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Session 2438

Development of an Advanced Course in Computer-Aided Design, Analysis and Prototyping

James M. Leake University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Introduction

The increasing power of CAD has had a significant impact on the product development process, allowing improved quality, reduced cost products to get to market faster. Mechanical CAD (MCAD) software is rapidly evolving into what might be better described as product development, or perhaps virtual prototyping software. MCAD is increasingly integrated with analysis and simulation tools; upfront, predictive engineering is a reality in many companies. Surface modeling tools traditionally employed by industrial designers are now available in mid- range CAD packages. Low cost 3D printers are increasingly common. MCAD collaboration tools are used to improve communications within the product development team.

How might engineering educators capitalize on these exciting trends? One possibility is to employ associatively linked modeling, analysis, and prototyping tools in a dedicated course; another more ambitious possibility is to make the concerted effort to use these same tools across several design and analysis courses. The latter approach offers the potential of a more tightly integrated curriculum; instructors would develop a better understanding and awareness of what goes on in related courses; communications and coordination among faculty would improve. In addition, students would leave with four years of solid experience using CAD/CAM/CAE software.

This paper describes a new course, Computer-Aided Design Analysis and Prototyping, offered for the first time in the Spring 2003 semester, by the Department of General Engineering (GE) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). Initial curriculum development funding for the course was provided by the Academy for Excellence in Engineering Education (AE3), a UIUC College of Engineering organization. Autodesk Inc. also provides ongoing support for the course and the research that it fosters. In addition to gaining hands-on experience using a variety of CAD/CAE tools, the goals of this course include understanding 1) the mathematical foundations of geometric modeling, 2) the strengths and weaknesses of surface and parametric solid modeling approaches, 3) the divergent needs of design and analysis models, and how best to create design models so that they can subsequently be used for analysis, 4) the analytical skills necessary to be a successful design analyst, and 5) how best to move model information across applications.

“Proceedings of the 2004 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright 2004, American Society for Engineering”

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Leake, J. (2004, June), Development Of An Advanced Course In Computer Aided Design Analysis And Prototyping Paper presented at 2004 Annual Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah. 10.18260/1-2--12982