Undergraduate Prospectus - University of Hong Kong of Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Prospectus 2013 1 We trace our roots back to 1912, when the first professor of this University,

Undergraduate Prospectus2013

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING 機械工程系

2 香港大學機械工程系

“Dream of Flying” designed and made by the joint team of our students and Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps.

JUPAS Open Day.

CONTENTS

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FOREWORD

UNDERGRADUATE STUDY PROGRAMME

ROUTE TO PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

TEACHING AREAS6 Aeronautical Engineering

7 Biomechanical Engineering

8 Building Services Engineering

9 Control, Automation & Instrumentation

10 Design & Manufacturing

11 Dynamics, Vibration & Acoustics

12 Energy & Environment

13 Engineering Management, Economics & Ethics

Photos on cover: courtesy of Armand du Plessis, Avantis HK, Cachogaray, Hong Kong and China Gas Co., Ltd., Kristy Pargeter | Dreamstime.com,Nico Smit | Dreamstime.com, Safety Accident and Failure Experts Ltd. (by alphabetical order)

14 Engineering Mathematics & Computer

Programming

15 Fluid Mechanics

16 Materials & Nano-technologies

17 Mechanics of Solids

18 Thermal Engineering

SNAPSHOTS OF LABORATORIES

KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT EXCHANGE

EMPLOYMENT OF GRADUATES

TAUGHT POSTGRADUATE STUDY PROGRAMMES

Haking Wong Building in which the Department of Mechanical Engineering is located.

Department of Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Prospectus 2013 1

We trace our roots back to 1912, when the first professor of this University, Professor C.A. Middleton-Smith, a mechanical engineer, was appointed. I am very proud of what our staff, students and alumni have accomplished in this great Department.

This is an exciting time for HKU Mechanical Engineering, as we reflect on our part of history in the University Centenary Celebration and look ahead to the new opportunities and challenges from the rapid engineering developments in H.K., China and the region.

We have attracted quality local and international students to join our undergraduate programmes.

In our innovative and engaging curricula, we attempt to integrate the latest advances in energy and environment, IT, sustainability and nanotechnology; we engage our young able students with their passion, creativity, curiosity and dreams. Our students have an opportunity to develop a deep understanding of mechanical engineering foundation; a broad understanding of major areas of traditional and modern mechanical engineering; and their professional skills through applied research and hands-on design projects. The long held open-door tradition allows students to talk to any teaching staff any time.

My academic colleagues who graduated from world-renowned universities excel

FOREWORD

in their research, teaching and knowledge exchange. Our faculty and research students grow our leading-edge research programmes in acoustics and control, biomechanical engineering, design and manufacturing, dynamics, energy and environmental engineering, mechanics, nano-materials, thermo fluids, etc. We participate in 4 of the 19 strategic research themes of this University. We establish multi-disciplinary collaborations with our sister faculties such as medicine, science, architecture etc.; and develop collaborations with industry and government, and integrate research and teaching. Excitingly, 7 new faculty members joined us in the past 3 years to strengthen our teaching and research in energy engineering, biomedical engineering, etc.

Mechanical engineers develop innovative technologies and break-through solutions for people. New challenges in energy, environment, resources,

rapid urbanization and rapid knowledge expansion suggest the growing needs for knowledge of mechanical engineers. We will continue to improve our curricula, learning and research environment to attract the best and brightest young students to explore the amazing world of mechanical engineering with us.

I welcome suggestions and comments from our alumni, local and international communities.

Yuguo LiProfessor and Head of Department

Yuguo LiProfessor and Head of Department


UNDERGRADUATE STUDY PROGRAMME

Since the introduction of the common admissions scheme of the HKU Engineering Faculty, applicants can use one single code JS6963 to apply for any of the twelve B.Eng. programmes. Our department offers the B.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering (ME) programme with choices of specialization streams in Building Services Engineering; Energy Engineering; Environmental Engineering and, of course, the main ME stream. Guided electives in Biomechanical Engineering and Materials

University Common Core and Complementary Studies Courses (24 credits)

Engineering Core CoursesEngineering Maths (12 credits)Engineering Physics (6 credits)Computer Programming (6 credits)Introductory courses to major disciplines of engineering (12 credits)

Engineering Core CoursesDiscipline Specific (6 credits)Engineering Maths (6 credits)

Discipline Core Courses (30 credits)

University Common Core and Complementary Studies Courses (18 Credits)

Engineering Training (6 credits)

Discipline Core Courses (36 credits)

Design (Group project) (6 credits)

Complementary Studies Courses (12 credits)

Optional Industrial Training (6 credits) / Discipline Elective (6 credits)

Discipline Elective Courses (30 credits)

Complementary Studies Courses (6 credits)

Project (Individual) (12 credits)

Free Electives (12 credits)

Remark: Students select their respective degree programme after the first year, on the basis of academic performance. Commencing 2012-2013, a quota of 120 will be imposed for BEng programmes offered by each department of the Faculty of Engineering.

Science & Engineering are also provided to students who are interested in the areas.

