Mechanical Engineering Design - Overview

Drawing acts as the language of communication in engineering, conveying geometry, dimensions, and three-dimensional views for manufacturing through oblique, isometric, and orthographic representations.

Explore orthographic projections as two dimensional representations of a three dimensional object, detailing front and side views, size consistency, parallel projection rays, and the observer at infinity.

Place a three-dimensional object in quadrant one or three to generate orthographic projections with rays parallel to the plane of projection, producing front and top views from rotated planes.

Explore the glass box concept by projecting a three-dimensional object to reveal front, top, and side views, then unfold the box to align all views on one plane.

Specify dimensions for a three-dimensional object by detailing the front, top, and right side views to capture width, depth, height, and feature sizes.

Compare the first angle of projection and the third angle of prediction, detailing view arrangement, plane of projection, and the glass box unfolding concept to avoid superimposed views.

Learn the methodology of projection, including first and third angle systems, by rotating planes to align front, top, and profile views, and interpreting the symbol of projection on blueprints.

Master view selection by orienting the object within the glass box concept and choosing front, top, and side views to clearly represent geometry and hidden features.

Explore efficient view selection in mechanical design by prioritizing front, top, and right side views, using one dimension to convey thickness, and omitting unnecessary views for clear drawings.

Dimensioning conveys essential geometry details using extension lines, dimension lines, leader lines, numerals, and notes. It emphasizes placing each feature's position and size once, avoiding redundancy and crossing lines.

Explore dimensioning for plates and cylinders, including chain and progressive dimensioning, hole positioning with centerlines and B distances, diameter notation, and arc centers.

Explain the difference between tangency and intersection in 3D models, and show how tangent surfaces do not require lines in 2D views, while intersection lines reveal sharp edges.

Learn the line types used in engineering drawing, including visible edges, dimension lines, extension lines, axis and center lines, plus dashed and datum lines for hidden features.

Explore alternate views beyond projected views, including auxiliary, partial, detailed, broken, and local views, to accurately convey geometry projections cannot, using edges to reveal true surface size for dimensioning.

Create a detailed view to clearly show edge dimensions without overlap by selecting a region, enlarging the view, and adjusting scale and annotations.

Explore broken, partial, local, and sectional views in mechanical drawings; learn when to use each to reveal interiors or specific regions of long objects with constant cross sections.

Engineering drawing communicates the shape, size, features, and precision of products through projected views, cross sections, a title block, dimensions, and scaling under ASME standards.

Identify the need or problem, research and develop multiple solutions through conceptual to detailed phases, prototype with CAD and simulations, test, collect feedback, redesign, and prepare for production.

Explore how computers accelerate engineering design by evaluating chair deformation under load with and without supports, using ANSYS and CAD to optimize performance and reduce deformation.

CAD, or computer-aided design, enables engineers to create 3D models for analysis and drawing layouts, reducing design time and boosting productivity to meet demand for state-of-the-art technology.

Trace the evolution from universal drafting machines to CAD and learn how CAD enables rapid design verification, 3D visualization, and precise wireframe geometry with tolerances.

Explore solid, surface, and parametric CAD modelling, including assembling parts and editing dimensions, and apply to automotive and aerospace design, reverse engineering, and rapid prototyping.

Explore Creo Parametric to build a solid F-16 CAD model. Study wings, fuselage, aerofoil, and tail for aerodynamic analysis and export geometry for analysis tools.