Selected Topics in Mechanical Engineering

This course provides PhD students with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of product development, mechanical engineering, and manufacturing topics relevant to their research. The curriculum is customized to align with the focus of each student’s PhD project, in collaboration with their supervisors.

Content

The course covers advanced knowledge within different specializations in mechanical engineering. Relevant lectures / courses / seminars / conferences are put together to cover topics that harmonize with the chosen PhD thesis and course syllabus. The topics can include, but is not limited to, the following topics:

- Structural integrity- understanding the behavior of materials under stresses. This includes fracture mechanics, welding-induced residual stresses, fatigue damage accumulation modeling, life-time prediction and life-extension analysis.
- Mechanical design and simulation - use of computational tools to gain insight and optimize performance. This includes finite element modelling of forces in structures and welds, system dynamics, multi-body dynamics, statistical methods and machine learning.
- Advanced manufacturing, product development, logistics and supply chain management, and operations — with a focus on enabling efficient, circular, and sustainable practices. This includes lean manufacturing and waste minimization, additive manufacturing, welding and inspection technologies, logistics and supply chain optimization, circular economy strategies and circularity assessment, as well as risk- and reliability management, inspection, and maintenance.

Learning outcome

A foundational understanding of core principles and methodologies associated with the selected research field.
In-depth knowledge of the chosen topic in the syllabus and current methods that can be used to shed light on questions related to the topic.
Ability to perform literature reviews and describe learning objectives, as well as present own and previously published research results to an audience.

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Recommended prerequisites

Basic background in design of machine components and use of 3D modeling tools; Knowledge of programming tools in engineering such as MATLAB, Solid mechanics and structural integrity concepts. Knowledge about software use for green transition and circular economy focused product develop and design optimization, statistical analysis, life cycle assessment, and operational research techniques.

Exam

Report

Weight 1/1

Duration 8 Weeks

Marks Passed / Not Passed

No re-sit opportunities are offered for the report. Students who do not pass the report can retake it the next time the course is held.

The report is assessed on an individual basis.

Method of work

The course is conducted as a combination of individual lectures, academic discussions, self-study with student presentations, colloquia, seminars and/or project work.

Open for

The course is open for students registered for PhD study.

Course assessment

The faculty decides whether early dialogue will be held in all courses or in selected groups of courses. The aim is to collect student feedback for improvements during the semester. In addition, a digital course evaluation must be conducted at least every three years to gather students’ experiences.