Module information on this degree can be found below, separated by year of study.

The module information below applies for the current academic year. The academic year runs from August to July; the 'current year' switches over at the end of July.

Students select optional courses subject to rules specified in the Mechanical Engineering Student Handbook,  for example at most three Design and Business courses. Please note that numbers are limited on some optional courses and selection criteria will apply.

Interfacing and Data Processing

Module aims

The overall aim is to introduce methods of computer interfacing of industrial/scientific instruments and data processing for monitoring and control of engineering processes. A key aspect is practical applications of computer interfacing and data processing using LabVIEW® software, an industry standard. A Thermofluids case study is considered. Principles of optical and probe instrumentation for velocity measurements, need for such measurements and physical meaning obtained from different data processing methods are described. LabVIEW® program is developed and applied to a laboratory experiment.

ECTS = 5

Learning outcomes

On successfully completing this module, students will be able to:

1. Describe applications of — and methods for — computer interfacing of instruments and processing of the recorded data, with special reference to Thermofluids applications

2. Select an appropriate data acquisition device for instrumenting an industrial process

3. Devise an appropriate and effective strategy for processing data

4. Appraise the data yielded by such a strategy

5. Interface laboratory instruments to a computer using LabVIEW software

Module syllabus

Data Processing

Basics of Computer Interfacing

Experimental methods and measurements for thermofluids applications

Introduction to LabVIEW graphical programming

 

Teaching methods

Students will be introduced to the main topics through lectures (2hr per week), supported by technology (PowerPoint, Panapto and Blackboard). A half day seminar on LabVIEW software will be given at the beginning of the module by staff from National Instruments. Tutorials sessions (1hr per week) will provide small group interaction with teaching staff where you are expected to develop an interfacing programme. In the last week of the module students undertake a laboratory practical using the developed software.

Assessments

Assessment details        
      Pass mark   
Grading method Numeric   50%
         
         
Assessments        
Assessment type Assessment description Weighting Pass mark Must pass?
Examination 3 Hour exam 60% 50% N
Coursework LabView Software, Laboratory experiment, report 40% 50% N

Reading list

Core

Module leaders

Professor Yannis Hardalupas