scholarly journals Game-based learning in mechanical engineering education: Case study of games-based learning application in computer aided design assembly

2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 156-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mike Mavromihales ◽  
Violeta Holmes ◽  
Radu Racasan
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Education ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Mechanical Engineering ◽  
Educational Background ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Computer Aided ◽  
Aided Design ◽  
Experimental Group

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.

Computer-aided design versus sketching: An exploratory case study

2012 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 317-335 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Veisz ◽  
Essam Z. Namouz ◽  
Shraddha Joshi ◽  
Joshua D Summers
Keyword(s):  
Design Process ◽  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Mechanical Engineering ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Cad Tools ◽  
Design Project ◽  
Computer Aided ◽  
Aided Design ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThis paper presents a preliminary comparison between the role of computer-aided design (CAD) and sketching in engineering through a case study of a senior design project and interviews with industry and academia. The design team consisted of four senior level mechanical engineering students each with less than 1 year of professional experience are observed while completing an industry sponsored mechanical engineering capstone design project across a 17 week semester. Factors investigated include what CAD tools are used, when in the design process they are implemented, the justification for their use from the students' perspectives, the actual knowledge gained from their use, the impact on the final designed artifact, and the contributions of any sketches generated. At each design step, comparisons are made between CAD and sketching. The students implemented CAD tools at the onset of the project, generally failing to realize gains in design efficiency or effectiveness in the early conceptual phases of the design process. As the design became more concrete, the team was able to recognize clear gains in both efficiency and effectiveness through the use of computer assisted design programs. This study is augmented by interviews with novice and experienced industry users and academic instructors to align the trends observed in the case study with industry practice and educational emphasis. A disconnect in the perceived capability of CAD tools was found between novice and experienced user groups. Opinions on the importance of sketching skills differed between novice educators and novice industry professionals, suggesting that there is a change of opinion as to the importance of sketching formed when recent graduates transition from academia to industry. The results suggest that there is a need to emphasize the importance of sketching and a deeper understanding as to the true utility of CAD tools at each stage of the design process.

scholarly journals Computer-Aided Design of Microfluidic Circuits

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 285-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elishai Ezra Tsur
Keyword(s):  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Integrated Design ◽  
Optimization Methods ◽  
Performance Requirements ◽  
Computer Aided ◽  
Paper Based Microfluidics ◽  
Specification Synthesis ◽  
Description Languages ◽  
Aided Design

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.

Introductory remarks

1971 ◽  
Vol 321 (1545) ◽  
pp. 145-146
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Design ◽  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Mechanical Engineering ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Design Work ◽  
Computer Aided ◽  
Hidden Line ◽  
Multi Access ◽  
Aided Design ◽  
Design And Manufacture

From time to time the Royal Society organizes meetings for the discussion of some new development in engineering and applied science. It seemed possible to the organizers of this meeting that it would be profitable to bring together workers in industry and in the universities to discuss some aspect of computer-aided design. As you will see we have chosen the application of computer aids to mechanical engineering design and manufacture. This restriction to mechanical engineering was deliberate, partly because the application of computer aids to mechanical engineering design is somewhat behind similar activities in electrical and civil engineering. Another reason is that the development of such applications has reached a particularly interesting stage, and it is now perhaps appropriate to review progress and to discuss the directions in which future research should proceed. Although some examples of computer-aided design in mechanical engineering can be found from the earliest days of computing, the development really started in the late fifties with early experiments in the use of graphic displays and with the introduction of multi-access computing. Some may date the beginning of the developments which we are going to discuss today, from the work at M. I. T. on automated programmed drawing started in 1958. This has led to a concentration of effort on graphics and computer-aided drafting. Much research has been done on the mathematical description of curves, surfaces and volumes in a form suitable for engineering design. Work has been done on the automatic dimensioning of drawings, hidden line removal, the prob­lems of lofting, etc.

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

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 1071-1083
Author(s):  
Giovanni Berselli ◽  
Pietro Bilancia ◽  
Luca Luzi
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Education ◽  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Integrated Design ◽  
Optimal Solution ◽  
Project Based Learning ◽  
Design Environment ◽  
Mechanical Devices ◽  
Aided Design ◽  
The University

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.

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