Mechanics

Learn how engines and motors work; their applications, maintenance and repair. This course has relevance from cars to household machines and kitchen appliances.

Course Code: BSS102
Fee Code: S2
Duration (approx) Duration (approx) 100 hours
Qualification Statement of Attainment
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Learn about Mechanics

This course forms a foundation for understanding the scope and nature of machines; possibilities for achieving more efficient work outcomes with machines; how to make better choices of what machine to use for what job, and how to manage and maintain machinery you use.

Machines include obvious things such as cars and garden equipment; but also machinery used in factories, offices and other workplaces, and machines used to make life easier in our houses, from kitchen appliances to vacuum cleaners. A kitchen food processor is a machine, and are cars and robots. This course is relevant to all of these things.

When you better understand machines, you have a greater capacity to work not only with machinery; but in any industry. 

"How to" videos online may be able to show you how to do anything, but they don't teach the foundation knowledge that underpins what you are working on. The video or instructions you are following will rarely flag all the options for doing a job. Tools keep changing, materials change, however, if you understand materials, design principles and functions of tools, you'll know how to use them properly and more broadly.  

ACS trade course are designed to bring confidence to work more broadly, you will develop understanding of equipment repair and adapt this to machines and equipment in your work or interest area. Study and experience gives you an ability to see and compare options when you confront a problem.

Do not make the mistake of discounting a good education!

 

Lesson Structure

There are 9 lessons in this course:

  1. Introduction to Engines and Motors
    • Introduction
    • Power Sources
    • Engines
    • Steam Engine
    • Petrol
    • Engine Operating Cycle
    • Engine parts
    • Four stroke Ignition Engine Cycle
    • Two Stroke Ignition Engine Cycle
    • Electric motors
    • Parts of an electric motor
    • AC and DC motors
    • Induction and Synchronous motors
    • Applied tasks - Changing a wheel, Mending a puncture
  2. Engine Characteristics
    • Measurements and mechanical principles
    • Force, Load, Pressure
    • Atmospheric pressure, Absolute pressure
    • Force of gravity, Centre of gravity, Specific gravity
    • Density, Vacuum, Volumetric efficiency
    • Work, Power, Energy
    • Pistons - motion, bore, piston displacement
    • Compression ratio
    • Engine efficiency
    • Features of electric motors
    • Applied tasks - spark plugs
  3. Machines and their parts
    • Parts of a machine
    • Engine systems
    • Lubrication system
    • Cooling system
    • Fuel system
    • Transmission -gearbox, clutch, transmission, drive shaft, PTO
    • Power source
    • Ignition system - distributor, Coil pack
    • Other machines
  4. Drive Mechanisms -Transmissions, Gears, Belts
    • Introduction
    • Cog drive machinery
    • Belt drive machinery
    • Transmission drive machinery
    • The transmission system
    • Clutch
    • Gearbox
    • Differential unit
    • Applied tasks - replacing drive belts
  5. Managing Deterioration
    • Splash feed lubrication system
    • Pressure system
    • Combination pressure and splash
    • Oil contamination
    • Cooling system - air cooling, water cooling
    • Lubrication - oil viscosity
    • Types of filter systems
    • Materials deterioration
    • Properties of materials - metals, non ferrous alloys
    • Seals
    • Applied tasks: servicing filters
  6. Optimising Function and Longevity
    • Adjustments
    • Controlling power
    • Carburettors - float system, number of barrels, injectors
    • Lubrication
    • Exhaust systems
    • Catalytic converter
    • Muffler
    • Extractor
    • Turbocharger
    • Intercooling, waste gate, blow off valves, twin vs single turbo, boost controller
    • Superchargers
    • Applied tasks - servicing a carburettor
  7. Brake Systems
    • Introduction
    • Drum versus disc brake
    • Drum brakes and shoe pad
    • Disc brakes
    • Pneumatic, Hydraulic and Electric Brakes
    • ABS - Anti lock brake system
    • Regenerative braking
    • Applied tasks - servicing brakes
    • Jacking up a vehicle
    • Changing disc brakes
    • Changing drum brakes
    • Motor bike and push bike brakes
  8. The Mechanics Workshop
    • Tool maintenance
    • Work bench
    • Vices and clamps
    • Lifts, ramps, jacks, ladders
    • Tightening pullers
    • Pulleys
    • Winches
    • Generators, battery chargers
    • Cleaning equipment
    • Grinders, sharpening equipment
    • Work pits, hoists
    • Measuring equipment
    • Hand tools
    • Spanners and Allen keys
    • Pliers & grips
    • Screwdrivers
    • Files
    • Cutting equipment
    • Hammers, chisels, punches
    • Tap and die cutters
    • Lubrication equipment
    • Power tools - Drills, saws
    • Soldering and welding
  9. Maintenance and Repair
    • Introduction to maintenance
    • Servicing a typical motor car
    • Changing spark plugs
    • Inspect coolant levels
    • Inspect tyre pressure
    • Change fuel filter
    • Brakes and brake fluid
    • Wheel alignment
    • Power steering fluid
    • Electrics
    • Servicing Garden Equipment
    • Oil & Dirty Spark Plugs
    • Mowers
    • Chainsaws
    • Outdoor Electric Machines
    • Treating Rust
    • Painting Metal

