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2025-2026 / MECA0155-2

Dynamics of mechanical systems

Duration

26h Th, 26h Pr, 20h Proj.

Number of credits

 Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Engineering5 crédits 
 Master MSc. in Aerospace Engineering, professional focus in aerospace engineering5 crédits 
 Msc. in Mechanical Engineering, professional focus in materials and manufacturing5 crédits 
 Master Msc. in Mechanical engineering, professional focus in mechatronics5 crédits 
 Master MSc. in Mechanical Engineering, professional focus in sustainable automotive engineering5 crédits 

Lecturer

Loïc Salles

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

The course provides the fundamentals of the dynamics of mechanical systems.

Course Content

  • Analytical Dynamics of Discrete Systems
  • Free oscillations of one degree of freedom system
  • Response to harmonic excitation
  • General Forced Response
  • Two-degree-of-freedom systems and dynamic-tuned dampers
  • N-degree-of-freedom systems: fundamental properties (natural frequencies and vibration modes), calculation of their response to external loads
  • Distributed-parameter systems and approximation methods
  • Rotordynamics: critical speeds, gyroscopic effect, Campbell diagram and balancing procedures
Theoretical concepts are illustrated through exercise sessions.

Two problem-solving tutorial sessions, focusing on analytical methods and numerical computations using Python, will be organized during the semester.

A mandatory project divided into four parts is proposed during the semester. The project allows students to apply the concepts covered in the course.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

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.

This course contributes to the learning outcomes I.2, III.1, III.2, IV.1, VI.1, VII.2, VII.4 of the BSc in engineering.

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 includes ex-cathedra lectures (20 hours), review sessions (26 hours), computer-based laboratories (4 hours), and a project to realise at home (20h).

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Face-to-face course

Course materials and recommended or required readings

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus


Further information:

"Dynamique des systèmes mécaniques", edited by the "Centrale des Cours" of the School of Engineering.

Recommanded book and available at "la Centrale des Cours" of the School of Engineering:

M. Géradin, D. Rixen

Vibrations mécaniques: Théorie et application à la dynamique des structures

2024

ISBN 978-2-960-37390-5

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam ( open-ended questions )

Written work / report

Out-of-session test(s)


Further information:

The final grade is based on the written examinations and on the homework reports. No document is allowed during the examinations.

Written examination of theory (30%)

The theory examination consists in:

 - answering to one question of theory;

 - giving some brief definitions;

 - answering questions related to the project and the Python laboratories.

Practical written examination (40%)
The practical written examination consists in solving exercises similar to those given during the semester.

Project (30%)
Written reports on the proposed homework are mandatory. The note of the homework is taken into account for the second session, but it can be upgraded through an oral presentation.
 
There is no partial exemption for the examinations.

Work placement(s)

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

The organisation is explained in details during the first lecture.

Contacts

Students are encouraged to actively interact with the professor, also outside of the lectures. It is highly recommended to set up an appointment first. For questions regarding the exercise sessions and the graded homework, the students can contact the assistant directly.

It is expected that the students follow a few basic rules when communicating by email:

  • Indicate as subject "MECA0155: ...".
  • Only use ULiege addresses (xxx@student.uliege.be).
  • Always address emails to both the lecturer and assistant and not only to one.
  • Follow the elementary rules of politeness.
 
A forum is also available to ask questions regarding the theory and the project.

Instructor: Loïc SALLES L.Salles@uliege.be

Assistant : Brieux THIBAULT

 
 
 

 

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