Final Assessment – Portfolio 100%

The assignment will examine the use of industry standard software with regards to motion, finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics. Work submitted may include appropriate simulation and software files, video, or audio evidence or written work. The assessment will be based on the ability to use the software (word count not required as evidence is mainly software files). Learning outcomes 1-4.

Simulation software has become an imperative part of the engineer’s ‘toolbox’. Computational Fluid Dynamics, Finite Element Analysis and Vehicle Dynamic modelling are used by the industry to cut research and development time and cost. During this module you will learn the skills to utilise several industry standard CAD and simulation packages to enable you to produce, analyse and validate appropriate models and components essential in future modules.

The module is divided equally into two parts;

1. 3D Solid Modeling;

1.1 Design Methodology - Developing a design specification, concept generation, concept selection and management of the design process.

1.2 Solid Modeling - Defining datums, sketching, basic 3D shape creation using extrude, revolve sweep etc. Shape modifiers including round, chamfer and shell. Assembly of components.
Manufacturability of objects.
1.3 Simulation and Motion – Apply constraints and motion to components and assemblies to determine movement paths and realistic working parameters to components.
1.4 Finite Element Analysis – Simulation set –up and geometry meshing, analysis of FEA simulation outcomes including buckling and stress, modal analysis and linear and non-linear materials. Motorsport explicit dynamics such as crash test, component pressures and forces.
1.5 CAD Integration - Understanding data transfer methods. Using IGES, STEP and polygon based data transfer standards.

2. Computational Fluid Dynamics

2.1 Introduction to CFD - modelling capabilities of industry standard CFD packages, the use of the graphics and command windows and the GUI, standard techniques and CAD generation processes to ensure appropriate integration.
2.2. Meshing - Basic Strategies of meshing simple geometries, Fundamental entities, definition and manipulation of a model geometry, various meshing techniques. Surface repair of complex shapes
2.3 Creating and Running a Simple Model- the building of a simple model, running the solver and viewing the results. Thermophysical Models and Properties. Boundary Condition Specification : various settings and options that can be applied to each boundary type.
2.4 Analysis Controls and Post-processing: selection of the solution algorithm, discretisation methods and how to control the analysis output, the plotting of vector and contours plots, section slices, particle tracks, graphs, manipulation of post and graph registers. Basics of vehicle aerodynamics.

Delivery is by distance learning with a comprehensive resource handbook on the VLE and available to download containing topic information, example questions and email and telephone support being available through our online VLE known as the Virtual Learning Studio (VLS), individual tutorials and student forum. Specialist knowledge will be delivered by staff through video input. Study is by independent learning with tutor support of approximately 6 hours per module but students may access tutors whenever they choose within the working week 9-5 BST.

Computer with fast broadband connection
Range of resources located on the VLS
Library Services through Sconul access or e books

*Technical and user manuals from required software.
MacDonald, B. J. (2011) Practical Stress Analysis with Finite Element. 2nd Ed. Dublin: Glasnevin.
Malalasekera, W., Versteeg, H. (2007) An Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics: The Finite Volume Method. New Jersey: Pearson/Prentice Hall.
*Core text

1) Demonstrate use of industry standard cad software in race car design including manufacturability of automotive components. (Knowledge and Understanding, Application, Learning).
2) Demonstrate use and analysis of motion simulation. (Application).
3) Interpret a fea simulation on a motorsport component utilising industry relevant input loads and post-processing of the results. (Application).
4) Develop, simulate and post-process a typical cfd simulation. (Knowledge and Understanding, Application).