With the appointment of External Examiners and the accreditation by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE), the standard of our B.Eng. programmes is maintained at an international level. Our students graduating with honours fully meet the educational requirements for the corporate membership of not only HKIE but also other engineering institutions in

Australia, Canada, Chinese Taipei, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, the UK and the USA.

Courses offered in our programmes can be broadly categorized into university common core, engineering core/discipline core, elective and complementary studies courses. University common core courses aim to broaden the knowledge of our students beyond engineering. Engineering core/ discipline core courses are technically or scientifically indispensable

for engineers in the respective discipline. Elective courses offer students the opportunities to specialize in areas for future professional development. Complementary studies courses include subjects in humanities, business, management and communication skills, etc. Further information on our courses is provided in the section on Teaching Areas. A typical ME curriculum structure is shown below.

Year I Year II Year III Year IV


All students are required to undertake Engineering Training in the Year 2 summer semester when students can acquire practical engineering experience, e.g. skills to operate industrial equipment and tools. A series of talks given by successful engineers and industrialists on real-world challenges in engineering is also included as an integral part of the course. In the summer vacation period after Year 3 study, students have an option to undertake Industrial Training to gain practical working experience by attaching to a local/overseas company or institution as engineering trainees. Besides having to take individual projects on areas of their interest, students in Year 3 also have to do group design projects. These are mostly sponsored by local companies and through them the students will learn how to participate in team work to solve practical engineering problems.

Students may elect to spend an additional year in industry to pursue an integrated study-work programme at the end

of Year 3. The programme will enable them to gain valuable engineering experience before proceeding to their final year of study. They can also apply for the Student Exchange Programme through the University to study overseas for a semester or even a whole year.

Besides studying for the BEng degree, our students may apply to pursue a minor study programme in BBA, in the areas of business, economics or finance, or other Engineering Departments on condition that certain academic requirements are met. Moreover, they may apply to pursue the double-degree BEng/BBA, subject to the prescribed admission requirements.

Entrance Requirements

Applicants with HKDSE qualification shall satisfy the following requirements:1. English Language : Level 32. Chinese Language : Level 33. Mathematics : Level 3

• Level3inExtended

Module 1 or Module 2 of Mathematics is preferred (but not required)

4. Liberal Studies : Level 25. Elective Subjects : Level

3 in two subjects (one of which should be Physics or Combined Science with Physics component)

Applicants with other qualifications, such as GCE, IB, SAT, Associate Degree and Higher Diploma, and Mainland students are considered on the basis of individual merit.

Advanced standings may be given to students who have studied relevant subjects at an appropriate level. Please contact our admission tutors for further details.

Admission tutors

Dr. K.C. Cheung T (852) 2859-7907 E [email protected]

Dr. P.K.L. Chan T (852) 2859-2634 E [email protected]

Ir Dr. S.C.M. Hui T (852) 2859-2123 E [email protected]

Flexible solar cells.Metal foam.

Cell migration.


ROUTE TO PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The “Hong Kong Institution of Engineers” (HKIE) sets standards for the training and admission of professional engineers in Hong Kong. Corporate members of the HKIE are eligible to use the professional title “Ir”. The Government and most companies in Hong Kong recognize the membership as the key qualification for professional engineers. The typical route to “Ir” includes:

Education Requirement: Obtain a HKIE-accredited undergraduate honours engineering degree like BEng in Mechanical Engineering.

On-the-job-Training Requirement: Be employed by a company which offers a HKIE-approved training (scheme A) that is conducted under the guidance of a qualified engineering supervisor. The minimum duration is 2 years.

The Advisory Committee members are prominent leaders of the Hong Kong Industry and many of them are our own alumni. Their advice and support is invaluable to ensure that we provide the best possible courses for students, and that graduates are well-equipped to

Ir Dr. Alex S.K. ChanDirectorApplied Technology Integration Ltd.Past President of HKIE

Mr. Darryl C.H. ChanHead of EngineeringEngineering DepartmentHong Kong Dragon Airlines Ltd.

Ir Frank F. ChanDirector Electrical & Mechanical Services DepartmentHKSAR Government

Ir Paul Y.C. ChanChairman of BSDAPDirectorWong & Ouyang (Building Services) Ltd.

Ir Michael P.K. CheungDeputy Director Electrical & Mechanical Services DepartmentHKSAR Government

Ir C.Y. FongChief ExecutiveATAL Engineering Ltd.

Responsible Experience Requirement: Work in a position of responsibility which requires professional knowledge, supervision of engineering staff and practice of the relevant engineering discipline. The minimum duration is 2 years.

Professional Assessment: Be assessed in the forms of essay writing and interview on knowledge of and experience on engineering processes and management, appreciation of investigation, planning, design, construction, manufacturing, maintenance, safety and environmental issues, etc.

tackle problems encountered in the local industry. Many of them have delivered seminars as a part of Engineering Training to our students with a view to giving a broader perspective of the engineering profession and the challenges it offers.

