5 ECTS credits
150 h study time

Offer 1 with catalog number 4016295ENR for all students in the 1st semester at a (E) Master - advanced level.

Semester
1st semester
Enrollment based on exam contract
Impossible
Grading method
Grading (scale from 0 to 20)
Can retake in second session
Yes
Taught in
Dutch
Faculty
Faculty of Engineering
Department
Applied Mechanics
Educational team
Patrick Guillaume (course titular)
Steve Vanlanduit
Activities and contact hours

24 contact hours Lecture
36 contact hours Seminar, Exercises or Practicals
Course Content
On a systematic way the measurement chain is analysed : transducer, amplifier, filters, and measuring device (e.g. FFT-analyser). Starting from basic measuring techniques, more sophisticated analysis techniques such as spectrum and orbital analysis are discussed as well as shock pulse techniques and cepstrum analysis. The use of vibration analysis in predictive maintenance strategy is not forgotten. More and more humans are subjected to vibrations and this not only during labour time but also in his private life. Therefore the effects of vibration on human beings are studied. Finally, the advantages of advanced vibrational tests and modal analysis are illustrated. Increased industrial and social activities cause a lot of noise. The purpose of this course is to give the students a good theoretical basis in acoustics so that they will be able to control noise problems. First of all, the wave nature of sound waves and related parameters such as frequency, wave length and sound velocity are studied. The dB scale is then introduced and the currently used sound pressure level scales such as Leq, statistical sound levels, SEL are defined. Then a detailed study of the human ear is performed, which leads to the definition of phone and sone and the introduction of the A-filters. Also other acoustical parameters, such as sound intensity and sound power are defined. The methodology of correct noise measurements is then discussed introducing microphone, pistonphone, octave band filters and measuring devices. As noise reduction is important, the principle and use of acoustical absorption and isolation are discussed. Then the impact of noise on the environment is analysed using an emission-transmission-immission model. The noise legislation for protecting industrial workers and community is also discussed. Finally room acoustics are studied in details.
Additional info
'Mechanische Trillingen', VUB-Press.
'Akoestiek en geluidshinder', a pdf of the course notes is available.

All courses are published by the University Press. Notes on the practical exercises, internal publication (in Dutch).

Complementary study material:
Rao, S.S. 'Mechanical Vibrations', Addison Wesley, 1995
Griffin, M.S. 'Handbook of Human Vibration', Academic Press, 1990.
Turner, P.J., Pretlove, A.J. 'Acoustics for Engineers'; Mc Millan, 1991.

At the end of each chapter, a lot of useful references are given,which are available in the library of the department.

Learning Outcomes

General Competencies

The student should have a good knowledge of the theory and the required practical insight in mechanical vibration and acoustics to allow him/her to properly handle vibrational and acoustical problems

Grading

The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Other Exam determines 100% of the final mark.

Within the Other Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:

  • Examen with a relative weight of 1 which comprises 100% of the final mark.

Additional info regarding evaluation
Oral examination: 75% (Mechanical Vibration 50% and Acoustics 25%)
Two fundamental questions are asked. Student can prepare these questions, without course, during 60 minutes. During the oral examination, additional questions are asked to verify the understanding of the student.

Reports of the practical exercises: 25%
Allowed unsatisfactory mark
The supplementary Teaching and Examination Regulations of your faculty stipulate whether an allowed unsatisfactory mark for this programme unit is permitted.

Academic context

This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Electromechanical Engineering: Aeronautics and Aerospace (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Electromechanical Engineering: Vehicle Technology and Transport (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Electromechanical Engineering: Mechatronics-Construction (only offered in Dutch)