Mechatronics engineering is a multidisciplinary engineering field which combines mechanical, electronic, and electrical, computer systems and Control Engineering. Our society has a vast number of mechatronic products which includes things as: programmable washing machines, active suspension, anti – lock brakes, automated robots in manufacturing assembly lines, medical devices and autofocus cameras
Mechatronics engineers unite the principles of mechanics, electronics, and computing to generate a simpler, more economical and reliable system. They are employed in a wide range of jobs in design, improvement, implementation and maintenance of high-tech products, services and processes in mechanical, electronic and computer-related businesses.
With the multi-disciplinary nature of mechatronics engineering, mechatronics engineers have excellent opportunities and will progress quickly to jobs with greater responsibilities in diverse plants such as mining, biomedical, manufacturing, aerospace, chemical processing, education, research and development, health care, communication, electronics, marine engineering etc.
Rationale
Every aspect of our lives has been affected by mechatronics products. For instance, in manufacturing industry, automation is one of the key elements to sustained productivity. If the country is to compete favorably on the economic front, the need for mechatronics engineering cannot be over emphasized. In Zambia as we drive the agenda for increased productivity, there is a need for such skills in order to get to higher levels of productivity.
Objectives
Apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering and;
- design systems, components, or processes to meet desired needs for
- communicate effectively;
- function on multi-disciplinary teams involving other engineers and professionals;
- identify, formulate, and solve diverse engineering problems involving electronic, mechanical and computer systems;
- use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice
Aim
The aim of the programme is to produce graduates well-grounded in science, mathematics, and principles of electronic, mechanical and computer systems that form an essential foundation to develop the intellectual skills and versatility needed for the students to either pursue careers in mechatronics at postgraduate level or equip them with problem-solving skills in the field of mechatronics engineering
Second Year
Introduction to software development
Fundamental quality attributes of code
Introduction to Introduction to OOP paradigm
Introduction to Programming in MATLAB
INTRODUCTION
PROJECTION METHODS
DIMENSIONING
SECTIONAL VIEWS
ASSEMBLY DRAWING
ENGINEERING GRAPHICS
INTRODUCTION TO CAD
UNIT A1.1 APPLYING POWER AND ENERGY
UNIT A1.2 USING AVERAGE AND R.M.S VALUES
UNIT A1.3 APPLYING KIRCHHOFF’S LAWS
UNIT A1.4 ANALYSING NETWORK THEOREMS
UNIT A1.5 ANALYSING SIMPLE DC NETWORKS
UNIT A1.6 APPLYING ELECTROMAGNETIC PRINCIPLES AND MAGNETISM
UNIT A1.7 APPLYING ELECTROSTATIC PRINCIPLES AND ELECTROSTATICS
UNIT A1.8 ANALYSING STEADY STATE RESPONSE OF SIMPLE RLC NETWORKS TO SINUSOIDAL EXCITATION
UNIT A1.9 APPLYING POWER IN AC.CIRCUITS
UNIT A1.10 APPLYING RESONANCE IN SERIES AND PARALLEL RLC CIRCUITS
UNIT A1.12 USING THREE PHASE SYSTEMS (I.E DELTA/STAR CONNECTIONS)
UNIT B1.1 USING SEMICONDUCTOR THEORY
UNIT B2.1 APPLYING JUNCTION DIODES, BIPOLAR JUNCTIONTRANSISTORS AND UNIPOLAR TRANSISTORS (FET’s)
UNIT B3.1 USING AMPLIFIERS
UNIT B4.1 IDENTIFYING SPECIAL SOLID – STATE DEVICES
UNIT B5.1 USING FILTERS
Mechanical Engineering Workshop
Electrical Engineering Workshop
Land Surveying
Civil Engineering Workshop:
.
BOND THEORY
PHASE DIAGRAMS
IRON AND STEEL PRODUCTION
HEAT TREATMENT OF STEEL
NON FERROUS METALS
ENVIROMENTAL EFFECTS
SELECTION OF MATERIALS
2.0 STATICS OF BODIES
3.0 FLUID STATICS
4.0 KINEMATICS OF PARTICLE
5.0 FLUID DYNAMICS
Third Year
Application of Laplace transforms to solve differential equations
Fourier series
Fourier Transforms
Multiple Integration
Vector Algebra
Vector calculus
Partial Differential equations
Functions of complex variables
z- transforms and difference equations
Network topology,
Computer aided analysis,
Filter circuits,
Network theorems,
Laplace and impedance transforms,
Port parameters and coupled circuits,
H – Parameters model, Amplifier circuits, noise and feedback.
Ideal Op- Amps, Practical Op – Amp circuits, Signature circuits,
Active Filters and Filter Conversion
Periodic signal analysis
Non – periodic signal analysis
Awkward signal analysis
Introduction to systems
Sampled signals
Application to linear feedback systems
Application to filters and Equalizers
- Basic fluid dynamics
- Energy equation
- Momentum equation
- Behaviour of real fluids
Part two
- Basic principles of thermodynamics
- Work and heat
- The first law of thermodynamics
- The second law of thermodynamics
- Power and Refrigeration vapour cycles
- Hydraulic Turbines System
- Analysis of Pumps
Magnetic Field Energy and Forces.
Energy Conversions.
Singly Excitated Systems.
