Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - MSE 320 D100

Machine Design (4)

Class Number: 4374

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Surrey

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Surrey

  • Prerequisites:

    MSE 212, (MSE 220 or SEE 222), MSE 224. MSE 212 may be taken concurrently.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Review of stress and strain in solids, superposition, energy theorems, theories of failure, elastic and inelastic analysis of symmetrical bending, torsion of circular members, and virtual work. Adequacy assessment and synthesis of machine elements with a focus on the design process. Static failure of ductile and brittle materials, fatigue analysis of structures. Topics include the design of welds, bolted connections, springs and shafts. Solution strategies include both analytical and finite element methods. Students with credit for ENSC 382 may not take MSE 320 for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

After completing this course, students will be able to:

  • apply appropriate advanced static failure theories to predict part failure under general loading
  • analyze parts under general loading to predict fatigue failure
  • qualitatively identify fatigue failure progression from fracture surface inspection
  • design gearbox housings
  • specify appropriate couplers for transmission connections
  • perform detailed design of shafting including locating features
  • identify spur, helical, bevel and worm gear variants
  • design spur and helical gear teeth for a given set of transmission specifications
  • select and analyze rolling element bearings suitable for a given application
  • specify required fasteners and torque specifications to guard against axial and shear failure and joint separation
  • design weld details for given static and fatigue loading

Grading

  • Assignments 10%
  • Midterm 20%
  • Labs 10%
  • Final Exam 40%
  • Final Project 20%

NOTES:

Tutorial sessions will be used as working sessions to reinforce concepts and tools, for general course material review and assistance, and to catch up on lecture materials if needed.

REQUIREMENTS:

It is important to familiarize yourself with the policies and guidelines pertaining to students at SFU, including but not limited to the following:

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Machine Elements in Mechanical Design, Robert L. Mott, Edward M. Vavrek, Jyhwen Wang, Sixth Edition, Pearson, 2018


ISBN: 0-13-444118-4

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.