Course syllabus for Machine elements

Course syllabus adopted 2026-02-27 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameMaskinelement
  • CodePPU210
  • Credits7.5 Credits
  • OwnerTKMSK
  • Education cycleFirst-cycle
  • Main field of studyMechanical Engineering
  • DepartmentMECHANICAL ENGINEERING
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language Swedish
  • Application code 44111
  • Open for exchange studentsNo
  • Only students with the course round in the programme overview.

Credit distribution

0113 Design exercise + laboratory 3 c
Grading: UG		 3 c
0213 Examination 4.5 c
Grading: TH		 4.5 c

In programmes

Examiner

Eligibility

General entry requirements for bachelor's level (first cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements

Specific entry requirements

The same as for the programme that owns the course
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements

Course specific prerequisites

Basic knowledge in mechanics, strengh of materials, material science and mathematics corresponding to the first courses in the MSc-program in mechanical engineering at Chalmers.

In the course Machine Elements, knowledge and learning objectives from previous courses in the programme are applied. In addition to these, various theoretical concepts are introduced that are applied and applied to commonly occurring mechanical engineering machine elements.

The student is expected to have the following prior knowledge:
  • Basic knowledge in programming (Python)
  • Mathematics (analysis in one variable and several variables, and linear algebra)
  • Computer-aided machine design (CAD and drawing techniques)
  • Solid mechanics (bars, shafts, beams, axisymmetric structures, multi-axis stress states, and fatigue analysis)
  • Mechanical (static, dynamic)
  • Materials Engineering

Aim

The aim of the course is that students are to attain deep, basic understanding about a selection of machine elements of central importance in mechanical engineering.

The level of understanding should be such that the students in their profession as engineers should be able to participate in discussions regarding selection of components, design of parts and subsystems in order to achieve required functionality and performance. The machine elements covered in the course are: rolling bearings, hydrodynamic plain bearings, bolted joints, linear springs, brakes, toothed spur gears and belt transmissions.

The aim of the course in Machine Elements is to give the students basic knowledge of some selected types of commonly occurring machine elements.

As an engineer, you often work with the analysis of different designs and systems. It is also common for product developers to work with gradual improvements and/or synthesis of partly new or completely new innovative solutions. Knowledge from the subject of machine elements is necessary in both these situations.

The concept of "engineering" becomes central in this context. In this course, we believe that engineering skills are; modeling of systems at the right level in relation to the nature of the problem, ability to make approximations without losing the important information in the solution, creativity and relevance control. By using already acquired knowledge in combination with some new knowledge, properties and performance can be calculated for applied mechanical engineering systems and components.

The different machine elements are studied to; understand function, dimension against internal and external loads, and to meet requirements for service life and durability. The level of knowledge and understanding should be deep enough that in a future professional situation one can participate in discussions about the choice of components, design of details and subsystems to obtain the required function and performance.

In relation to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the course deals with the reliable design of loaded structures, components, products and buildings. This relates to Goal 9 Sustainable Industry, Innovations and Infrastructure and Goal 12 Responsible Consumption and Production

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

  • Describe the fundamental way of operation and the characteristic performance of the machine elements covered in the course
  • Apply calculation methods and appropriate design criteria for the machine elements
  • Chose suitable machine elements and type depending on application and operating situation
  • Create (design) required functionality by utilizing the machine elements in applications
  • Identify potential improvements of a design by correct utilization of a machine element
  • Present calculations, analysis and design considerations in technical reports

Content

Machine Elements is a subject in which knowledge and engineering skills are applied. For the analyses of machine elements knowledge in mechanics, strength of materials, engineering materials and mathematics is needed.

In addition, engineering skills are trained such as; making assumptions, approximations, handling of complex problems with a wide solutions space. Machine Elements is therefore of central importance for mechanical engineers.

Seven different types of commonly used machine elements have been chosen to be treated in the course. These are:
  • Rolling bearings and shafts 
  • Press and shrink fit joints
  • Bolted joints 
  • Linear springs 
  • Brakes 
  • Toothed spur gears and planetary gears
  • Belt transmissions

Organisation

The course includes lectures, problem solving sessions, three major tutored assignments and one lab (Friction estimation in threads and pretension of bolted joints).

Literature

Mägi, Melkersson och Evertsson, Maskinelement, Studentlitteratur, 2017, ISBN 9789144109053.
Evertsson och Svedensten, Maskinelement - Övningar, Studentlitteratur 2005, ISBN 91-44-03619-1 
SKF Main Catalogue -  Rolling Bearings

Examination including compulsory elements

The examination is based on a written exam, grades TH, and also approved assignments and labs.

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers about disability study support.