Learn how Machines Work

• Course developed and delivered by team of experienced, trained people who have studied and worked with a wide variety of machines and equipment (most with over 10 years of experience to draw on).
• Flexible - self paced - study anywhere - take as little or long as is needed to complete your studies.
• A solid foundation course or gap filler to support a career; or training in the fundamentals to better understand the machinery you use in your daily life 

Do you understand how machines work?
A basic understanding of mechanics helps us to know both how to use machines properly and recognise when something might be going wrong - even becoming unsafe to use. Everything from cars and household appliances to a lawn mower requires some level of understanding of mechanics if you are to get the most from the machine.
This course provides a foundation for someone starting on a path to a career working with machines; and is equally a great gap filler for someone who is using machinery at work or home, but lacks an adequate understanding of the machinery they use.
When you understand machines better; you will also have the knowledge tom make better decisions about the machines you buy - after all; no one wants to buy a car or lawn mower that is flawed.

COURSE STRUCTURE

There are 9 lessons in this course:

Lesson 1. Introduction to Engines and Motors 

• Introduction, Elementary mechanisms
• Power sources
• Steam engines
• Petrol engines
• Electric motors
• Operating cycle
• Four stroke and two stroke spark ignition engines
• Parts of an electric motor
• Salient and non salient pole rotors
• AC and DC motors
• Induction and synchronous motors
• Applied tasks - changing wheels, mending punctures

Lesson 2. Engine Characteristics

• Measurements and mechanical principles
• Force, load, pressure, gravity, density, etc
• Atmospheric pressure
• Centre of gravity, specific gravity
• Work, power, energy
• Bore, piston motion, piston displacement, compression ratio
• Energy efficiency
• Features of electric motors
• Applied tasks - managing spark plugs

Lesson 3. Machines and their Parts

• Parts of a machine
• Lubrication systems
• Cooling systems
• Fuel systems
• Transmission systems
• Gearbox, clutch, differential
• Prop shaft/ drive shaft
• Power take off (PTO)
• Ignition system
• Distributor
• Coil pack

Lesson 4. Drive Mechanisms -Transmissions, Gears, Belts

• Cog drive machinery
• Belt drive machinery
• Transmission drive machinery
• Transmission system -clutch, gearbox, differential
• Applied task - replacing drive belts

Lesson 5. Managing Deterioration

• Lubrication system
• Cooling system
• Oil viscosity
• Delivering lubricant -splash system, pressure system, combination system
• Materials deterioration
• Properties of materials
• Metals, steels - heat treatments
• Aluminium, copper, non ferrous alloys and more
• Seals
• Suspension
• Applied tasks - servicing filters

Lesson 6. Optimising Function & Longevity

• Adjustments
• Controlling power
• Carburettors -updraft, side draft, down draft
• How a carburettor controls fuel mix
• Float system
• Barrels, injectors
• Lubrication
• Exhaust systems
• Catalytic converter
• Muffler
• Extractor
• Turbochargers - twin versus single
• Intercooling
• Waste gate, Blow off valves
• Boost controller
• Superchargers
• Servicing a carburettor

Lesson 7. Brake Systems – Pneumatic Brakes, Hydraulic Brakes

• Introduction
• Drum and shoe brakes
• Disc brakes
• Brake systems - pneumatic, hydraulic, electric
• Anti lock brake systems
• Regenerative braking
• Applied tasks - servicing brakes, jacking vehicles
• Changing disc brakes
• Changing drum brakes
• Motorcycle and bicycle brakes

Lesson 8. The Mechanics Workshop – Equipment, Tools, Safety etc. 

• Tool maintenance
• Work bench
• Vices and clamps
• Lifts, ramps, jacks, ladders
• Tightening pullers, pulleys, winches
• Generators, battery chargers
• Cleaning equipment
• Grinders, sharpening,
• Work pits and hoists
• Hand tools - spanners, allen keys, pliers, grips, screw drivers
• Cutting equipment
• Hammers, chisels, punches, etc
• Power tools
• Soldering and welding

Lesson 9.  Machine Maintenance and Repair

• Servicing a typical motor car
• Oil and coolant levels
• Changing filters
• Checking brakes & brake fluid
• Wheel alignment
• Power steeping fluid
• Electrics
• Servicing garden equipment - oil, spark plugs, sharpening blades, 
• Managing materials
• 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.

Lesson 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.

Course Duration: 100 hours of self paced studies

Course Code: BSS102

Each lesson in this course builds upon what you learnt in the previous ones, gradually expanding your awareness and understanding of how and where engines or motors can be used to power machines, and how different types of machines function. You will also learn some important maintenance and repair skills and learn about the different tools and techniques required to look after engines and motors. This is an ideal course for those wanting to understand how their engines and motors work and how they can best look after them.

Why Study This Course?

• An introduction - a great start point for those wanting to work with engines
• Develop knowledge of mechanics to work on your own engines or as a foundation for further study

Engines and motors are found in all kinds of devices and machines that power the world around us. From simple children's toys, to motor vehicles, to industrial equipment. No matter their scale there are common features between different types of engines and motor and specific ways they can be maintained and repaired.

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