SWAGºÏ¼¯

To develop the technical requirements and characteristics of armoured fighting vehicles and weapon systems, and to examine the interactions between the various sub-systems and consequential compromises and trade-offs.

• Application of systems engineering practice to an armoured fighting vehicle and weapon system.
• Practical aspects of system integration.
• Ammunition stowage, handling, replenishment and their effects on crew performance and safety.
• Applications of power, data and video bus technology to next generation armoured fighting vehicles.
• Effects of Nuclear Biological and Chemical (NBC) attack on personnel and vehicles, and their survivability.

On successful completion of this module you will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the engineering principles involved in matching elements of the vehicle and weapon system together.
• Propose concepts for vehicle and weapon systems, taking into account incomplete and possibly conflicting user requirements.
• Effectively apply solid modelling in outlining proposed solutions.
• Interpret relevant legislation and standards and understand their relevance to vehicle and weapon systems.
• Work effectively in a team, communicate and make decisions.
• Report the outcome of a design study orally to a critical audience.

Indicative Reading

• Journal of Ergonomics
• Jane’s International Defence Review
• Military Technology
• Brassey’s series of publications.
• www.aof.mod.uk

The module provides an introduction to mathematical modelling, control and the simulation environment Matlab/Simulink.

• Application of Newton’s Laws of Motion to the modelling of dynamics systems and the formation of transfer function and state space models. 
• Dynamic response, effect of damping, natural frequency and time constant in both the time and frequency domains.
• Concepts of control, block and simulation diagrams, introduction to control system design and performance specification. 
• Introduction to Matlab and Simulink for simulating dynamic systems.

On successful completion of this module you will be able to:

• Recognise the implications of the assumptions made in forming a model of an engineering system.
• Demonstrate how to perform modelling and simulation studies using Matlab and Simulink.
• Judge the results of a simulation as to whether they and the model used are useful in relation to experimental results or engineering experience.
• Demonstrate an understanding of control systems and how they may be modelled and designed.
• Develop further your skill and knowledge of modelling and simulation in an engineering context.

Indicative Reading

• Thomson, W. T., Theory of Vibration with Application, Prentice Hall, 4th Edition, 1993.
• Rao, S. S., Mechanical Vibrations, Addison-Wesley, Third Edition, 1995.
• Meriam, J. L. and Kraige, L. G., Engineering Mechanics (Vol 2) Dynamics, John Wiley and Sons, Third Edition, 1993.
• Moon, F. C., Applied Dynamics with Application to Multibody and Mechantronic Systems, John Wiley and Sons, 1998.
• Dutton, K., Thompson, S. and Barraclough, B., The Art of Control Engineering, Addison-Wesley, 1997.
• Franklin, G. F., Powell, J. D and Emami-Naeini, Feedback Control of Dynamics Systems, Addison-Wesley, Second Edition, 1991.
• Dorf, R. C., Modern Control Systems, Addison-Wesley, Eighth Edition, 1998.
• Issermann, R., Mechatronics System Fundamentals, Springer-Verlag, London, 2003.
• Software manuals for the latest versions of Matlab, Simulink and other useful resources are available for downloading from the Mathworks web site http://www.mathworks.com or via the Matlab help facility.

This module will develop your understanding of the main concepts and methods used in solid modelling for engineering applications using Pro-Engineer in preparation for the Element Design module.

• Parts generation.
• Sketching and drawing.
• Relations within models.
• Assembly generation.
• 2D engineering drawings.
• Performing kinematic and dynamic studies.
• Structural analysis.

On successful completion of this module you will be able to:

• Translate engineering components, by reducing them to their fundamental solid geometries, into solid models using a variety of constructional methods.
• Generate working drawings suitable for manufacturing and assembly from a solid model using engineering judgement.
• Demonstrate the use of a solid modelling tool to perform stress and dynamic investigations and judge whether the outputs are sensible.
• Understand and explain the benefits of using solid modelling to engineers involved in development and manufacture.

Indicative Reading

• Toogood, R., ProEngineer Wildfire 4.0, Advanced Tutorial, Schroff Development Corporation, ISBN 978-1-58503-308-5, 2008.
• Toogood, R., Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 4.0 Mechanica Tutorial (Structure/Thermal), Schroff Development Corporation, ISBN 978-1-58503-381-2, 2008.
• Peare, A., An Introduction to ProEngineer Wildfire 4.0, Course notes.

