Application of Computer Aided Design in Mechanical Engineering - Assignment Example

RЕРОRT ON SОLIDWОRKS АND САD Table of Contents Table of Contents 1 Introduction 2 Examples of the CAD systems 3 CAD Application in mechanical engineering 4 Design Production and Troubleshooting 4 Simulations and Scenarios 4 Quality Assurance and Control 4 CAD hardware 5 Screenshot of a SolidWorks 5 A screenshot of AutoCAD 6 Finite Element Analysis 8 Conclusion 8 References 9 Introduction Computer Aided Design (CAD) is designing using the information technology. Any CAD system consists of specialized software and hardware. It allows the designer and user to accurately generate graphic representation of a real life product. It also allows easy modification. Examples of the CAD systems The generic type of Software is produced for commercial purposes and be able to perform several tasks in one package. It is important that you put into place certain considerations when choosing any Software, like the Computer Aided Drawing Software. One should consider whether the software will perform everything it is needed to. It is not always obvious that an individual program will complete the required tasks entirely or is easy to use to fulfill its purpose. CAD software is a description of the essential functions of the particular CAD program. The functions may include data output, Data storage, drawing and editing and other specific features that come with the program (Tzu 1999). The CAD can design figures in two-dimensional spaces (2D) and can design in three-dimensional space (3D) that is for solid figures, curves and surfaces. SolidWorks is a solid modeler and is used for the 3-D design. It is created in a way that all the dimensions are related and the relationship between one another enables the designer to change any part of the design at any point to alter that solid part. It runs on Microsoft Windows and use the Microsoft Structured storage file format. The format therefore allows the various parts of the design to be embedded to each other. It approach is a parametric feature-based in creating models and assemblies. Parametric is the restriction on the value to determine the geometry or shape of the object. AutoCAD was primarily a 2-D design tool but was improved in the AutoCAD 2007 model to have 3-D capabilities. It is a pioneer CAD program and runs in personal computers and any other computer connected to a graphic terminal. Mechanical engineering being a broad field and covers several industries of any economy. Mechanical engineers should always plan and design mechanical objects. Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of computer systems to create, modify, analyze or optimize an engineering design (Renner 2003). CAD Application in mechanical engineering CAD is, therefore, is applicable in the Mechanical Engineering as follows: Design Production and Troubleshooting CAD quickens and makes the design process easier. It is because it simplifies the designs as well as eliminating the need to draw plans afresh. The software also has features that help to locate errors in the design and interpret it in a way that will increase the productivity of the designer. AutoCAD can be used to detect existing errors and flows of the product and hence correcting it. Simulations and Scenarios Graphic simulation is a critical aspect of the AutoCAD application. It is a feature that allows the designer to view how the constructed object will function. This is important because the flaws and errors can be fixed before the machine is built physically. Quality Assurance and Control There are features of the application software’s that allow the engineer to put the object in different environments and stress levels. The analysis components of the AutoCAD enable the designer to determine the expected performance of the Object in question. They, therefore, can produce user specifications on the particular object (Chua 2015). The advantages and disadvantages of CAD methods compared with manual methods. 1. Since drawings can be done in either 3D or 2D, the design becomes very accurate hence avoiding errors. 2. Information is very efficiently organized when CAD is used. Use of layers that are an equivalent of overlays is an important feature. The layer (overlays) can be easily edited to suit the design rational. 3. The drawings can be easily modified to suit the revised layout. This is by the use of computerized editing tools. CAD hardware CAD software usually has a minimum hardware requirement for it to run. While upgrading, as well, will require certain specified hardware requirements. The software needs a fast computer but usually depending on whether it uses 3D or 2D dimensional spaces. Screenshot of a SolidWorks Large monitors are encouraged so as the image details are clearly visible. The designer will need printers and plotters that produce the output with pens, ink jets or electrostatic charges. The digitizers and scanners required can vary in size or resolution at which they process the images, but high resolutions are preferred for quality output. A screenshot of AutoCAD Factors to consider include the computer’s processor speed, the size of the RAM, and even that of the hard disk (Smith, 2015). Laptops should meet the minimum requirements required to run the software including proper screen size and enough hard disk drive according to the specifications. Finite Element Analysis Finite element analysis (FEA) is a method for predicting the reaction of a product that is subjected to physical environment forces using computerized methods. It just shows whether the product will work as designed or break and how it will wear out. It, therefore, is an important process in any product development process (Barnhill 2014). FEA breaks down the real object into several finite elements into large numbers of little cubes. Using mathematical equations, the automated process will add up the behavior of the small cubes and hence being able to predict correctly the behavior of real life object (Hughes, 1978). 1. It enables the engineers to achieve their desired objectives accurately and hence can make modifications whenever necessary. 2. It saves a lot of money and time. It, therefore, is efficient in any industry. 3. It solves the issues of structural behaviors and removes unnecessary doubts and pessimism. Conclusion The first step to manufacturing is design. This is where most important decisions are made. CAD is therefore important determining the final cost of the product. The technology will therefore oversee better quality products, lower inventory, reduced product costs and efficient and effective products being created. References Hughes, T.J., Cohen, M. and Haroun, M., 1978. Reduced and selective integration techniques in the finite element analysis of plates. Nuclear Engineering and Design, 46(1), pp.203-222. Tzu, S.D., Tu, S.C. and Lin, C.H., Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd., 1999. Computer aided design. U.S. Patent 5,994,009. Renner, G. and Ekárt, A., 2003. Genetic algorithms in computer-aided design. Computer-Aided Design, 35(8), pp.709-726. Chua, M., Chui, C.K. and Teo, C., 2015. Computer aided design and experiment of a novel patient-specific carbon nanocomposite voice prosthesis. Computer-Aided Design, 59, pp.109-118. Smith, K., Kelley, S., Kankakee, A.C.C., Fox, W. and Hoffman, A., 2015. Computer Aided Drafting and Design CADD. Barnhill, R.E. and Riesenfeld, R.F. eds., 2014. Computer aided geometric design. Academic Press. Read More