Units / MEC3458
MEC3458 · Experimental project
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 3Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
Introduction to data acquisition across a range of data types, analogue-digital sampling and signal conditioning. Data acquisition and processing functions using LabView. Current data measurement technologies and equipment, acquisition methodologies used in fluid dynamics, material properties, thermodynamics, control and dynamics. Data analysis methods including error analysis, validation, spectral analysis identification and interpretation of trends. Introduction to research practices, formation and testing of hypotheses as well as experiment design and project management. Communication skills and techniques, preparation of reports and oral presentations. Occupational health and safety.
Offerings
The Handbook publishes no offerings for this unit.
Assessment
The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Assignment 1: Risk assessment | Examination | 8% | — |
| 2 | Lab 1 report: Free and forced heat convection | Written | 3.67% | — |
| 3 | Lab 2 report: Performance of Francis Turbine | Performance | 3.67% | — |
| 4 | Lab 3 report: Performance of Pelton Turbine | Performance | 3.67% | — |
| 5 | Lab 4 report: Cantilevered beam vibration | Written | 11% | — |
| 6 | Research proposal | Presentation | 20% | — |
| 7 | Final report | Presentation | 50% | — |
Continuous assessment: 100%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.
Learning outcomes
- Understanding of skills and techniques required for the acquisition of optimised meaningful experimental data
- Knowledge of the important components of experimental design
- Overview of current technologies available for experimentation
- Knowledge of data acquisition methods
- Knowledge of data analysis methods
- Appreciation for the importance and application of occupational health and safety procedures
- Manage and execute short and medium term projects
- Form and evaluate hypotheses
- Communicate results using written and oral formats
- Acquire and optimise experimental data
- Use data analysis techniques to explore and evaluate experimental data, including error analysis
- Use LabView to acquire and analyse experimental data Apply occupational health and safety procedures.
Workload
The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.
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