• Dr Shaun Forth

To introduce the fundamental skills and knowledge required to perform a computational heat transfer, structural or impact analysis using an industry standard finite element or hydrocode package and to be able to critically assess such an analysis in terms of modelling and numerical error

• Trusses: element and global geometries.
• Mathematical Foundations: overview of finite-elements in one dimension, weighted residuals, Galerkin method and weak form, shape and weight functions, one-dimensional elements, time-dependent problems, applications to heat transfer and mechanics.
• Two-dimensional Problems: review of 2D heat transfer and mechanics, 2D elements, linear and quadratic, rectangular and triangular elements, practical - 2D heat flow.
• Three-dimensional Problems: review of 3D mechanics, 3D elements, grid generation, solution singularities, modelling failure, practical – 3D mechanics.
• Hydrocodes: background, Lagrangian and Eulerian approaches, time-integration, artificial viscosity, methods for material contact and large deformations, overview of material and explosive modelling, applications, practical – impact problem.
• Material Modelling: stress-strain relations, equations of state, case studies.
• Dynamic Problems: finite element methods to determine natural frequencies.
• Introduction to Design Optimisation: the design cycle, design as an optimisation process, objective and constraints, gradient-based versus heuristic methods, multi-objective problems.

On successful completion of this module the student should be able to: 

• Perform a computational analysis of a simple problem in structures, heat transfer, or impact using an industry standard finite element or hydrocode  package.        
• Critically assess their analysis by using knowledge of the underlying mathematical model and numerical algorithm as well as their engineering judgment.
• Produce a clear and concise report detailing their analysis.

• Dr Hugh Goyder

The module provides an overview of why guns and their components are shaped the way they are.

Indicative module content:

• build-up of a gun
• gun control,
• fire control sensors,
• gun barrel design,
• breeches,
• recoil systems,
• gun dynamics.

 

To provide an introduction to the integration of electrical, electronic, mechanical, computing and electro-optic systems into new and legacy fighting vehicles.

A Systems Engineering approach is used to consider:

• Power generation and storage
• Motor and actuator technologies
• Power budgeting electronic subsystem
• Vetronics and the digital battlefield
• Current and future civilian and military databus standards and operation
• Radio communications equipment.
• Electro-optic subsystem,
• Thermal imaging and image intensifying electro-optic systems,
• Laser designators.
• HUMS,
• Systems assessment,
• Ergonomics and the man-machine interface,
• The Generic Vehicle Architecture (GVA) is discussed.

On successful completion of this module you will be able to:

• Define the electrical, electronic, software, and mechanical architecture needed for a modern fighting vehicle,
• Select and assess electrical, electronic, electro-optic and mechanical systems required to upgrade legacy military vehicles,
• Assess human factors and man-machine interface aspects of military systems.

To develop an ability and experience in designing mechanical components and subsystems.

• Product design methodologies, phases of product design, product portfolio planning, concept engineering methodologies such as QFD and TRIZ,
• Theories of fatigue and creep, fatigue/endurance strength, calculation of modified fatigue / endurance strength,
• Design of machine elements; shafts, springs, cams, gears, clutches and brakes, threads and threaded joints,
• Engineering tolerance design.

On successful completion of this module you will be able to:

• Understand the importance of good detail design in achieving customer satisfaction, especially in respect of reliability,
• Propose novel solutions to problem,
• Demonstrate the design of a system element or elements to meet an ill-defined or general requirement,
• Apply solid modelling techniques to effectively communicate conceptual and detailed designs,
• Appraise designs critically for fitness-for-purpose and cost-effectiveness in relation to customer/user requirements,
• Produce clear and concise engineering reports on the design produced,
• Demonstrate the use of correct tolerancing to the design of an engineering component(s).

• Dr Clare Knock

To provide a fundamental understanding of internal, intermediate and external ballistics and ammunition system design.

• Internal ballistics.
• Intermediate ballistics.
• External ballistics.
• Rocket propulsion. 
• Sabot design.
• Charge and shell design.
• Shell blast and fragmentation.
• Fuses and terminal guidance.
• Smart ammunition. 
• Kinetic energy ammunition. 
• Cannon ammunition.

On successful completion of this module you will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the internal and external ballistics of a gun and its ammunition.
• Explain the key points and significance of a travel-pressure curve and how altering its shape alters the performance of a gun.
• Calculate the energy transferred to a projectile before it leaves the gun barrel.
• Describe the effect of propellant mass, shape and size on gun performance.
• Identify the forces and moments acting on the projectile in flight and explain how a projectile may become unstable.
• Calculate simplified projectile mechanics including rigid body motion relating to translation, rotation and gyroscopic effects.
• Identify the main types of ammunition and their modes of operation.

• Ajay Kumar

To provide a fundamental understanding of vehicle performance, terramechanics, powertrain technology and vehicle dynamics (ride and handling) applied to both wheeled and tracked military vehicles.

