Study Programmes 2015-2016
MECA0155-2  
Dynamics of Mechanical Systems
Duration :
30h Th, 30h Pr, 5h Labo., 10h Proj.
Number of credits :
Bachelor in engineering5
Bachelor in engineering5
Master in aerospace engineering (120 ECTS)5
Master in mechanical engineering (120 ECTS)5
Lecturer :
Jean-Claude Golinval
Language(s) of instruction :
French language
Organisation and examination :
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Course contents :
The course provides the fundamentals of the dynamics of mechanical systems.
Course ouline
  • Review of Lagrangian and Newtonian dynamics and application to simple mechanical systems.
  • Single and multiple degrees-of-freedom systems: fundamentals(resonance frequency and mode-shape), response prediction to forced excitations.
  • Continuous systems and discretisation methods.
  • Dynamic behavior of rotating machines: critical speeds, balancing methods.
The theoretical concepts will be illustrated through hands-on exercices and vibration experiments performed in the classroom. One project will be assigned during the course semester.
Learning outcomes of the course :
The objective is to give to the students a solid background in the modelling and the simulation of the dynamical behavior of mechanical structures. Typical vibration problems encountered in mechanical systems and rotating machines will illustrate the theory.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills :
This course requires basic knowledge of fundamental calculus, differential equations and applied mechanics.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
The course will also propose:
  • several practice exercises;
  • experiments performed in the classroom; a written report on each experiment is required.
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
face-to-face
Recommended or required readings :
Dynamique des systèmes mécaniques
Edited by the Centrale des Cours de l'AEES
Assessment methods and criteria :
The final grade is based on the written examination and on the laboratory and project reports.
A. Written examination of theory (50%) The theory examination consists in:
  • answering to one question of theory drawn in the list available on the students' portal myULg;
  • giving some brief definitions and/or answering to a multiple-choice questionnaire.
No reference materials are allowed for the theory examination.
B. Practical written examination (40%) The practical written examination consists in solving exercices similar to those given during the semester. For this part of the examination, it is allowed to consult the book of theory only.
C. Homeworks (10%)
The participation to the experiments performed in the classroom and the required reports are mandatory.
Work placement(s) :
Organizational remarks :
Contacts :
Jean-Claude Golinval (JC.Golinval@ulg.ac.be)
Assistant : Mathieu Bertha (Mathieu.Bertha@ulg.ac.be)
Items online :
MECA0155 - Dynamics of Mechanical Systems (Lectures)
Copy of the slides.
MECA0155 - Dynamics of Mechanical Systems (Exercices)
You will find here the lecture notes related to the exercices sessions.
MECA0155 - Dynamics of Mechanical Systems (Experiments)
Assignements and experimental data.