Basics of Engineering Design Software Lesson

Introduction

The engineering industry broadly uses Computer Aided Engineering (CAE). CAE is the computer driven process to drive the proposed design solution from the product design phase into product development and ultimately into manufacturing. Specifically, that means a design solution will be created through engineering design software (Computer Aided Design – CAD) that will create a proposed solution which is tested for engineering analysis, and then manufacturing suitability with proposed cost. Then the computer model is exported for prototype development (Computer Aided Manufacturing – CAM) and ultimately then into production.

As part of the learning process, students will be tasked to download engineering design software and create parts for the specified assignments. This software will continue to be used for forthcoming engineering design projects.

Explore

Engineering Design software – what is it, and how is it used?

Computer Aided Design is use of the computers and engineering design software to create and modify a designed solution to a specified need. Once the design is established, it is exported to another program for analytical simulation of verification to determine certain performance specifications. The design is then improved based upon the performance evaluations and then retested. Once the design is accepted, the physical prototype will be fabricated and then evaluated.

Modifications will be made in the design, and then that is reevaluated. Once it passes to satisfaction, the design is then exported for the initial run in manufacturing. This entire process may seem complex, but this basic modeling and redesign without rebuild actually speeds up production and lowers product development costs while ensuring performance quality.

All these steps stem from the initial computer generated design. So the content and activities in this lesson will focus on the initial computer design and subsequent applications. Become familiar with each of the following terms and applications. Then continue on to learn the basics of engineering design software.

Watch the Basics of Engineering Design Presentation below. To read a copy of the script, please download it from the "book" icon in the upper right corner.

Challenge

Read each statement and decide whether or not the statement is TRUE or FALSE

Computer Aided Design (CAD) is software and hardware technologies that create and evaluate a proposed engineered solution through 3D modeling which is tested for engineering analysis, and then manufacturing suitability with proposed cost.

Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) is technology for subtractive manufacturing and creation of toolpath for multi-axis milling, lathe, or cutting with multiple axis contouring to create an object.

3D printing workflow is technology for additive manufacturing for layering material to create an object.

Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) is the computer driven process to drive the proposed design solution through the product design phase into product development and ultimately into manufacturing.

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) is technology for subtractive manufacturing and creation of toolpath for multi-axis milling, lathe, or cutting with multiple axis contouring to create an object.

Computer Aided Design (CAD) does NOT include the creation of drafting documents for manufacturing.

3D Wireframe modeling is used for basic physical parameters of surface modeling.

2D drawing is sketching of part in XY plane prior 3D generation, and creation of drafting documents for manufacturing.

Parametric design is the favored approach for development of engineering designs because it is adaptable to change and is easily exported for engineering analysis.

Parametric modeling is only used for 3D design work.

Take Away

What is GE’s purpose for computer modeling and analysis?

Convert an object drawn on paper into a physical part to make sure it fits in the engine and works properly.

What is GE’s purpose for stress analysis design team?

Meet with designers to understand the conditions the part will be functioning to input into a computer program to simulate the actual field conditions. Then evaluate the test results for reasonableness to ensure validity of test results, and evaluate the performance of the part during the testing.

What is the final step prior to manufacturing?

Present to chief engineers for their decision to proceed toward manufacturing the designed solution. The report needs to include what was done, why it was done, and the results of performance of the product design against the specified requirements. The presentation must also disclose any other significant factors.

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