Description
This unit introduces students to the application of relevant Computer Aided Design (CAD) and analysis engineering tools in contemporary engineering. They will learn about standards, regulations and legal compliance within the context of engineering.
Topics included in this unit are: dimensioning and tolerances, standardisation and regulatory compliance (BS, ASTM, ISO, etc.), material properties and selection, manufacturing processes, 2D, 3D, CAD, solid modelling, one-dimensional and multidimensional problems, meshing and boundary conditions, and the finite volume method.
On successful completion of this unit students will be able to consider how to perform computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, develop finite element product and system models, explain the identification of faults in the application of simulation techniques and discuss the modelling method and data accuracy.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this unit students will be able to:
1. Explore the capabilities and limitations of computer-based models in meeting design fundamentals and their use in solving problems in engineering.
Engineering design fundamentals:
Dimensioning and tolerances
Standardisation and regulatory compliance (BS, ASTM, ISO, etc.)
How to manufacture and what to manufacture:
Material properties and selection
Manufacturing processes: capability, cost issues and selection
Design tools:
2D and 3D CAD
Solid modelling
File types, export and compatibility
Interpretation and presentation of results through a series of guided exercises:
Results obtained, comparison of data, benefits and limitations
Generalisation of provided information, recommendations on current and future applications
2. Analyse finite element product and system models in order to find and solve potential structural or performance issues.
Finite element formulation:
One-dimensional problems
Multi-dimensional problems
Beams
Finite element method:
Define the problem: simplify an engineering problem into a problem that can be solved using FEA
Define material properties and boundary conditions; choose appropriate functions, formulate equations, solve equations, visualise and explain the results
3. Perform CFD simulations to evaluate pressure and velocity distributions within an engineering setting.
Fundamentals of CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics):
CFD and the finite volume method background
Meshing and boundary conditions
Applications, advantages and limitations of CFD
CFD simulation and analysis:
Apply CFD to simple design/aerodynamics problems: define the problem, provide initial boundary conditions for the problem, set-up a physical model, define material properties and operating conditions
Interpretation of CFD results
Examine the solution using graphical and numerical tools; suggest and make revision of the models
4. Determine faults in the application of simulation techniques to evaluate the modelling method and data accuracy.
Simulation results:
Extracting relevant information from simulation-based exercises
Interpretation and presentation of results through a series of guided exercises