Hands-on, experiential learning

Equipped with state-of-the-art instruments, the Applied Mechanics Hub is a specialised teaching space that turns engineering theory into practical experience. Comprising specifically designed labs in thermodynamics, dynamics, structural and solid mechanics, students will begin bridging the gap between the classroom and industry from week one of their degree.  

On this page

Explore the lab

The Applied Mechanics Hub is made up of labs uniquely designed for teaching and practising the fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering. 

Dynamics Lab

Focusing on stress, deformation and stability of structural components, the dynamics lab is where students will test the mechanics of materials and structures, gathering real data to back up theory learnt in lectures. 

Statics Lab

Using specialised experiment kits for truss and beam analysis, students undertake hands-on, experiential learning to make the fundamental connections between engineering concepts and their real-world applications.  

Thermodynamics Lab

The home of heat transfer. Here, students will study heat exchanges and otto cycle engine performance. 

Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing Lab

In the Rapid Prototypic and Manufacturing Lab, students can use 3D printing and laser cutting equipment to manufacture parts for projects and research.  

  • an image of Swinburne students using the Applied Mechanics Lab (Dynamics Lab)
    Student working with a heat convection measurement device
  • an image of Swinburne students using the Applied Mechanics Lab (Dynamics Lab)
    Students observing the operation of the TM 630 Gyroscope
  • an image of Swinburne students using the Applied Mechanics Lab (Dynamics Lab)
    Students working with a heat engine device.
  • an image of Swinburne students using the Applied Mechanics Lab (Dynamics Lab)
    Applied Mechanics Lab (Dynamics Lab) 12

Using the lab

The Applied Mechanics Hub is a primary teaching space for Bachelor of Engineering students, and is accessible for private study and experimental work from as early as first year. Along with fit-for-purpose labs, a workshop space is open to access traditional hand tools and work on projects.

Related courses

Contact us

If you’re a PhD student, a professional or an organisation looking to partner with us or access our facility, please contact Professor Pat Rajeev: prajeev@swinburne.edu.au

Get in touch

Equipment

The Applied Mechanics Hub provides equipment for collecting experimental data in thermodynamics, dynamics, structural and solid mechanics and prototyping, including: 

  • Heat exchanger

  • Bending device

  • Buckling device

  • Torsion device

  • Thin-wall pressure vessel

  • Wooden pendulum

  • Rotational inertia accessory equipment

  • Rotating platform equipment  

  • Device of Coriolis effect

  • Gyroscope (TM630)

  • Thick-walled pressure vessel

  • Circular plate

  • Kinematic model: four-joint link

  • Dynamic behaviour of multistage planetary gears

  • Free and forced vibrations

  • Static and Dynamic Balancing 

  • Whirling shaft apparatus

  • Petrol engine 

  • Heat conduction in metal device 

  • Heat convection measurement device

Our team

Thermodynamics 

Dynamics

Structural Mechanics

Solid Mechanics

Mechanical & Rapid Prototyping

Location and contact

EN Building, Level 2, Hawthorn campus

Find us

Professor Dong Ruan: druan@swinburne.edu.au

Contact us