Postgraduate Course: Engineering Vibrations and Dynamics (MSc) (PGEE11274)
Course Outline
| School | School of Engineering |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 10 |
ECTS Credits | 5 |
| Summary | This course provides advance knowledge of dynamics and vibrations in mechanical systems, equipping students with the analytical and
applied skills essential for engineering applications such as design and monitoring in wide range of engineering sectors (renewables, civil,
mechanical design). Students will learn to assess system performance by applying core principles of vibrations and dynamics, utilising both
time and frequency domain techniques for analysis.
Key topics include spectral and operational modal analysis, as well as system identification methods to evaluate and understand mechanical
behaviour through modelling and real-world data provided in the course. Additionally, students will explore strategies for mitigating
environmental and operational variability, ensuring reliable system performance in real-world conditions.
Through a combination of theoretical instruction, modelling, measurement, and validation, this course prepares students to address
complex challenges in vibration and dynamics. Practical applications include analysing the evolution of vibrations in wind turbines, rotating
machinery, bridges, and mechanical characterisation of additivemanufactured structures via vibrations techniques. |
| Course description |
The course build on core aspects to develop advanced knowledge in engineering vibrations and dynamics with the aim of demonstrate and
apply the knowledge in wide range of engineering applications.
The list of concepts to be presented are the following:
- Critical understanding and knowledge application of Frequency Response Function
- Modelling and application of state-space form representation of dynamical systems
- Application of spectral types and analysis
- Application and critical evaluation of modal identification (Experimental Modal Analysis)
- Application and critical evaluation of operational modal analysis (Stochastic Subspace Identification)
- Engineering applications on techniques like model updating, structural health monitoring, design of mechanical systems and components.
- Real industry applications on renewables, civil infrastructure, additive manufacturing, rotating machinery.
|
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
|
Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | Equivalent to Structural Mechanics and Dynamics 3
Or Structural Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering 5
|
Course Delivery Information
|
| Academic year 2025/26, Available to all students (SV1)
|
Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Semester 2 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
100
(
Lecture Hours 20,
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 10,
Formative Assessment Hours 2,
Revision Session Hours 2,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
64 )
|
| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
|
| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Coursework 100% |
| Feedback |
Not entered |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Critically evaluate the application of knowledge in dynamics and vibrations in mechanical systems across engineering applications:
- Analyse and interpret vibrations by applying knowledge of time and frequency domain techniques:
- Apply and assess experimental and operational modal analysis methods:
- Develop and implement advanced system identification techniques for mechanical systems:
- Mitigate environmental and operational variability in mechanical systems through expert knowledge and innovation.
|
Reading List
Brandt, Anders. Noise and vibration analysis: signal analysis and experimental procedures. John Wiley & Sons, 2011.
Brincker, Rune, and Carlos Ventura. Introduction to operational modal analysis. John Wiley & Sons, 2015.
Rainieri, Carlo, and Fabbrocino, Giovanni. Operational modal analysis of civil engineering structures an introduction and guide for applications. Springer, 2014.
Brunton, Steven L. and Kutz, Jose Nathan, Data-driven science and engineering : machine learning, dynamical systems, and control. Cambridge University Press; 2022.
Avitabile, Peter. Modal Space (in our own little world). Online (free) |
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Not entered |
| Keywords | Engineering vibrations,Structural Dynamics,Spectral Analysis,Modal Analysis,System Identification |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr David Garcia Cava
Tel: (0131 6)50 5588
Email: david.garcia@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Miss Catherine Davidson
Tel:
Email: c.davidson@ed.ac.uk |
|
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