Computer Methods in Engineering Design

Catalog description

Computer methods in mechanical design: solid modeling, graphics, surface smoothing/interpolation and underlying numerics: simultaneous equations, quadrature, eigen problems, discrete models. E MCH 407 Computer Methods in Engineering Design (3) E MCH 407 teaches computer methods and the use of modeling tools for doing mechanical design and the underlying numerical methods necessary to design, design analysis and development of design-related computer tools. The programming tool used in the course is MATLAB. E MCH 407 provides preparation for study of finite element analysis and professional practice. It is well suited to students who expect to work in design, manufacturing and/or project engineering. E MCH 407 is not a typical numerical methods course; for example, it treats solution of differential equations using finite differences only as minor application. Nonetheless the mathematics is at times rather abstract. Course Objectives (labels for ABET criterion met are appended to each objective). Students will be able to: � Apply methods prerequisite to finite element analysis to solve well-defined problems (a, e, f, g, i, k) � Generate splines and curves for the smoothing of surfaces (a, b, e, f, g, h, i, j, k) � Write computer code to do computer graphics and object manipulation (a, c) � Do solid modeling, create rapid-prototypes, generate meshes using a commercial package (c, e, h, j, k) � Calculate eigenvalues/eigenvectors and plot mode shapes (a, e, j, k) 2. Evaluation Methods include homework, mini-project submittals, midterm and final exams. 3. Special Facilities: E MCH 407 is taught in classrooms with computers. 4. Frequency of Offering/Enrollment: E MCH 407 is offered every spring semester. Enrollment is limited to the number of computers in the classroom.