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

Aims

  • Explain how different types of engines and motors work.
  • Describe the features that differentiate the quality and work capacity of engines; one from another.
  • Describe the scope and nature of components of a machine.
  • Explain different ways of converting the movement of energy to perform useful work tasks.
  • Describe how machinery can deteriorate over time, and responses to both prevent and repair deterioration.
  • Explain how engines and motors have their power output regulated.
  • Explain the mechanisms used to slow or stop any form of motion by applying force.
  • Describe machinery workshop tools and equipment, and explain their safe and appropriate use in maintaining and repairing machinery.

Mechanics is the study of machines. A machine is made up of multiple parts, it is designed to take movement or force, and translate that ‘energy’ to perform a specific task.

The scope and nature of machines is far beyond the scope of what anyone could study in even a lifetime; but most of the concepts and applications hare common principles.  As you study this course and different parts of different machines, your understanding and perhaps even intuition to work with any machinery will develop. You will gradually develop a better capacity to look at, evaluate and understand any sort of machine: how it works, the functions each component performs, and what responses are appropriate to maintain or repair function when things go wrong.  

  1. The first part of a machine is the power source (e.g. an engine, motor or even man power.
  2. The second part of a machine is the part that catches and translates energy from the power source.

Machines have become so much a part of modern life that we can easily take them for granted. Most people don’t even give a second thought to how the machines they use are functioning; that is until they stop functioning.

Learning more about mechanics can enable you to do so much more with machines though, from using them more appropriately and safely to maintaining and repairing them when required. 

Some machinery is relatively simple and easier to learn about, but other machines can be much more complex and will require far more learning and experience to properly understand.

This course lays a foundation for understanding and working with all machines, each lesson building upon what you learnt in the previous ones, gradually expanding your awareness and understanding of how and where engines can be used to power machines, and how different types of machines function.

ACS Distance Education holds an Educational Membership with the ATA.
ACS Distance Education holds an Educational Membership with the ATA.
ACS Global Partner - Affiliated with colleges in seven countries around the world.
ACS Global Partner - Affiliated with colleges in seven countries around the world.
Since 1999 ACS has been a recognised member of IARC (International Approval and Registration Centre). A non-profit quality management organisation servicing education.
Since 1999 ACS has been a recognised member of IARC (International Approval and Registration Centre). A non-profit quality management organisation servicing education.
UK Register of Learning Providers, UK PRN10000112
UK Register of Learning Providers, UK PRN10000112

How can I start this course?

You can enrol at anytime and start the course when you are ready. Enrolments are accepted all year - students can commence study at any time. All study is self paced and ACS does not set assignment deadlines.

Please note that if a student is being assisted by someone else (e.g. an employer or government subsidy), the body offering the assistance may set deadlines. Students in such situations are advised to check with their sponsor prior to enrolling. The nominal duration of a course is approximately how long a course takes to complete. A course with a nominal duration of 100 hours is expected to take roughly 100 hours of study time to complete. However, this will vary from student to student. Short courses (eg. 100 hrs duration) should be completed within 12 months of enrolment. Certificates, Advanced Certificates and Awards (eg. over 500 hours duration) would normally be completed within 3 -5 years of enrolment. Additional fees may apply if a student requires an extended period to complete.
If a student cannot submit their assignments for 6 months to ACS, they should advise the school to avoid cancellation of their student
registration. Recommencement fees may apply.

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What do I need to know before I enrol?

There are no entry requirements that you need to meet to enrol in our courses, our courses are for everyone.
If you are under 18, we need written permission from your parent/ guardian for your enrolment to continue, we can arrange that after you have enrolled.

You don’t need to purchase any additional resources to complete our courses.

We aim to teach you the essentials without you having to purchase any specific computer program.
We recommend that you have access to a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs, so that you can easily complete and submit your assignments.

You sure can. We are here to help you learn whatever your abilities.

Yes, if you are enrolling in a Certificate or Advanced Certificate, you might be eligible for credits if you have evidence of your previous studies or relevant experience. More information is here.

We recommend that you are able to browse websites, send emails and conduct online research. You will need to be able to type and submit your assignments.
If you have limited computer skills, we can make special arrangements for you.

This is possible, it depends on the institution. We recommend that if you would like to use our courses that you contact the institution first. Our Course Handbook is a good resource for this.

Our courses are written in English and we only have English speaking academic staff. If you can read and complete your assignments in English, our courses are ideal for you.

Our courses are designed to build knowledge, hands on skills and industry connections to help prepare you to work in the area, running your own business, professional development or as a base for further study.

