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Integrating SolidWorks 3D Design and Simulation Modules into Introductory Biomedical Engineering Courses for the Development of Employability Skills

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Conference

2022 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Location

Minneapolis, MN

Publication Date

August 23, 2022

Start Date

June 26, 2022

End Date

June 29, 2022

Conference Session

Biomedical Engineering Division: Integrating Design Across the BioE/BME Curriculum

Page Count

14

DOI

10.18260/1-2--41464

Permanent URL

https://strategy.asee.org/41464

Download Count

493

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Paper Authors

biography

Mostafa Elsaadany University of Arkansas

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Assistant Professor - University of Arkansas | Department of Biomedical Engineering.

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Mary Jia University of Arkansas

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A rising senior biomedical engineering student at the University of Arkansas.

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Jordan Crosby University of Arkansas

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Raj Rao University of Arkansas

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Abstract

Current trends in biomedical engineering industry indicate that rapid prototyping using 3D design tools such as computer aided design (CAD)-based software is a desirable skill for immediate employability. However, the implementation of 3D design modules is less prevalent in biomedical engineering courses due to the breadth of topics implicit in the consolidation between biomedical sciences and engineering principles. We designed a Simulation Toolkit using the SolidWorks Simulations add-in for the Biomechanics course to enrich existing course content while developing a useful skill for biomedical engineering industry occupations. The toolkit contains simulations of lecture or homework problems that use the finite element method (FEM) to derive solutions that students are also capable of solving by-hand. Student responses to the toolkit delivered as an extra credit assignment with video demos were collected to determine the effectiveness of instruction and student opinions on SolidWorks as a tool for their future careers. The resulting responses indicate that the Simulation Toolkit assignment increased positive student opinions on the interest in and likeliness to use 3D design and simulation (p < 0.001). However, student confidence and difficulties in operating the SolidWorks Simulations software remained low due to a lack of basic ability to operate SolidWorks. These data demonstrate the effectiveness of integrating a SolidWorks Simulations module in improving student awareness of useful 3D design skills and FEM for students lacking previous SolidWorks training.

Elsaadany, M., & Jia, M., & Crosby, J., & Rao, R. (2022, August), Integrating SolidWorks 3D Design and Simulation Modules into Introductory Biomedical Engineering Courses for the Development of Employability Skills Paper presented at 2022 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Minneapolis, MN. 10.18260/1-2--41464

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