Indicative module content

•  terramechanics,
•  drivelines for wheeled vehicles,
•  gearboxes,
•  tracked vehicle transmissions,
•  engines and powerpacks for military vehicles,
•  vehicle performance and its prediction,
•  terrain accessibility and cross country performance,
•  gear ratio and transmission matching,
•  launch performance,
•  hybrid technologies for military vehicles,
•  vehicle performance simulation,
•  design trade-offs,
•  human response to vibration,
•  steering,
•  tyres,
•  suspension types and components,
•  ride and handling.

The module looks at in-depth analysis, design and manufacture of a gun system including its ammunition, integration and the integrity of various sub-systems based upon the ammunition, gun, propellants, ballistics and the thermodynamics.

• Gun design pressure and maximum safe pressure curves
• Barrel material and heat treatment
• Ordnance design (strength), pre-stressing, autofrettage stresses (hydraulic and shrink fit)
• Ordnance design (fatigue)
• Barrel thermodynamics
• Breech design; load analysis, stress evaluation in both sliding and screw breech mechanism, supported by a tutorial
• Recoil system design; buffer assembly, recuperator and control to run-out and muzzle brake design
• Gun control algorithms
• Gun mounting; general problems of fitting guns into vehicles, spatial and interference considerations, swept volume, recoil constraints, gun and turret location, tactical and strategic mobility implications, ammunition stowage and replenishment, saddle and cradle design
• Ammunition handling; need for mechanised loading system, advantages and disadvantages, ammunition handling chain, design consideration, influence of ammunition configuration, typical stowage configurations, autoloader concepts (artillery and tank), features and examples of autoloaders
• Introduction to fatigue and fracture mechanics for gun barrels, real life effects in gun barrels, realistic fatigue life calculations, failure mechanisms and implications for wear and erosion
• Case study (Ordnance design exercise): Ammunition design, gun design pressure, barrel and breech configuration including autofrettage stresses and fatigue life, rate of fire and operating temperature, recoil system and cradle design, CAD modelling and engineering drawings, material and manufacturing specifications.

On successful completion of this module the students should be able to:

• Define the fundamental terms used in gun design.
• Describe the processes involved in the design of a gun system.
• Compute the forces, pressures and stresses generated in a gun system during firing.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the engineering and physical limits of gun systems in relation to their installation and performance.
• Analyse the design of a gun system in relation to current standards and practice. 
• Understand the conceptual design of an ordnance system.
• Evaluate the system requirements and recognise the practical issues related to meeting them.
• Design a gun system and critically evaluate the integration of subsystems and their affect on the system performance.
• Recognise and predict the effect of; stress, fatigue, wear and thermal loading on a gun system.
• Communicate effectively the design of a gun using detailed engineering drawings.
• Report, concise and clearly the design of a gun.

Indicative Reading

• Text Book of Ballistics and Gunnery, Vol. 1 and 2, Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, London.
• Oerlikon Pocket-Book, 2nd revised edition 1981, Werkzeugmaschinenfabrik, Oerlikon-Buhrle AG.
• Hand Book on Weaponry, English edition, Rehinmetall GmbH P O Box 6609, D-4000 Dusseldorf, Germany.

• Stephen Champion

The module will provide the information and experience to understand the principles of operation and analysis required in designing a light weapon and its components.

• Operation and safety
• Ballistics
• Hit probability
• Operating mechanisms of rifles and machine guns
• Firing mechanisms
• Gun springs
• Extractor design
• Sighting systems
• Introduction to mortars
• Introduction to grenades
• Introduction to less lethal weapons systems.

On successful completion of this module you will be able to:

• Describe the systems that make up a light weapon
• Explain and demonstrate the operating principles of small arms
• Demonstrate an understanding of the process of designing a light weapon system
• Critically assess the function of a light weapon system using engineering principles and report and discuss the findings with a weapons engineer
• Measure and analyse accuracy data to establish the hit probability of a weapon system.

Indicative Reading

• Allsop, D. F., Cannons, ISBN 1-85753-104-3, Brassey’s, 1995
• Allsop, D. F., Small Arms, Brassey’s, 1998
• Allsop, D. F., Military Small Arms Design Principles and Operating Methods, Brassey’s, 1997
• Oerlikon Pocket-Book, 2nd revised edition 1981, Werkzeugmaschinenfabrik, Oerlikon-Buhrle AG
• Hand Book on Weaponry, English edition. Rehinmetall GmbH P O Box 6609, D-4000 Dusseldorf, Germany
• DCMT Staff, Light Weapons Handbook.

• Dr Aimee Helliker

The module examines the fundamental factors which influence the availability, reliability and support of defence equipment.

Indicative module content:

•  availability, effectiveness and user requirements,
•  supportability concepts and logistics,
•  quantitative requirements,
•  R, M and S analysis techniques,
•  strengths, weaknesses and alternatives, 
•  human factors,
•  integration (HFI),
•  testing and evaluation,
•  system operation and support.