Ir James Y.C. KwanExecutive Director & Chief Operating OfficerThe Hong Kong and China Gas Co. Ltd.Past President of HKIE

Ir Edmund K.H. LeungManaging DirectorHsin Chong Construction Group Ltd.Past President of HKIE

Ir Dr. W.K. Lo Deputy Chairman & Managing Director Surface Mount Technology (Holdings) Ltd.Past President of HKIE

Dr. Francis LungDirector & Executive ChairmanHydrotech Interantional

Mr. C.K. WongDirector – Macau OfficeMeinhardt (M & E) Ltd.


Since early times, mechanical engineers have been responsible for the design, analysis, manufacture and maintenance of mechanical systems such as automobiles, ships, airplanes, heating and cooling systems, industrial equipment and machineries, etc. Over the past few decades, the accelerated growth in scientific knowledge and technology has brought about a significant change in mechanical engineering, both in

its education and practice as a profession. For instance, with the rapid advances in computer technology, mechanical engineers are now extensively using computer aided engineering (CAE) tools to undertake design and analysis. To keep pace with the technological advancements, our mechanical engineering degree curricula are structured to bring students quickly to the frontier of knowledge in a wide range of fascinating fields. Our graduates are also imparted with an awareness of the impact of engineering developments on

TEACHING AREAS

Container ships can always be seen in the Hong Kong sea district, which is one of the busiest ports in the world. (Courtesy of Marine Department, HKSAR Government)

Hong Kong’s built environment comprises congested tall buildings. © Gibbsterr / Dreamtime.com

A micro-wind turbine installation on the rooftop of a primary school in Kowloon.

Ma On Shan Railway. (Courtesy of MTRC)

society, professional ethics and the ability to communicate and cooperate with personnel in other disciplines. As a matter of fact, many of our graduates are now assuming very senior technical and managerial positions in a great variety of industries including utility services, building services, manufacturing and environmental consultancy services.


Aeronautical Engineering (Coordinating staff: Ir Dr. L.X. Huang, Dr. M.X. Huang)

Aeronautical engineering is the branch of engineering that concerns aircrafts, or the flight of any vehicle heavier than air. Apparently, it originates from ancient human fascination about birds’ flight, but serious engineering development took place from 1920s and through war efforts. Further developments in the middle of the last century extend its activity to space flight (aerospace engineering). Modern flight vehicles have to put up with severe conditions such as rapid temperature and pressure changes in

the atmosphere during flight, being hit by lightning, impact of birds or even engine failures. They also have to endure heavy structural loads applied upon vehicle components; numerous issues must be taken into account. Consequently, they are products of complex synthesis of various technologies and sciences, including but not limited to aerodynamics and propulsion technology, material sciences, stress analysis, control engineering, avionics and human comfort studies.

A typical jet engine mounted on an airliner.“HOMER” represents the first result of our Design, Build & Fly project sponsored by Boeing Company.

Winglet modification on a Boeing 737 aircraft. (Courtesy of HAECO).


Biomechanical Engineering (Coordinating staff: Dr. B.P. Chan, Dr. Y. Lin, Ir Prof. M. Wang)

In recent years, integrating knowledge from engineering and life sciences has received increasing attention both in academia and industry. To prepare our graduates for this challenge, the department is offering a series of Biomechanical Engineering courses. In particular, students will learn (1) fundamentals for understanding and analyzing various mechanical phenomena, such as conformation and dynamics of biomolecules, protein-protein interactions, flow of biofluids, heat and mass transfer, in biological systems on the level of cells, tissues and organs; (2) knowledge of

different types of materials widely used for biomedical applications, such as implants and medical devices, technologies for their fabrication and techniques for their characterization and evaluation; (3) how tissue regeneration takes place, what the methods and techniques to regulate or guide this important process are and how to engineer functional tissues for replacement. Basic knowledge in cell biology and biochemistry essential for understanding course topics will be introduced to students as well.

Contact guidance: osteoblastic cells cultured on aligned electrospun PHBV fibers.

Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in 3D collagen matrix after 9 hours of compression loading.

Red: Actin cytoskeleton; Green: Arp2/3 (promoting nucleation of actin fiber branching); Blue: DAPI (nuclear counterstaining); Yellow: co-localization of actin and Arp2/3 (actin branching).

Enhancing cell adhesion: osteoblastic cells cultured on electrospun surface-nanoporous PHBV fibers.

In vivo investigation: a tissue engineering scaffold is implanted in the muscle of a rabbit.


Building Services Engineering(Coordinating staff: Ir Dr. S.C.M. Hui, Ir H.N. Lam, Ir Prof. Y.G. Li)

Building Services Engineering (BSE) involves the specification, design, installation and management of all the engineering services in the built environment. It is a challenging, interdisciplinary profession which helps to create a comfortable and safe living or working environment for people and processes, by providing air-conditioning, ventilation, illumination, water, power, sanitation, indoor transport, communication, security and fire protection.

Our BSE curriculum enables our students to acquire transferable skills

and knowledge for a professional career. Our courses cover the basic concepts, technical elements, systems design, practical applications and project management. Students can develop a sound foundation of engineering principles and the ability to apply them effectively to complex situations in real world. Through the BSE final year and design projects, they can also acquire skills in applied research, innovative technologies, creative thinking, building assessment, interdisciplinary design, architectural integration and sustainable design.

