MOMPRB3/101/0/2016

Tutorial Letter 101/0/2016

Theory of Machines III (Practical)

MOMPRB3
Year module
Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
This tutorial letter contains important
information about your module.

BAR CODE

Learn without limits.

university
of south africa

CONTENTS
Page
1

Introduction......................................................................................................................... 3

Purpose of and Outcomes for the Module....................................................................... 3

2.1

Purpose................................................................................................................................ 3

2.2

Outcomes............................................................................................................................. 3

Lecturer(s) and Contact Details........................................................................................ 3

3.1

Lecturer(s)............................................................................................................................ 3

3.2

Department........................................................................................................................... 3

3.3

University.............................................................................................................................. 4

Module-Related Resources................................................................................................ 4

4.1

Prescribed Books................................................................................................................. 4

4.2

Recommended Books.......................................................................................................... 4

4.3

Electronic Reserves (e-Reserves)........................................................................................ 4

Student Support Services for the Module........................................................................ 5

Module-Specific Plan......................................................................................................... 6

Module Practical Work and Work-Integrated Learning................................................... 6

Assessment........................................................................................................................ 7

8.1

Assessment Plan.................................................................................................................. 7

8.2

General Assignment Numbers.............................................................................................. 8

8.2.1 Unique Assignment Numbers............................................................................................... 8

8.2.2 Due Dates for Assignments.................................................................................................. 8
8.3

Submission of Assignments................................................................................................. 9

8.4

Assignments....................................................................................................................... 10

Other Assessment Methods............................................................................................ 10

10

Examination...................................................................................................................... 11

11

Frequently Asked Questions........................................................................................... 11

12

Sources Consulted........................................................................................................... 11

13

Conclusion........................................................................................................................ 11

14

Addendum......................................................................................................................... 12

MOMPRB3/101

Introduction

Welcome to the module: Theory of Machines III Practical (MOMPRB3) at UNISA. This tutorial
letter serves as a guideline to this course. It provides you with general administrative information as
well as specific information about the subject. Read it carefully and keep it safe for future reference.
We trust that you will enjoy this module.

Purpose of and Outcomes for the Module

2.1

Purpose

This module is meant to complement Theory of Machines III (MOM3602) and serves as the
practical aspect to the theory covered in that module.
2.2

Outcomes

At the end of this module, you should be able to appreciate the practical aspects covered in
MOM3602 and also be able to conduct simple guided experiments and report on the results collected in the experiments.

Lecturer(s) and Contact Details

3.1

Lecturer(s)

Your lecturer is:

Mr. V Ramnath
Telephone number: 011 670 9266
E-mail:
ramnav@unisa.ac.za
Contact times are Mondays through Friday from 14:00 15:30. Any emails received after this time
will be attended at the next working day. Please adhere to these hours. The role of the lecturer is
to provide technical advise.
Under no circumstances should the lecturer be contacted with regard to practical marks or
any other general administrative matters.
3.2

Department

You may contact the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering by post, e-mail, telephone, or online through myUnisa as indicated below:
1. Please refer to the booklet
myStudies@Unisa
2. Visit the department in person at
Unisa Science Campus, Florida, Corner of Christiaan de Wet & Pioneer Avenue, Gauteng
Province, South Africa
(GPS coordinates: -26.158842, 27.904002)

3. Post correspondence to
Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, UNISA (Florida Campus), Private Bag
X6, Florida 1710, South Africa
4. Telephone at
011 471 2963
5. Use the general e-mail address
nkambule@unisa.ac.za
6. Find the department online at URL
http://www.unisa.ac.za/Default.asp?Cmd=ViewContent&ContentID=19251
Always state your STUDENT NUMBER and your Module Code MOMPRB3 in all correspondence
and enquiries.
Whenever you contact the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, ensure that the
first thing you mention after greeting is your subject code! It does not help to say you are a student
in Mechanical Engineering, lecturers deal with modules.
3.3

University

Contact addresses of the various administrative departments are included in myStudies@Unisa,

which you received with your study package.
Email:
Online address:

study-info@unisa.ac.za
http://my.unisa.ac.za

Always use your student number when you contact the university.

