concept design of
an overhead crossing for any area in USP. Make basic calculations for beam design of the overhead
crossing such as shear force, bending moment and reactions etc. CAD model and equations to be shown
on poster.

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