Installation of escalator systems in the atrium of a shopping mall.

Lighting design for an airport terminal building.Building services systems are critical to all the buildings. Building services distribution systems in a high-rise building.


Control, Automation & Instrumentation (Coordinating staff: Dr. M.Z.Q. Chen, Dr. K.C. Cheung, Prof. J. Lam)

As technologies advance, control, automation and instrumentation are becoming increasingly important. Control systems are now essential in power stations, transportation vehicles, air-conditioning, lifts and even consumer products. These systems use electricity for their operation, because not only it is the most convenient form of energy, but also many electronic devices, ranging from simple encoders to complex microprocessor-based controllers, are built-in within these systems.

In this teaching area, students learn about electrical and electronic engineering at the early stage of the curriculum, which includes topics such as circuit theory, d.c. and a.c. motors, three-phase power supply and power electronics. The foundation of control allows students to gain essential knowledge in control system design. More advanced control and instrumentation topics, such as computer control and hydraulic control systems, will be covered in an optional course to enhance students’ knowledge of the subject.

Wind turbine is a complicated electromechanical system. Its plant room typically houses servo control systems (to align the rotor axis with the wind and to give the blades the optimal angle of attack), gearbox, electric generator and power converter (to interface with the transmission network). (Courtesy of Avantis HK)

Robots designed and built by students for Asia-Pacific Robot Contest, consisting of microprocessor control boards, optical sensors, laser range finder, d.c. motors, motor drive boards and steering system.

Smart grid control.


Design & Manufacturing(Coordinating staff: Ir Dr. K.W. Chan, Dr. Y.H. Chen, Ir Prof. S.T. Tan)

Design and manufacturing is a major element of our mechanical engineering degree curriculum. Related courses are structured to provide students with relevant knowledge and experience in accordance with their study progress. In the early stage, students are equipped with the ability to communicate design and manufacturing information and an understanding of basic manufacturing processes through lectures, assignments and engineering training. Systematic methods and practice for designing

engineering components and assemblies are introduced in later years of study. Students are grouped into project teams to handle real-life engineering design problems which are sponsored by industrial companies. At the same time, students learn design methodologies and project management skills in the design project by interacting with the supervising staff and project sponsors. Optional courses are also available for students to strengthen their knowledge in computer-aided design and manufacturing technologies.

In a collaborative project with our Medical Faculty, artificial blood vessel models were made by using flexible and transparent rapid prototyping material. The models were used for visualizing simulated blood flow and for facilitating pre-surgical planning.

A self-developed testing to simulate the wear condition of artificial finger joints.

To extend the service life of underground pipelines, a unique robotic device was developed by a student project group to travel inside a gas pipe for spraying protective coating on its inner surface.

The design and development of a robot surgical system.


Dynamics, Vibration & Acoustics(Coordinating staff: Ir Dr. L.X. Huang, Ir Prof. K.Y. Sze)

Dynamics concerns the motion of objects under the action of forces. The “objects” range from particles, rigid bodies, interconnected rigid parts found in gears, force and motion transmission systems, to complete vehicles, such as double-

decker buses travelling on hilly roads or spacecrafts under the influence of maneuvering astronauts. If the objects are relatively flexible, forces can also cause vibration and severe structural damage, especially when resonance occurs. The study of dynamics and vibration is also closely related to that of automatic control.

In our courses, knowledge for understanding, analyzing and

measuring dynamic and vibrating systems will be introduced. A particularly important application area is condition monitoring and fault diagnosis, which involve the use of electronic instrumentation and digital

Pneumatic tyres, springs and hydraulic dampers are commonly used in the suspension system of road vehicle. (© Kristy Pargeter I Dreamstime.com)

Sound power measurement for a tunnel boring machine. (Courtesy of Wilson Acoustics Ltd and MTR Corporation Ltd.)

The 660 tonnes pendulum used in Taipie 101’s major tuned mass damper (photographed by Armand du Plessis).

Taipei 101 is the world’s second tallest building in 2011. To reduce its vibration induced by earthquake and strong wind, the world’s largest tuned mass damper (see the right hand photo) was suspended from the 92nd to the 88th floor. The vibration energy is transferred to the mass and dissipated by eight hydraulic dampers connecting the lower portion of the mass and the building. (photographed by Gaurav Gupta)

Aircraft noise is a serious problem for residents near airport and it was once the fatal weakness of the world’s only commercial supersonic aircraft “Concorde”. Acoustics and vibration is the study that solves these problems. Illustrated here is the noise source distribution on an aircraft. (Courtesy of the Boeing Company)

signal processing techniques. Reduction of noise caused by vibration, or other sources is also one of the advanced topics offered at the later stage of the curriculum.


Energy & Environment(Coordinating staff: Ir Prof. D.Y.C. Leung, Ir Prof. Y.G. Li, Dr. C.H. Liu)

The prosperity of Hong Kong gives us a high standard of living but, at the same time, brings about many environmental problems. Most pollution is caused by the production of power and consumption of energy, for example, in electric power plants and motor vehicles. The construction of infrastructure may also cause many problems which require solutions by environmental engineers. The Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance requires all major engineering projects be assessed in all environmental aspects before their commencement.