Module-Related Resources

4.1

Prescribed Books

1. Mechanical Vibrations, S. Rao, Prentice Hall, 3rd to 5th edition or later

2. Mechanics of Machines: Elementary Theory and Examples, J Hannah and R C Stephens,
Edward Arnold, 2nd to 4th edition or later
4.2

Recommended Books

There are no recommended books for this module.

4.3

Electronic Reserves (e-Reserves)

There are no recommended e-reserves for this module.

MOMPRB3/101

Student Support Services for the Module

Learners have a choice of two options as to where they want to attend the practicum.
OPTION 1: THE PREFERRED OPTIONS
UJ (DOORNFONTAIN)
VAAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
DURBAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
CAPE PENISULA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
WALTER SISULU UNIVERSITY

Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Free State

Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Free State
KZN
Western Cape
Eastern Cape

UNISA has entered into an agreement with the above Institutions whereby UNISA learners may
attend practicums at predetermined dates.

THE LEARNER MUST SUBMIT: ANNEXURE B REGISTRATION

FORM FOR PRACTICUM AS ASSIGNMENT 01 BY 30 APRIL 2016
THE PRACTICAL REPORT IS DUE 30 SEPTEMBER 2016
On completion of the practicum, the learner must submit the practicum report to the responsible
laboratory assistant or lecturer. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in no marks being
allocated for the practicum.
OPTION 2: THE NON PREFERRED OPTION
ALTERNATIVE INSTITUTION
In the event of learners not being able to attend the practicum at the one of the above institutions,
the practicum may be performed at any other University of Technology or similar institution, should
facilities exist to carry out the practical work. See paragraph 5.2 for more information.
THE LEARNER MUST SUBMIT: ANNEXURE B REGISTRATION
FORM FOR PRACTICUM AS ASSIGNMENT 01 BY 30 APRIL 2016
PRACTICAL REPORT IS DUE 30 SEPTEMBER 2016
APPROVAL OF ALTERNATIVE INSTITUTION (FOR OPTION 2)
Submission of Documentation To Alternative Institution
Should the learner choose Option 2, the following documents must be submitted to the relevant
institution for their perusal and action:
Annexure A Practical Learning Code of Conduct

 Annexure B Registration Form for Practicum

Learners must complete the personal information section, and provide the name of the institution where they intend to do the practicum, as well as the contact name and telephone
number of the responsible laboratory staff member. This information must be submitted to
the responsible lecturer at UNISA.
It is the sole responsibility of the learner to verify that the alternative institution have sufficient facilities to effect the practicum and to comply with the UNISA practicum requirements.
Approval of Institution by UNISA
After submission of the registration form in Annexure B the learner must enquire from the Coordinator (Practicum) whether his application is approved. Approval of an alternative institution is given
on condition that no cost implications to UNISA are applicable.
THE STUDENT WILL PERSONALLY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY COSTS THAT MIGHT BE
REQUIRED FROM THE APPROVED INSTITUTION.

Module-Specific Plan
1. The code of conduct as specified in Annexure A must be adhered to
2. Any rules stipulated in Annexure A must be complied with
3. In addition to the above the following will apply:
The laboratory assistant or manager must verify your physical attendance and participation in the workshop by signing the front page of your report. Failure to adhere to this
requirement will render your submission null and void.
The learner must obtain a sub-minimum of 50
The learner must be directly involved in carrying out the practical work. In instances
where the number of learners attending a practical session necessitates in group-participation,
each learner of this group must do a specific section of the particular practicum and the
task split must be given in the learners report. Note your group number, if applicable.
The learner must record all relevant answers on the respective answer sheet for each
experiment
The learner must submit a report for each practical

Module Practical Work and Work-Integrated Learning

Experiments
The Theory of Machines III (Practical) course consists of a number of prescribed experiments.
These laboratory experiments are the same as those prescribed by other Universities as part of
their syllabus. The following experiments are recommended but will be based on host institutions
practicums:

