The work of an engineer increasingly involves the use of powerful software modelling tools (virtual modelling). These tools allow us to predict potential manufacturing difficulties, suggest how a product or component is likely to behave in service, and undertake rapid and low cost design iteration and optimisation, to reduce costs, pre-empt failure and enhance performance.

This unit introduces students to the application of relevant Computer Aided Design (CAD) and analysis engineering tools in contemporary engineering. They will learn about standards, regulations and legal compliance within the context of engineering.

Topics included in this unit are: dimensioning and tolerances, standardisation and regulatory compliance (BS, ASTM, ISO, etc.), material properties and selection, manufacturing processes, 2D, 3D, CAD, solid modelling, one-dimensional and multidimensional problems, meshing and boundary conditions, and the finite volume method.

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to consider how to perform computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, develop finite element product and system models, explain the identification of faults in the application of simulation techniques and discuss the modelling method and data accuracy.

Engineering design fundamentals:
Dimensioning and tolerances
Standardisation and regulatory compliance (BS, ASTM, ISO, etc.)
How to manufacture and what to manufacture
Material properties and selection
Manufacturing processes: capability, cost issues and selection

Design tools:
2D and 3D CAD
Solid modelling
File types, export and compatibility

Interpretation and presentation of results through a series of guided exercises:
Results obtained, comparison of data, benefits and limitations
Generalisation of provided information, recommendations on current and future applications

Finite element formulation:
One-dimensional problems
Multi-dimensional problems
Beams

Finite element method:
Define the problem: simplify an engineering problem into a problem that can be solved using FEA
Define material properties and boundary conditions; choose appropriate functions, formulate equations, solve equations, visualise and explain the results

Fundamentals of CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics):
CFD and the finite volume method background
Meshing and boundary conditions
Applications, advantages and limitations of CFD

CFD simulation and analysis:
Apply CFD to simple design/aerodynamics problems: define the problem, provide initial boundary conditions for the problem, set-up a physical model, define material properties and operating conditions
Interpretation of CFD results
Examine the solution using graphical and numerical tools; suggest and make revision of the models

Simulation results:
Extracting relevant information from simulation-based exercises
Interpretation and presentation of results through a series of guided exercises

A research report and computer analysis exercise for finite element analysis of 1500 words assessing learning outcomes 1 and 2, weighted 50%

A research report and computer analysis exercise for computational fluid dynamics of 1500 words assessing learning outcomes 3 and 4, weighted 50%.

Whole group lectures will be used to deliver new material and to consolidate previous material. Small-group tutorials, with activities designed to enhance the understanding of the material delivered in the lectures, will be used to apply the skills and knowledge learned. A mixture of classroom based and practical activities will take place supported by staff.

Explore the capabilities and limitations of computer-based models in meeting design fundamentals and their use in solving problems in engineering.

Analyse finite element product and system models in order to find and solve potential structural or performance issues.

Perform CFD simulations to evaluate pressure and velocity distributions within an engineering setting.

Determine faults in the application of simulation techniques to evaluate the modelling method and data accuracy.

PCs with industry standard CAD software.

DATE, A.W. (2005) Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics. Cambridge University Press.
FISH, J. and BELYTSCHKO, T. (2007) A First Course in Finite Elements. Wiley.
TREVOR, H. and BECKER, A.A. (2013) Finite Element Analysis for Engineers. A Primer, National Agency for Finite Element Methods & Standards

www.tandfonline.com Taylor & Francis Online International Journal of Computational (Journal)
http://www.inderscience.com/ Inder Science Publishers Progress in Computational Fluid Dynamics, An International Journal (Journal)
https://www.nafems.org/ NAFEMS International Journal of CFD Case Studies (Journal)

Must be registered on HNC/D Mechanical Engineering provision at South Staffordshire College.

The work of an engineer increasingly involves the use of powerful software modelling tools (virtual modelling). These tools allow us to predict potential manufacturing difficulties, suggest how a product or component is likely to behave in service, and undertake rapid and low cost design iteration and optimisation, to reduce costs, pre-empt failure and enhance performance.

This unit introduces you to the application of relevant Computer Aided Design (CAD) and analysis engineering tools in contemporary engineering. They will learn about standards, regulations and legal compliance within the context of engineering.

Topics included in this unit are: dimensioning and tolerances, standardisation and regulatory compliance (BS, ASTM, ISO, etc.), material properties and selection, manufacturing processes, 2D, 3D, CAD, solid modelling, one-dimensional and multidimensional problems, meshing and boundary conditions, and the finite volume method.

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to consider how to perform computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, develop finite element product and system models, explain the identification of faults in the application of simulation techniques and discuss the modelling method and data accuracy.