scholarly journals Project-based learning of advanced CAD/CAE tools in engineering education

Author(s):  
Giovanni Berselli ◽  
Pietro Bilancia ◽  
Luca Luzi

Abstract The use of integrated Computer Aided Design/Engineering (CAD/CAE) software capable of analyzing mechanical devices in a single parametric environment is becoming an industrial standard. Potential advantages over traditional enduring multi-software design routines can be outlined into time/cost reduction and easier modeling procedures. To meet industrial requirements, the engineering education is constantly revising the courses programs to include the training of modern advanced virtual prototyping technologies. Within this scenario, the present work describes the CAD/CAE project-based learning (PjBL) activity developed at the University of Genova as a part of course named Design of Automatic Machines, taught at the second level degree in mechanical engineering. The PjBL activity provides a detailed overview of an integrated design environment (i.e. PTC Creo). The students, divided into small work groups, interactively gain experience with the tool via the solution of an industrial design problem, provided by an engineer from industry. The considered case study consists of an automatic pushing device implemented in a commercial machine. Starting from a sub-optimal solution, the students, supervised by the lecturers, solve a series of sequential design steps involving both motion and structural analysis. The paper describes each design phase and summarizes the numerical outputs. At last, the results of the PjBL activity are presented and commented by considering the opinions of all the parties involved.

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 285-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elishai Ezra Tsur

Microfluidic devices developed over the past decade feature greater intricacy, increased performance requirements, new materials, and innovative fabrication methods. Consequentially, new algorithmic and design approaches have been developed to introduce optimization and computer-aided design to microfluidic circuits: from conceptualization to specification, synthesis, realization, and refinement. The field includes the development of new description languages, optimization methods, benchmarks, and integrated design tools. Here, recent advancements are reviewed in the computer-aided design of flow-, droplet-, and paper-based microfluidics. A case study of the design of resistive microfluidic networks is discussed in detail. The review concludes with perspectives on the future of computer-aided microfluidics design, including the introduction of cloud computing, machine learning, new ideation processes, and hybrid optimization.


2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 156-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mike Mavromihales ◽  
Violeta Holmes ◽  
Radu Racasan

In our research, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of games-based learning within a computer aided design and manufacture undergraduate module. Although widely used in a selection of subject areas, there appears to be limited application of games-based learning in engineering and technology. Its effectiveness as a learning or training tool, especially in Mechanical Engineering subject area, has been unclear. This research follows on from previously presented research in novel approaches in delivery of engineering education. Games-based learning has a potential to enhance student experience and learning process. In order to evaluate the outcomes of games-based learning approach and observe its effect on students’ performance, a simple in-class game on assembly topics was designed and implemented as part of a laboratory exercise. There were two groups of students considered in this case study: the student group ‘playing’ an assembly game (experimental group) and the group which did not experience games-based learning (control group). The results of the assessment element in the experimental group were compared to the control group. Our work evaluates both the qualitative and quantitative data established from computer aided design assembly delivery using the game, and delivery using conventional method. In addition, the comparisons were made between the entry level in to Higher Education in terms of tariff points level (academic score) of participants and educational background. It thus concludes on the effectiveness of the games-based learning process in Mechanical Engineering Education.


Author(s):  
Frederik Dilling ◽  
Amelie Vogler

AbstractSpatial ability is considered a major factor of intelligence and is increasingly important in times of digitization. This article explores the fostering of spatial ability through computer-aided design software. Different notions of spatial ability will be discussed, and, finally, a concept consisting of five aspects will be described. In addition, literature reviews on the connection between the use of computers and the fostering of spatial ability, as well as on the use of 3D printing technology in mathematics education, are given. Building on this, a case study is presented which examines the work of two middle-school students using computer-aided design software within a workshop at the University of Siegen. From the data material, basic possible actions within such software are derived. These are, based on theory, connected with the five aspects of the specific concept of spatial ability used. The results show various perspectives for the fostering of spatial ability with computer-aided design software.


Author(s):  
Tapio Korpela ◽  
Ari Heikkinen ◽  
Tatu Leinonen

Abstract Laboratory of Machine Design at the University of Oulu has modelled the production information for a gear transmission unit in co-operation with a Finnish gear manufacturer, Santasalo Ltd. The basic idea was to integrate computer aided design into modern FMS-based production activities. The main goal in this project is to capture the whole gear box development process from customer requirements to manufacturable assembly and detail information in OOA models.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Saeed Mesgari ◽  
Mehrdad Bazazzadeh ◽  
Alireza Mostofizadeh

This study deals with the application of optimization in Finocyl grain design with ballistic objective functions using a genetic algorithm. The classical sampling method is used for space filling; a level-set method is used for simulating the evaluation of a burning surface of the propellant grain. An algorithm is developed beside the level-set code that prepares the initial grain configuration using a computer-aided design (CAD) to export generated models to the level-set code. The lumped method is used to perform internal ballistic analysis. A meta-model is used to surrogate the level-set method in an optimization design loop. Finally, a case study is done to verify the proposed algorithm. Observed results show that the grain design method reduced the design time significantly, and this algorithm can be used in designing any grain type.


Author(s):  
Aditya Balu ◽  
Sambit Ghadai ◽  
Gavin Young ◽  
Soumik Sarkar ◽  
Adarsh Krishnamurthy

The widespread adoption of computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacturing (CAM) tools has resulted in the acceleration of the product development process, reducing the time taken to design a product [46]. However, the product development process, for the most part, is still decentralized with the design and manufacturing reviews being performed independently, leading to differences between as-designed and as-manufactured component. A successful product needs to meet its specifications, while also being manufacturable. In general, the design engineer ensures that the product is able to function according to the specified requirements, while the manufacturing engineer gives feedback to the design engineer about its manufacturability. This iterative process is often time consuming, leading to longer product development times and higher costs. Recent researches in integrating design and manufacturing [24, 28, 46] have tried to reduce these differences and making the product development process easier and accessible to designers, who may not be manufacturing experts. In addition, there have been different efforts to enable a collaborative product development process and reduce the number of design iterations [8, 10, 41]. However, with the increase in complexity of designs, integrating the manufacturability analysis within the design environment provides an ideal solution to improve the product design process.


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