Consequently, our society demands a large number of mechanical engineers who possess knowledge in various modern energy production and conversion systems, as well as environmental awareness. Environmental engineering is a broad area and this feature is well-reflected in the offered courses. They cover concepts and measurements of water and air quality, air pollution control, municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, solid and hazardous wastes, noise management, energy efficiency, renewable energy etc.

A pilot green roof set-up with the help of our staff in St. Bonaventure Catholic Primary School, Wong Tai Sin.

Rapid urbanization in Asia introduces significant urban climate and environment challenges.

The landfill gas plant in the North-East New Territories Landfill at Ta Kwu Ling. The plant is expected to supply over 10,000 m3/hr of methane in 2015. (Courtesy of Hong Kong and China Gas Co. Ltd.)

Vibratory membrane recycling system for used oil. The small photo shows oil at different filtering stages. (Courtesy of Dunwell Group)


Engineering Management, Economics & Ethics(Coordinating staff: Dr. B.P.L. Ho)

Engineers should possess necessary management skills and ethical quality to bridge the gap between technology and business. These skills become progressively important as they take on senior managerial positions in their professional careers. The success of a

Engineeringeconomics

Quality management

Project & contract

management

Intellectual property

protection

Industrial safety & health

Product control

Professional ethics

Decision making analysis

Forecasting methods

Production planning

technological development from concept to commercial product relies highly on effective research strategy, technology & product life cycle analysis, production planning, project management, quality management and so on. Proper protection of intellectual property should be ensured

by means of patents, copyrights or trademarks. Engineering economic analysis should be performed in decision making among feasible alternative engineering solutions in order to maximize the economic benefit.


Engineering Mathematics & Computer Programming(Coordinating staff: Dr. C.K. Chan, Prof. K.W. Chow, Prof. J. Lam)

Advanced mathematics is an essential tool for describing physical processes. It provides the foundation for scientific analysis and engineering computation. A compulsory sequence of engineering mathematics courses, covering advanced calculus, linear algebra, ordinary differential equations, probability and statistics, will be required for all undergraduates. Subsequently, optional courses involving more advanced mathematical and computational techniques, e.g. integral transforms, calculus of complex variables and methods for solving partial differential equations, will be offered to students with strong quantitative skills.

Although mathematics provides the basic analytical tools, there are many engineering problems which cannot be solved analytically. However, computers have become so powerful that it is possible to solve most problems numerically to a high degree of accuracy. As many engineers are expected to be capable of writing their own software for numerical calculations and the graphical display of results, fundamental and advanced courses in computer programming are offered to the students.

Dialogue boxes generated by a C++ program written by students for their computing project on smoke dispersion.

Concentric water wave generated by a point source. It takes the form z = exp(-αr2) cos(kr) where α is the attenuation constant, 2π/k gives the wavelength and r2 = x2 + y2.

The output page of a computer project on simulation of liquid level controller.


Fluid Mechanics (Coordinating staff: Prof. K.W. Chow, Prof. C.O. Ng, Dr. A.H.C. Shum)

and the dynamics of rivers and hydraulic pumps will be examined. The concept of a boundary layer is introduced.

In the final year, students may pursue electives specializing in the physics of a viscous fluid. Configurations of critical engineering significance, e.g. flows behind a bluff body, dynamics of airplane wings and the transition from laminar to turbulent regimes, are addressed. Finally, recent developments in microfluidics are also discussed.

Fluid mechanics plays a fundamental role in many core applications of mechanical engineering, e.g., aircrafts and marine vessels, transport of fuel, breakwater and design of harbours. Undergraduates will first learn the basic fluid mechanics from a macroscopic perspective. Basic concepts like momentum theorems will be explained, and forces on structures impinged upon by liquid jets will be computed. Subsequently, analytical techniques will be applied to elucidate the flow configurations arising from sources, sinks and vortices. Open channel flows

Aqueduct, a typical example of open channel flow, constitutes the ancient water supply system and is still used in many European countries. (© Peter Szucs I Dreamstime.com)

Wave motion is related to the transmission of signal and energy, and thus very important in nature as well as engineering processes. (© Nico Smit I Dreamstime.com)

Fluid flow can be manipulated in small channels for fabrication of useful materials, such as liquid marbles.

Pitot-static tubes equipped in a jetliner for flight speed measurement.


Materials & Nano-technologies(Coordinating staff: Ir Prof. A.H.W. Ngan, Ir Prof. M. Wang)

Every piece of engineering design involves materials, and to a large extent, many of the most recent developments inmechanical and other branches of engineering hinge on breakthroughs in materials research. A successful engineer must have a sound knowledge of the behaviour of various types of engineering materials. How materials behave under their service conditions depend not just on the intrinsic properties of the materials but also on the processing treatments theyreceived. Materials engineering is therefore a challenging discipline. In the early stage of the curriculum, our students will study the structures of metals and polymers, as well as the factors that influence their performance in use. In

Polymeric foam-type materials are extensively used in sports protective gears.

Heat treatment of materials.Nano-composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering made from a selected laser sintering process.