Doubly Excited Systems.
Interaction Forces.
Direct Current Machines.
Single phase transformers.
Single phase induction machines
Combinational logic gates
Sequential logic gates
Introduction to microprocessors and microcontrollers
Introduction to Programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
Integrated circuit technologies: TTL, CMOS,
Introduction to Verilog or VHDL and its use with FPGA (practical training)
Mechanical properties of materials
Stress and strain
Theory and buckling of columns
Deflection of beams and shafts
Transverse shear
Stress transformation
Strain transformation
Torsion
Energy methods
Continuous beams
Bending
Combined loading
Fourth Year
Transfer functions, block diagram, signal flow graphs
PID controllers
Design of control systems
Root locus design
Lead and lag compensation
Frequency response analysis and design
Continuous state models, analysis and synthesis
Continuous estimators
Transient and steady-state response of state variable representations
Pole placement techniques
Discrete control systems
z-transforms, difference equations
ZOH circuits
Discrete root locus
Practical considerations of discrete control systems
A/D and D/A converters and filters
Design exercises
Embedded systems design methodology
Embedded systems hardware
Networked Microcontrollers
Specific Microcontroller IC (AVR or PIC) detailed architecture
Microcontroller architecture Assembly language programming
Advanced applications and interfacing with microcontrollers
Embedded systems performance
Design of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) for embedded systems
Introduction to Real –time Operating systems
Failure Prevention- Static Failure
Failure Prevention- Fatigue failures
Introduction to Analysis tools- Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
Reliability and Quality control in design
Tolerances and fits
Gears
Shafts
Hydrostatic bearings
Clutches, coupling and Brakes
Springs
Bolted, riveted and welded joints
Belts and pulleys
Power transmission systems
Dynamic load systems
Professional communication techniques
Computer network fundamentals
Network security
Descriptive Statistics
Probability
Discrete Random Variables and Probability Distributions
Continuous Random Variables and Probability Distributions
Joint Probability Distribution
Sampling Distributions and Point Estimation of Parameters
Statistical Interval for a Single sample
Tests of Hypotheses for a Single Sample
Design and Analysis of Single-Factor Experiments: The Analysis of Variance
Fourier series,
Modulation,
Noise,
Convolution,
Attenuator,
Equalizers
Filters
Matched filter detection
Images and the spatial frequency domain
Image coding techniques
Introduction to software defined radio
Matlab simulation for signal processing
Research Methods
The course is a Group Design element with an open-ended design problem solving exercise and report that demands the application of the ‘design process’ and production of a design solution. The Project element is an investigation and Project Report into an engineering problem, theory or system and concerns itself with an investigation and has outcomes that are clearly defined at the outset. This could typically involve research, lab-based or workshop-based activities and investigation, testing and report writing.
This course provides the opportunity for you to demonstrate your understanding e.g. Mechanical Engineering students carry out a Mechanical related project and design problem solving exercise. Electrical/Electronics and Civil students do the same based on their branch of Engineering related project and design exercise.
Project Management are also important elements within this course.
Students are advised to work in teams and solve the design project by contributing individually to the outcome of the project but executed by the team.
Fifth Year
Use of appropriate design techniques (if required) and the production of appropriate designs (where necessary).Production of hardware (where appropriate or necessary).
Testing and the production and interpretation of results.Production of a project report that includes conclusions and recommendations.Personal Development Planning (PDP).Report writing
Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurial perspective: types of entrepreneurs, characteristics of entrepreneurs, writing business plans. Government policies on small business ventures. Enterprising opportunities: business motivation, competencies and skills, product concept and description, market assessment. Starting new business ventures: the calculated risk, business planning and organization.
Developing Mission, Vision, and Values, Strategizing: Strategic Management in the P-O-L-C, Goals and Objectives, Organizational Structure and Change, Organizational Culture, Social Networks. Leading People and Organizations, Decision Making, Communication in Organizations, Managing Groups and Teams, Motivating Employees, The Essentials of Control, Strategic Human Resource Management, Managerial systems, Industrial and operations management, Marketing, Total Quality Management (TQM), TPM, JIT, Engineering Economics, Financial accounting and management
Industrial transducers
Integration of programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems
Management information systems (MIS)
Signal transmission and conditioning
Microcontrollers
Computer interfacing
Real-time multitasking in computer control
Reading and interpretation of PID (Process Instruments and Devices) drawings
Nonlinear and advanced control methods
Image formation and optics
Feature detection and matching
Multiple Views and Motion
Recognition
Use of OpenCV or python for computer vision
Medium Access Control Protocols
Routing And Data Gathering Protocols
Embedded Operating Systems
Applications Of WSN
Pressure and Force relationship
Hydraulic fluid properties
Actuators
Valves
Basic symbols
Hydraulic pumps
Accessories
Speed control methods in hydraulic systems
Pneumatics
Electro – pneumatics
Compressors
Hydraulic servo mechanisms
PLC control in Fluid power systems
Design exercise
Common kinematic arrangements
Actuators and drives
Rigid motions and homogeneous transforms
Introduction to Computer vision
Vision based control
Independent joint control of robots
Path and trajectory planning
Velocity kinematics
Differential motions
Dynamics
Force and compliance controls
2. DC motor drives
3. Induction motor drives
4.Synchronous Motor Drives