MOMPRB3/101
Experiment 1: Simple Pendulum
Establish the relation between period and length of pendulum
Experiment 2: Compound Pendulum
Determine the two lengths to give equal periods
Experiment 3: Torsional Oscillations of a Rotor
To determine the equivalent mass of the spring and to investigate the relation
of the moment of inertia of a rotor, the frequency and period of the oscillations
Experiment 4: Free Undamped Vibration of a Mass-Spring System
To investigate the relation between the mass, the frequency
and the period of oscillation
Experiment 5: Free Damped Vibration of a Mass-Spring System
To investigate the relation between the mass, the frequency
and the period of oscillation with damping
Experiment 6: Forced Damped Vibration of a Mass-Spring System
To investigate the effect of forcing on vibrations above

Assessment

Students should note that almost all practical modules are conducted in designated laboratories.
Some practical modules are already offered on the UNISA Science campus in Florida. Students
should consult with academic departments (at Unisa) to determine where practical modules are
offered, as many modules are offered at Universities of Technology in Durban, Port Elizabeth,
Cape Town and Vanderbijlpark. Unisa has agreements (MoU) with these universities to offer a
service to Unisa students.
NB: Not all practical modules of disciplines are covered by these agreements. It is the students
responsibility to obtain the information from the Unisa academic department and to book in time for
the practical sessions. Practical sessions at other Universities of Technology should be completed
by the end of September each year.
As an extraordinary measure, to assist students to complete practicals, students are allowed to
conduct the practicals under supervision (usually an ECSA registered Technologist or Engineer) at
another university or private engineering company. A full portfolio on the practical and a report by
the supervisor should be submitted to the academic department. This is an arrangement between
the student and the university / company and Unisa is no way involved with any arrangements
or payment of fees, if required. It is important to note that this is not the preferred way, but an
exception to assist students. Students who want to follow this route should obtain authorisation
from the Chair of Department (CoD) responsible for the practical module.
8.1

Assessment Plan

Theory of Machines III consists of the following modules. You must pass both modules to obtain
credit for the subject:

MODULE

PERCENTAGE WEIGHT OF
EACH SUBJECT COMPONENT
Theory of Machines III - Theory (MOM3602)
100%
Theory of Machines III - Practical (MOMPRB3) PASS
TOTAL
=100%
The mark for Theory of Machines III Practical (MOMPRB3) is calculated as follows: Assignment 1
contributes 20%; the practical report, Portfolio contributes 80% of final mark and is calculated as
indicated below.
Assignment Number
01 (compulsory)
02 (compulsory)
TOTAL
8.2

Contribution towards year mark Contribution towards final subject mark

20%
20%
80%
80%
=100%
=100%

General Assignment Numbers

Assignments are numbered consecutively per module, starting from 01. For detailed information
and requirements as far as assignments are concerned, see myStudies@Unisa, which you received with your study package. Each semester has two assignments.
8.2.1 Unique Assignment Numbers
The following assignment numbers are applicable and must be specified when the assignment and
portfolio are submitted.
Assignment 1
683555
Assignment 2 (Portfolio) 818763
Assignment 1 is your submission where you indicate to UNISA that you have registered for the
practicals at a suitable university or university of technology (UoT) and filled in and submitted the
appropriate registration forms. This confirms that you are an active student and that you are aware
of and will be able to perform the relevant laboratory experiments at your choice of university or
university of technology.
Assignment 2 is your practical report after you have performed the laboratory experiments at your
choice of university or university of technology which you submit to UNISA as proof that you have
undertaken and completed the experiments.
8.2.2 Due Dates for Assignments
The closing dates for the submission of the assignments are:
The cut-off submission dates for the assignments are
Assignment 01
29 April 2016
Assignment 02 (Portfolio) 31 October 2016