This course has been designed to cover the fundamentals of the topic. It will take around 100 hours to complete, which includes your course reading, assignment work, research, practical tasks, watching videos and anything else that is contained in the course. Our short courses are a great way to do some professional development or to learn a new skill.

It’s up to you. The study hours listed in the course are a rough guide, however if you were to study a short course (100 hours) at 10 hours per week, you could finish the course in 10 weeks (just an example). Our courses are self-paced, so you can work through the courses in your own time. We recommend that you wait for your tutor to mark and return your assignment before your start your next one, so you get the benefits of their feedback.

The course consists of course notes, videos, set tasks for your practical work, online quizzes, an assignment for each lesson (that you receive feedback from your tutor from) and ends in an exam (which is optional, if would like to receive the formal award at the end), using our custom built Learning Management System - Login.Training.

Our courses are designed for adults to gain professional development and skills to further their careers and start businesses.

Our custom online learning portal allows you to conduct your learning online. There may be practical tasks that you can do offline. You have the option of downloading your course notes or print them to read later.

There is also the option to pay an additional fee for printed course notes and or USB (availability limited to location and deliverability).

Yes, if you don’t have access to the internet, you can receive the course as paper notes or on a USB stick for an additional fee. We can also make alternative arrangements for you to send your assignments to us.

We offer printed notes for an additional fee. Also, you can request your course notes on a USB stick for an additional fee.

Yes, your tutor is here to help you. Simply post any questions you have in your login.training portal or contact the office and we can pass on a message to your tutor.

We are more learning focussed, rather than assessment focussed. You have online quizzes to test your learning, written assignments and can complete an exam at the end of the course (if you want to receive your certificate). You will not receive a pass/ fail on your course work. If you need to add more details on your assignment, we will ask you to resubmit and direct you where you need to focus. If you need help, you can ask your tutor for advice in the student room.

Each module (short course) is completed with one exam.

Exams are optional, however you must sit an exam if you would like to receive a formal award. You will need to find someone who can supervise that you are sitting the exams under exams conditions. There is an additional cost of $60 incl. GST for each exam.
More information is here

There are practical components built into the course that have been designed to be achieved by anyone, anywhere. If you are unable to complete a task for any reason, you can ask your tutor for an alternative.

When you complete the course work and the exam and you will be able receive your course certificate- a Statement of Attainment. Otherwise, you can receive a Letter of Completion.

You can bundle the short courses to create your own customised learning bundle, Certificates or Advanced Certificates. More information is on this page.

Yes, our courses are built to be applicable for people living anywhere in any situation. We provide the fundamentals, and each student can apply their own unique flair for their own interests, region and circumstances with the one-on-one guidance of a tutor. There is also a bit of student directed research involved.

Employers value candidates with industry skills, knowledge, practical skills and formal learning. Our courses arm you with all of these things to help prepare you for a job or start your own business. The longer you study the more you will learn.

ACS has an arrangement with OAMPS (formerly AMP) who can arrange Professional Indemnity from Australian and New Zealand graduates across all disciplines. Ph: 1800 222 012 or email acs@oamps.com.au.


Who are ACS Distance Education?

ACS Distance Education have been educating people for over 40 years.

We are established and safe- we have been in education for over 40 years.
We are focused on developing innovative courses that are relevant to you now and what you will need to know in the future.
We are focused on helping you learn and make the most of your experience.
You can enrol at any time, you can work on your course when it suits you and at your own pace.
We are connected to many industry bodies and our staff participate in continuous improvement and learning activities to ensure that we are ahead of what learning is needed for the future.

Our courses are not accredited by the Australian Government. However many of our courses are recognised and held in high regard by many industry bodies.

Our courses are written by our staff, who all have many years experience and have qualifications in their speciality area. We have lots of academic staff who write and update our courses regularly.


How do I enrol my staff/ sponsored students?

Yes, you can do a request for a bulk enrolment and request an invoice on our Invoice Request Form

We can prepare an invoice, quote or proforma invoice. Simply complete your details on our Invoice Request form

We can arrange bulk discounts for your course enrolment, please get in touch with us to discuss your needs.

Yes, we have many students who are in locked facilities, such as prisons or hospitals. We can cater by also offering paper notes at an additional cost.


What if I have any more questions or need more information?

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Course Contributors

The following academics were involved in the development and/or updating of this course.

Jacinda Cole

Former operations manager for highly reputable Landscape firm, The Chelsea Gardener, before starting her own firm. Jacinda has over 20 years of industry experience in Psychology, Landscaping, Publishing, Writing and Education. Jacinda has a B.Sc., Psych.Cert., M. Psych. Cert.Garden Design, MACA.

Josiane Joubran

CSC consultant with IBM, Software QA Engineer, Course Writer and Tutor. Josiane is an I.T professional with extensive experience with computer hardware and engineering in Lebanon and Australia. Josiane has a B.Eng., Grad.Dip.I.T., Master Info.Tech., MCP, MCSE.

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