Nano-sized materials often exhibit new properties including quantum confinement effects, enhanced catalytic functions and strength.

the final year, other materials such as composites, ceramics and high strength alloys will be introduced, and materials behavior under hostile conditions will be

dealt with. Students are also provided with the opportunity to enroll in master-level courses on plastics technology and nanotechnology.


Mechanics of Solids (Coordinating staff: Ir Prof. A.K. Soh, Ir Prof. K.Y. Sze)

Mechanics of solids is the branch of mechanics that deals with the behavior of solid bodies under static and dynamicloading. It is different from statics and dynamics, which mostly concern with the external forces and motions associated with particles and rigid bodies. Mechanics of solids deals with deformable bodies by taking their material properties into account. It focuses on the internal force and deformation which are known more technically as stress and strain,

respectively. In all engineering products, such as aircrafts, automobiles, mobile phones, electrical appliances and electronic components, mechanical strength is always a critical consideration which cannot be assessed without the knowledge of stress and strain distributions. Through the courses offered in this area, students learn analytical, experimental and computational techniques for analyzing and predicting stress, strain and mechanical strength in Stress analysis for a Class B-125 kN manhole cover.

(Courtesy of Dextra Pacific Ltd)

Photoelastic method is used to assess the residual stress, which can be visualized in the form of colourful finges, in a polycarbonate panel. (Courtesy of Architectural Acoustics)

Our Department conducted computational analyses of an aircraft cabin seat for Hong Kong Productivity Council. The figure shows the stress level when the seat is undergoing 16g deceleration.

Cracks emerge from a rivet hole which can be found in many metallic structures. (© Petr Kastorsky | Dreamstime.com)

load bearing components with and without the presence of stress concentrations such as holes, notches and cracks.


Thermal Engineering(Coordinating staff: Dr. C.H. Liu, Dr. F.D. Liu, Prof. L.Q. Wang)

Engineering thermodynamics deals with energy and its conversion during a process. For example, the temperature increase due to rapid strokes of air pumped into a soccer ball can be explained by thermodynamic principles. Practical engineering applications of thermodynamics include steam power plants, internal combustion engines, jet engines, air-conditioning systems, refrigeration systems, etc. Understanding thermodynamics principles enables us to analyze a thermodynamic process, to design effective systems and to optimize their energy efficiency.

A power plant generates electricity based on a number of sophisticated thermodynamics processes, including fuel combustion, boiler steam generation, steam turbine expansion etc. (Courtesy of HK Electric)

Heat sinks used in PC dissipate heat efficiently by using a large surface area to volume ratio.

In large hotels, heat pumps are installed to extract the heat dissipated by air-conditioning systems to warm up tap water for sanitary use. The photo shows a small heat pump designed by our department under the sponsorship of Environment & Conservation Fund and Woo Wheelock Green Fund. The heat pump can be adopted in residential flats in which split-unit air-conditioners are used.

Heat transfer seeks to predict and control the energy transfer that takes place in/between material bodies as a result of atemperature difference. It studies how heat is transferred and how the transfer rate can be predicted and controlled. Common modes of heat transfer include conduction, forced convection, natural convection, boiling condensation and radiation. Our students will learn fundamental principles and applications of engineering thermodynamics in their first two years and heat transfer in their final year.


SNAPSHOTS OF LABORATORIES

Mitutoyo-Leeport Metrology Laboratory. It houses equipment for accurate and precise dimension measurement.

Anechoic chamber provides an ultra quiet environment for acoustic measurement.

One corner of Nano-mechanics Laboratory, showing a nanoindenter / atomic force microscope set-up.

A circular polariscope in Experimental Stress Analysis Laboratory.

A precision rapid prototyping machine in Advanced Innovation and Technology Laboratory.

Hardness testing of materials. Water channel for studying wave propagation and reflection in Flow Visualization Laboratory.

Micromanipulators for loading minute biotissues such as living cells.

A mini-cooling tower in Building Services Engineering Laboratory.


KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE

Knowledge exchange with the local communities and the global arena is one of the missions upheld by the University. We embrace the mission by providing an experience-based learning environment to maximize the potential of our students.

Our students can enroll in a 6-week training course, which consists of various hands-on training modules and a series of seminars delivered by invited professionals on topics related to industrial safety, professional ethics and the role of engineers in society. In the summer

The DBF project team presenting project outcomes to supervisors and sponsors.

Hong Kong’s first “green junk” developed by our department through a contract research project. The junk was installed with solar photovoltaic panels, micro-wind turbines and energy-efficient products, such as heat pump water heater/air conditioner and LED lighting.

through offering design project topics and participating in project supervision. A recent example is the “Design, Build and Fly (DBF)” project offered by the Boeing Company. Another similar, ongoing design project is the “Design, Build and Drive”, where students design and construct a small rally car for competing in inter-university competitions. These industry-sponsored capstone projects not only benefit students in the cognitive learning process but also help strengthen their communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.