MOMPRB3/101
Note: The cut-off dates given here are the official, last dates on which a
given assignment may be submitted. Students must adhere to these dates
only. All other dates referring to cut-off submission dates for assignments,
as may be posted on myUnisa or elsewhere, refers to administrative dates
as managed by the Assignment Department and does NOT influence or
change the above dates.
8.3

Submission of Assignments

Annexure B Registration Form for Practicum must be submitted to the Department. The learner
has two options for submission of the practical report.
OPTION 1: THE PREFERRED OPTION
On completion of the practicum, the practicum report must be submitted to the lecturer or laboratory
assistant at the institution where the practical was done. The institution will forward all assessed
practicums to UNISA
OPTION 2: THE NON-PREFERRED OPTIONALTERNATIVE INSTITUTION
On completion of the practicum, the practicum report must be submitted to the manager or laboratory assistant for assessment. After the practicum has been marked the marked script must be
send back to UNISA.
It is very important to consider the following points:
No late submissions will be accepted
You must submit your report three weeks after doing your practical
Keep a clear copy of the report for your own reference. This is important as reports do get
lost
Submissions of assignments must be in accordance to the myStudies@Unisa handy guide
It is your responsibility to check whether UNISA has received your practicum report marks
For detailed information on assignments, please refer to the myStudies@Unisa brochure, which
you received with your study package. To submit an assignment via myUnisa:
Go to myUnisa
Log in with your student number and password
Select the module
Click on assignments in the menu on the left-hand side of the screen
Click on the assignment number you wish to submit
Follow the instructions

8.4

Assignments

Assignment 01
Annexure B Registration Form for Practicum.
Assignment 02
The practical report.
The Practical Report should describe every aspect of the tasks undertaken to complete this practical. This should include but not limited to:
Title page
Contents page
An Introduction
Apparatus used and the technical information thereof, i.e. tensile strength etc.
Drawings of the apparatus (your own drawing)
Description in full of the procedure followed to undertake each task
Results obtained
Calculations
Discussion
Conclusion
References used
It is very important to consider the following points:
If possible, take photos or pictures of the apparatus, A picture speaks a thousand words
No late submissions will be accepted
Keep a clear copy of the report, as reports can get lost
It is your responsibility to check whether UNISA has received your report by contacting the
responsible person

Other Assessment Methods

There are no other assessment methods in this module.

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MOMPRB3/101

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Examination

In this course there is no scheduled final written examination as the course mark is based on the
students practicum report assignments which they submit and which is marked as the students
examination submission. As a result it is very important that the student adequately prepare for the
practicum, fully report their experimental results, observations, and conclusions, and submit their
practicum report assignments on time.
An alternative to the practical can be given where the learner cannot find an institution with facilities
to conduct the practicum. The report based on the alternative to the practicum shall be submitted
to the department for assessment in place of the practicum report. Students who want to follow
this route should first obtain authorisation from the Chair of Department (CoD) responsible for the
practical module by contacting the module coordinator as per the details previously specified to
request permission from the CoD.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The myStudies@Unisa brochure contains an AZ guide of the most relevant study information.
Please refer to this brochure for answers to general frequently asked questions.
Since this is a practical course some answers to specific frequently asked questions is listed below.
I have not received my practicum guide?
Please contact the module coordinator as per the details previously specified.
I have not received Annexure B: Registration Form for practicum and Annexure C: Indemnity
Form?
Please contact the module coordinator as per the details previously.
Is the alternative practicum institution approved?
Please contact the module coordinator as per the details previously.
Where can I find my practicum marks?
The marks will be posted as with the marks for the other modules. In the scenario that you have
not received the marks after a reasonable expected date, please contact the department of the
university as per details previously specified and in addition also contact the module coordinator
as per the details previously.

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Sources Consulted
The Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA)
https://www.ecsa.co.za/default.aspx
The South African Institution of Mechanical Engineering (SAIMechE)
http://www.saimeche.org.za/

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Conclusion

We hope that you will enjoy this module and wish you all the best in your studies!

