THE OPEN UNIVERSITY OF SRI LANKA
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY HONOURS IN ENGINEERING
LEVEL 04
DMX4306– DESIGN OF MACHINE ELEMENTS
ACADEMIC YEAR – 2020/21
DESIGN PROJECT
Aim:
To improve the learner’s ability to analyse a practical problem related to Design of
Machine Elements and to stimulate the learners to experience in arriving at a feasible
solution using the theories, methods and concepts learnt in the course DMX4306.
Following Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) will be fulfilled by this assessment.
CLO1: Apply the knowledge gained from other engineering subjects for design of machine elements.
CLO2: Illustrate the design procedure of the machine elements with desired standards.
CLO3: Demonstrate the knowledge in designing machine elements in Mechanical Engineering
applications.
CLO4: Describe the ability to read, understand and interpret the design constraints related to the
machine elements
CLO5: Apply the concepts of failure of machine elements.
CLO6: Predict mechanical components used in mechanical systems that require functioning the
respective machines for their intended purposes.
The Problem:
The learners need to come up with a problem which can be solved by designing a
mechanical system (a machine). The feasibility of the proposed projects was assessed
before approval is granted. The learners who do not have design problems appropriate
tasks will be given.
The proposed mechanical system should consist with a motor as the prime energy source,
a gear box, drive unit/s such as belt drive/chain drives, shafts, couplings, breaks, clutches,
etc. Bearing should be appropriately selected. The final report should clearly show the
designing of each part of the machine with appropriate engineering drawings.
The learners should come up with a sketch of a proposed mechanical system/machine at
the first session and those designs will be assessed and rearranging suitably (if necessary)
then the permission to carry on will be granted. Any changes to the initially proposed
design should be informed to the academic coordinator and will be permitted after
extensive discussion. Otherwise, it is not allowed to change the given design project.
The learners should form into groups (maximum 2 learners per group) as instructed. If
any learner wishers to do the project individually he/she is free to do so.
Page 1 of 3
Tentative Work Schedule:
Day 1
i. Embodiment of the design project/title.
ii. Identifying the aim, objectives, introduction, and specifications.
iii. Calculations related to structure of the proposed system/machine.
iv. Power calculations and selection of a motor.
Day 2
i. Design the drive mechanism.
ii. Designing of the gear box.
Day 3
i. Design shafts and selection of keys.
ii. Selection of bearings.
iii. Design of couplings.
Day 4
i. Auxiliary designs such as clutch, breaks, chain drive, conveyor as necessary.
ii. Gear box housing and bolt designing including the drain valves and oil level
indicator.
Day 5
i. Any remaining design work.
ii. Sketching the relevant figures and main drawing (the main drawing should consists
with assembly of gear box and assembly of machine).
iii. Final discussion
Submission of the report of the design project and facing the viva voice.
The report shall not be posted or couriered. The submission will be accompanied with
viva-voce. The learners shall book a time slot (30 mins) in given days. The days will be
notified in due course. Due to the pandemic situation the evaluation process could
change, and necessary changes will be notified to you in advanced via LearnOUSL.
The Final Report should consist with following:
a. Should contain the following calculations:
i. Structural components of the machine.
ii. Required Power to do the assigned work.
iii. Selection of motor.
iv. Gear wheel calculations/ gear box design.
v. V-bely drive /Chain drive calculation.
vi. Shafts designs (including shaft holding gear arrangements).
vii. Selection of bearings.
viii. Design and selection of components such as keys, couplings, braking
system, clutch, etc., according to the requirements.
ix. Auxiliary components: oil seals, gear box housing, foundation bolts,
screws, sump, positioning of drain valves and oil level indicator, etc.
Page 2 of 3
Note: All assumptions need to be clearly stated in the report with justifications as and
when needed.
b. Results: Results should be present in tabulation form and should contain
component list, dimensions, materials, manufacturing methods and specifications
of the gear box, etc.
c. Repairs and maintenance procedure: Assembling and dismantling techniques,
application environment, space etc.
d. References: List of references used for material selection, component selection,
design calculations, etc.
e. Sketches: All relevant sketches should be drawn clearly.
f. The Detail Drawing: The detail drawing of the machine, the complete drawing of
the gear box and other important components should be included.
Marking Scheme; Final Design Report
Requirement/Aspect Marks (%)
1 Calculation related to the structural components of 8
the machine
2 Required power calculation 5
3 Selection of motor 5
4 Gear wheel calculations/ gear box design 12
5 V-bely drive /Chain drive calculation 12
6 Shafts designs (including shaft holding gear 12
arrangements)
7 Selection of bearings 9
8 Selection of keys (gear wheels, pulleys, etc.) 8
9 Calculation related to couplings, braking system, 15
clutch, conveyor belt, such components. (5 per each x 3)
10 Selection/designing of oil seals, gear box housing, 8
foundation bolts, screws, sump, positioning of drain
valves and oil level indicator, etc.
11 Presentation of the report 6
Calculation of the Final Mark for the Design Project.
Final mark (%) = [1st Presentation %mark* x 0.3] + [Report %mark x 0.3] + [Viva %mark x 0.4]
Please note that the Viva mark >= 50%, if not you have to repeat the Design Project. The viva
will be conducted with 3 member penal, consists of Head of the Department, Academic
Coordinator-DMX4306 and Senior Lecturer of the department.
*Marking scheme will be provided separately.
…….The end……
Page 3 of 3