Knowledge exchange with government, business and industry also takes place in the Department in many other forms, for instance, through degree accreditation, contract research and consultancy service. Many of our staff members also serve on various committees of the professional bodies. They contribute to the education of young engineers by organizing different knowledge exchange activities such as technical seminars, career talks, industrial visits and design competitions.

semester, they can obtain practical work experience by working as interns in public or private organizations.

Students can also work in industry for a period of up to 1 year under our “Integrated Study Work Programme”. Another provision is the “Student Exchange Programme”, which supports students to broaden their knowledge and widen their horizons by taking some courses in overseas universities.

Some industrial partners also participate actively in our teaching


INTERNATIONAL STUDENT EXCHANGE

The University of Hong Kong is committed to nurturing its students as global citizens and to provide them with as many international education opportunities as it can throughout their studies at the University. It has been developing and enhancing its connections and relationships with overseas institutions by establishing joint student mobility programmes and other academic collaborations. Its office of International Student Exchange (http://www.als.hku.hk/admission/exchange/) has administered the HKU Worldwide Student Exchange Programme for Undergraduate students since 1998 and provides support services to both incoming and outgoing exchange students.

Every year, students from different parts of the World, e.g. the USA, the UK, France, Canada, China, Korea, are admitted to our programmes. Meanwhile, our undergraduates are encouraged to study overseas and they can apply for credit transfers after they resume their studies in our Department.

Lam Yin Wo: Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands

Zhu Jingwei: University of Waterloo, Canada

From left: Mr. Tom Bayliss (UK), Ir Prof. S.T. Tan, Miss Caroline Herman (France) and Mr. Aiden Amri (Canada).

Aina Lai: Boeing, Washington, USA Zhang Zeyi: Harvard University, USAShen Yang: East China University of Science and Technology, PR China


EMPLOYMENT OF GRADUATES

Advanced Ergonomic Technologies Ltd. – [Engineer]

ATAL Engineering Ltd. – [Graduate Trainee]

BYME Engineering (H.K.) Ltd. – [Graduate Engineer]

Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. – [Engineer Trainee]

China Light and Power Co. Ltd. – [Graduate Trainee]

Crane Heating and Air Conditioning – [Engineer Assistant]

Gammon Construction Ltd. – [Assistant Engineer / Assistant Mechanical Engineer]

Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Co. Ltd. – [Graduate Trainee]

HKSAR – Electrical and Mechanical Services Department – [Building Services Engineering Graduate]

Hong Kong Dragon Airlines Ltd. – [Cadet Pilot]

Hsin Chong Aster Building Services Ltd. – [Graduate Building Services Engineer]

Hyder Consulting Ltd. – [Graduate Engineer]

J. Roger Preston Ltd. – [Engineering Trainee]

Jardine Engineering Co. – [Management Trainee]

Kai Shing Management Services Ltd. – [Engineering Graduate Trainee / Property Officer Trainee]

Kam Wan Engineer Ltd – [Assistant Quantity Surveyor]

Lik Kai Engineering Co. Ltd. – [Graduate Engineer]

Meinhardt (Hong Kong) – [Graduate Engineer]

Ming Pao Group – [Reporter]

Mitsubishi Electric Ryoden Air-Conditioning & Visual Information Systems (Hong Kong) – [Engineering Trainee]

MTR Corporation Ltd. – [Graduate Engineer]

Municipal Sustainable Development Consultants (MSDI) Ltd. – [Consultant]

Ove Arup & Partners – [Graduate Engineer]

Parsons Brinckerhoff (Asia) Ltd. – [Assistant Engineer]

Talent Mechanical & Electrical Engineer Ltd. – [Assistant Engineer]

Telemax Environmental and Energy Management Ltd. – [Assistant Engineer]

Television Broadcasts Ltd. – [Production Assistant]

The Hong Kong and China Gas Co. Ltd. – [Graduate Trainee]

The Hongkong Electric Co. Ltd. – [Graduate Trainee]

The Shui On Group – [Graduate Engineer]

Wong & Ouyang (HK) Ltd. [Assistant Building Engineer]

About 14% of the graduates choose to pursue further studies and enroll in MPhil, PhD and MSc programmes and the rest of them are employed.

We thank the Centre of Development and Resources for Students, HKU for providing the following statistical information.

Graduates of the BEng degree in Mechanical Engineering (ME) are well prepared for diverse career opportunities. Recognized professional training is offered by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, public utility

Where did the 2011 ME Graduates go ? (Some examples)

companies, consultancy firms and manufacturing companies. Most graduates seek and obtain professional qualifications from both local and United Kingdom engineering institutions at a later stage in their career.


The Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) offers an MSc(Eng) programme in Mechanical Engineering and co-offers MSc(Eng) in Building Services Engineering and MSc(Eng) in Energy Engineering programmes with the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE). A number of our graduates will further their studies by enrolling in these coursework-based advanced degree programmes immediately or a few years after their graduation. These programmes are briefly introduced here.

