49325 Computer-aided Mechanical Design
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Postgraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10061 Bachelor of Engineering Diploma Engineering Practice OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10066 Bachelor of Engineering Science OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10067 Bachelor of Engineering OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C09067 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Diploma Professional Engineering Practice OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C09066 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.
Recommended studies:
Key concepts, basic knowledge, and application of software in relation to numerical simulation and design optimisation skills in mechanical design engineering.
Description
This subject focuses on advanced topics in computer-aided mechanical design and substantially extends students' capabilities and skills by exposing them to state-of-the-art software. The theoretical basis of computer-aided design is developed so that students are aware of the underlying capabilities and limitations of the approach. Mechanical system simulation software is used for designing mechanical systems and controls, and to introduce virtual prototyping. A finite element analysis program is used for analysing stresses in mechanical components and systems. Although commercially available software is used, students are not simply trained in the use of that particular program. Rather, the software serves as a vehicle to illustrate the general approach to computer-aided mechanical engineering and the importance of having clear concepts and sound knowledge of the fundamental underlying principles.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Appreciate the underlying concepts of numerical simulation and design optimization as it applies to mechanical design. (D.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Use commercial software to resolve real-world mechanical design problems. (C.1) |
| 3. | Keep abreast of emerging technologies and trends in computer-aided design. (D.1) |
| 4. | Integrate numerical simulation and design optimization methods, as well as mechanical fundamentals, into design practice. (C.1) |
| 5. | Work collaboratively, professionally, and productively in a team environment. (E.1) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design thinking and decision-making methodologies in new contexts or to novel problems, to explore, test, analyse and synthesise complex ideas, theories or concepts. (C.1)
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply theoretical, conceptual, software and physical tools and advanced discipline knowledge to research, evaluate and predict future performance of systems characterised by complexity. (D.1)
- Collaborative and Communicative: FEIT graduates work as an effective member or leader of diverse teams, communicating effectively and operating autonomously within cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural contexts in the workplace. (E.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies
Students enrolled in the Master of Professional Engineering should note that this subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 competencies:
- 1.2. Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.
- 1.3. In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
- 1.4. Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline.
- 2.2. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
- 2.3. Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.
- 3.6. Effective team membership and team leadership.
Teaching and learning strategies
The teaching and learning approaches consist of a mixture of lectures, guest lectures, tutorials and computer-based laboratories. There is an emphasis on developing self-study capability.
Detailed topic notes and associated reading materials, including computer laboratory instructions and educational research papers, are made available on Canvas so that students can prepare for their online learning activity.
In each topic, students will be given the key concepts and theory of computational solid mechanics and design optimisation, as well as basic steps and procedures in how to apply main-stream software tools to find solutions for typical mechanical design problems that are practice-based. Since the subject is designed for advanced topics in numerical methods and design optimisation, research articles are also integrated into the subject material to broaden the vision and abilities of students for the benefit of their future career development.
Several assessment items are designed specifically to help students consolidate their learning and to provide timely and formative feedback throughout the session.
A group project is used to facilitate collaborative teamwork.. Students are encouraged to form their own groups and propose their own design problem with a particular focus on those with practical industry application. Groups are advised to have up to 6 members and a team leader is nominated to manage discussions and team roles. Each group is required to produce a detailed project report which follows the style of a technical research report.
Feedback is provided electronically regarding project proposals early in the teaching session. Teaching staff are available before, during and after class to respond to group queries, and to review and approve the scope of a proposed project topic. In addition, academic staff guide groups in developing the correct skills and problem-solving techniques in the laboratory activities. The integration of key concepts and the practical application of mechanical design is encouraged through this feedback process.
The overall criteria to guide the group project is that the finite element method and design optimisation technologies (both theory and software) have to be reasonably involved and applied in the project. References to research articles which are closely related to the major topics of the subject are also recommended, where relevant.
Guest lectures from industry or consultation company (e.g. Leap Australia Pty Ltd) are given, which showcase some of the more practice-based mechanical design applications from industry. The aim is to further solidify the connections between knowledge in class and practice in engineering applications.
Content (topics)
- Computer-aided design and modelling for solid geometry
- Computational mechanics
- Numerical simulation and Finite Element Method
- Design of mechanical structural components and systems
- Optimization criteria and sensitivity analysis
- Topological design optimization
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Assignment
| Intent: | Four assignments are designed to help students have a clear understanding of the basic knowledge about simulation and optimization. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Case study |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 70% |
| Length: | Time allowed for an assignment is up to 4 hours on average. Students are required to complete assignment individually and independently. |
Assessment task 2: Group Project
| Intent: | One group project is designed to solidify students' capabilities for collaborative communication and effective team work, and application of knowledge gained in class to resolve real-world design problems using software. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1, D.1 and E.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Group, group assessed |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | The overall time for the completion of a group project is up to 30 hours, but it depends. |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.
Recommended texts
Note: You do not need to purchase all three textbooks, any one of them is okay. Textbooks using Metric or Imperial system of units should both be okay, because they have equivalents.
1: Saeed Moaveni, "Finite Element Analysis: Theory and Application with Ansys", Hardcover – 3 April 2014 (4th edition).
(* This is a very good reference, with basic FEM theories and concepts, as well as application aspects in software: ANSYS)
2: Daryl L. Logan, “A First Course in the Finite Element Method”, (6th Revised edition), Publisher: Nelson Engineering, Published: 12th August 2016.
(* A very good reference for students without much FEM experience to familiarize the basics of FEM in a short time)
3: Tirupathi R. Chandrupatla, Ashok D. Belegundu, "Introduction to Finite Elements in Engineering", (5th Edition)
Published by Pearson Higher Ed USA, 21 October 2021.
(* This reference is ideal for senior undergraduate and first-year graduate students and also as a learning resource to practicing engineers)
References
1: Cook, R.D., and et al “Finite Element Modelling for Stress Analysis”, John Wiley & Sons, Inc, Fourth Edition, 2002. (This is a very good reference for FEA theories, more comprehensively, but it is more suitable for students already with some FEM backgrounds)
2: Kurowski, P.M. “Finite Element Analysis for Design Engineers”, SAE International, Warrendale, PA, (2nd edition) 30 December 2016 (This is a good book with simple FEM concepts and applications. Free online via the UTS Library website).
3: ANSYS Software: online tutorials and help documents. ANSYS is available on all engineering Faculty General Access PC Labs.
4: Altair – Hyperworks (or Matlab) Software: online tutorials and help documents (subject to change).
5: Other online tutorials: through www.google.com.au with key words: Finite Element Method, Finite Element Analysis.
Other resources
We will be using the program ANSYS. ANSYS is available on all Engineering Faculty, General Access PC Labs (e.g. CB11.00.405, CB11.B1.400_401_402_403), or remote access. We may use MATLAB or other software tool to code simple FEM and design optimization problems.