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Addendum

MOMPRB3/101
Annexure A: Practical Learning Code of Conduct
PREAMBLE
Co-operative education is an educational approach that integrates practical sessions into the educational programme in order to ensure applied competence of graduates. Practical sessions,
whatever form they take, are an equally important component to the formal learning components
of the programme. No tuition provider can provide co-operative education on its own. A collaborative effort between UNISA (as tuition provider); employers or community settings (practical session
providers) and learners (the learner) is necessary in order to succeed.
UNISA will provide guidelines in order to provide for a high level of learning at the institution where
the learner undergoes practical sessions. The practical sessions form part of the overall educational programme and offer an opportunity for learners to verify, in a practical way, what they have
learned and serve as fertile ground for sowing the seed for learning that will follow. The objective
of this code is to publicly state what conduct is expected from UNISA learners during periods of
practical sessions.
RIGHTS OF LEARNERS
Learners, like any member of a community, have both rights and obligations, for example:
A right to equal education, that does not discriminate among learners on the basis of race,
sex, colour, disability, religion or national origin. However, because practical sessions take
place at another institution, UNISA cannot be held accountable.
A right to be informed of UNISA policies and academic programme requirements.
A right to privacy of personal matters and possessions.
A right to freedom of expression, within the parameters of the law.
A right to fair disciplinary procedures, which includes the right to know what they are accused
of and the right to respond with their side of the situation.
OBLIGATIONS OF UNISA LEARNERS
An obligation is a responsibility, which among others, ensures that the rights of others are protected. The following obligations are not an exhaustive list, but serve as code of conduct of what is
expected from UNISA learners with regard to periods of practical sessions:
1. It is incumbent upon every learner who registers with UNISA to familiarise her/himself about
the practical sessions components of the programme registered for and to comply with the
procedures and requirements of UNISA in this regard.
2. Assessment and progression: Each learner is responsible for compliance with the requirements pertaining to the practical sessions of her/his educational programme and to follow the
relevant procedures with regard to assessment of practical sessions.
3. Compliance with employers policies, rules and regulations: Learners are required to observe
and uphold the policies, procedures and rules of the institution that provide practical session
opportunities. This includes, but is not limited to, being present for laboratory sessions as
per agreement with the institution, no absence without leave, punctuality, and respecting the
person and property of the institution and fellow learners.

13

4. Expected to participate actively and positively: UNISA expects enthusiasm from its learners.
Learners should actively engage in the practical session situation, learn from practical work
undertaken and ask questions to optimise their learning. Information necessary in order
to complete practical reports should be actively pursued. Materials necessary to complete
reports should be actively sought and legitimately obtained.
5. Intellectual property, honesty and individual work: Learners may not intentionally submit for
evaluation material (plagiarism) that contains another persons work. Another persons work
may not be copied and submitted as ones own.
6. False information, forgery, alteration or misuse: False information or information furnished
with the intent to deceive will not be tolerated. Neither would forgery, alteration or misuse be
tolerated. Learners will not make themselves guilty to any form of abuse or unauthorised use
of computer equipment or systems.
7. Confidentiality: Learners will respect the information of their practical session providers and
will not disclose nor permit or entitle any unauthorised person to have access to the guideline
documents of the institution in their possession or care. If need be, special arrangements may
be made between UNISA and a practical session provider to formally protect confidential or
sensitive information.
8. Monitoring own progress (continuous self-assessment): Learners are required to progress
with their practical session requirements, and ensure that reports will be submitted on time.
Should a learner experience difficulty, he/she should contact the relevant UNISA staff for
assistance or guidelines.
9. Serve as ambassadors of UNISA: Learners serve as ambassadors of UNISA and will refrain
from any abusive physical contact or an disorderly conduct. No form of harassment, sexual or
other, will be tolerated. Learners will not misrepresent or contradict UNISA, however, learners
are expected at all times to act in such a way that it demonstrates respect for the rights and
privileges of others.

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MOMPRB3/101

Theory of Machines III

(Practical): MOMPRB3

Annexure B: Registration Form for Practicum

15

Annexure C: Practical Indemnity Form

16