TAUGHT POSTGRADUATE STUDY PROGRAMMES

Programme Objectives MSc(Eng) in Mechanical Engineering

The aim of the programme is to provide postgraduate education in mechanical engineering. Courses are offered in the fields of energy and power; environmental engineering; materials and nano-technologies; theoretical mechanics; computer aided product development and engineering/technology management to graduates in engineering or related science. Examples of the core courses offered in the recent years include

• Advanceddesignmethodsandapplications

• Appliedmathematicsforengineers

• Atmosphericenvironmentmodelling

• Biomaterialsandtissueengineering

• Computerautomatedinspection

• Computer-aidedproductdevelopment

• Energyandcarbonaudit• Energyauditandenergy

saving measures• Energyconservationand

management

Computer aided design of the moulds for a spiderman model.

• Finiteelementanalysisinmechanics

• Nanotechnology:fundamentals and applications

• Microsystemsforenergy,biomedical and consumer electronics applications

• Noiseandvibration• Powerplanttechnology• Renewableenergytechnology

I: Fundamental• Renewableenergytechnology:

Advanced• Servicebehaviourofmaterials• Sourcesandcontrolofair

pollution


MSc(Eng) in Building Services Engineering

The programme provides advanced education in the fields of design, management and operation of modern building services engineering systems to practising engineers or related professionals who wish to acquire new knowledge and keep abreast of technical

developments in the building services industry. The present coverage of topics in the programme embraces a wide spectrum ranging from services system design and project management to intelligence and sustainability of buildings. Examples of the core courses offered in the recent years include

• Buildingautomationsystems• Buildingintelligence• Builtenvironment• Cleanelectricalenergyand

smart-grids for buildings • Electricalinstallations• Energyperformanceof

buildings • EnvironmentalservicesI• EnvironmentalservicesII• Extra-low-voltageelectrical

systems in buildings• Fireservicesdesign• Indoorairquality• Lightingengineering• Maintenanceand

management of building facilities

• Projectmanagement• Sustainablebuildingdesign• Testingandcommissioning• Utilityservices

MSc(Eng) in Energy Engineering

The Energy Engineering programme aims to provide state-of-the-art and cutting edge technologies in various kinds of energy technologies to practicing engineers for implementation in their professional works. The programme is jointly organized by the EEE and the ME departments, both of which are in the forefront with regards to research and consultancy in

the areas of energy engineering. Examples of the core courses offered in the recent years include• Advancedelectricvehicle

technology • Advancedpowerelectronics• Advancedtopicsinpower

system engineering• Cleanelectricalenergyand

smart-grids for buildings• Energyandcarbonaudit• Energyconservationand

management

• Energyperformanceofbuildings

• Energysavinglighting• Powerdeliverymanagement

for metropolitan cities• Powerplanttechnology• Renewableenergytechnology

I: Fundamental• Renewableenergytechnology

II: Advanced• Smartgrid• Sustainabilityandclimate

change

High resolution thermal organic sensor.


Building Services Engineering: Lighting design for an airport terminal building.

Mode of Study

The MSc(Eng) programmes can be pursued in either full-time or part-time mode. Classes will normally be arranged in the evening on weekdays and in the morning on Saturdays. Full-time students may also take courses offered in the daytime on weekdays.

The full-time programme normally requires a student to satisfactorily complete 8 modules and a project within a study period of 1 to 2 years*. For the students enrolled in the part-time programme, they may choose to either satisfactorily complete 12 modules or 8 modules plus a project within a study period of 2 to 3 years.

*From 2013-2014, full-time students of

MSc(Eng) in ME programme may opt to

complete 12 modules or 8 modules plus

a project within the study period.

Study Modules

A number of core courses will be offered to students in each

academic year. A student who does not undertake a project must complete at least 8 core courses whereas a student who undertakes a project must complete at least 5 core courses. Optional courses are available from other MSc(Eng) programmes in the Faculty of Engineering for selection by students.

Entrance Requirement

Applications for admission should have a Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related scientific discipline from a local university or a comparable overseas institution.

Submission of Applications

The application materials are normally available in January. More detailed, updated information and application forms can be found at: http://www.mech.hku.hk or http://www.eee.hku.hk/programmes/msc_energye.html. You may also apply through the HKU Online Application System at http://www.asa.hku.hk/admissions/tpg.

Further Information

For enquiry, please contact the following Programme Directors.

MSc(Eng) in Mechanical Engineering :

Dr. Y.H. Chen

T (852) 2859-7910

E [email protected]

MSc(Eng) in Building Services Engineering :

Ir H.N. Lam

T (852) 2859-2640

E [email protected]

MSc(Eng) in Energy Engineering :

Ir Prof. D.Y.C. Leung

T (852) 2859-7911

E [email protected]

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Admission tutors

7/F, Haking Wong BuildingThe University of Hong KongPokfulam Road, Hong Kong

Tel: (852) 2859-2635Fax: (852) 2858-5415

URL: http://www.mech.hku.hkE-mail: [email protected]

Dr. K.C. Cheung Tel: (852) 2859-7907 Email: [email protected]

Dr. P.K.L. Chan Tel: (852) 2859-2634 Email: [email protected]

Ir. Dr. S.C.M. Hui Tel: (852) 2859-2123 Email: [email protected]

Documents

Undergraduate Prospectus - University of Hong Kong of Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Prospectus 2013 1 We trace our roots back to 1912, when the first professor of this University,