Computer Aided Engineering (MEC524)

Assignment: 3D Modelling & Downstream Applications

You are required to model an assembly using Solid Edge software. The suitability of the assembly selected must be ratified by the tutor before you commence modelling. You should aim to demonstrate good modelling practice as you utilise a range of modelling techniques. In addition, you should make evident the value of 3D CAD modelling by using a broad range of the functionality of the Solid Edge software, including downstream applications of the model as identified below. Please note that model complxity has little to no bearing on marks if you are not confident with CAD/CAE consider choosing a simple product to model.

1 Modelling & Downstream Applications                                            70

A Part Modelling                                                                                   5

B Designing in the Assembly Context                                                     10

C Assembly Modelling                                                                           10

D Animation of Assemblies                                                                    10

E Drafting                                                                                           10

F Rendering                                                                                        10

G Rapid Prototyping                                                                             10

H Product Data Exchange, Standard Parts & Collaboration                         5

Optional Components *Choose One*                                                  20

X Sheet Metal Environment                                                                    20

Y Surface Modelling                                                                              20

Z Finite Element Analysis                                                                       20

2 Report 50

[A – Z] Concise, suitably illustrated discussion of your part modelling approach and each downstream application. For each downstream application the value of the approach should be shown and suitably illustrated with properly referenced examples from the technical press. All discussion/screenshots/images/videos should be clearly cross-referenced to the relevant files in your archive. See detailed guidance for each section below, marking scheme is available on MEC502 BlackBoard Learn.                          40

Structure, Conciseness, Clarity, Readability, Presentation                              10

Total                                        140

Submission

Your report should be submitted asan A4 document (11 pt. using an appropriate Serif font (e.g., Times New Roman), 20 pages not inlcuding title/contents/references) to the Turnitin submission point on Blackboard. It should be properly structured with a title page, contents page, introduction and pages numbered and sections A - Z clearly identified as outlined above. Please include high quality images throughout and make the report engaging.

An archive (.zip) containing a copy of relevant files should be uploaded to BlackBoard Learn as per supplied instructions.  The  archive,  at  root   level,  should  contain  one  folder  with  the  name   B00123456,  where B00123456  represents YOUR student  ID.  Within this  main folder you should  use  an  appropriate folder structure so that all files are in a logical place and easily navigable for review by the tutor. Clear referencing must  be  provided within the  report to  files, their  location,  how they  should  be  opened  and  used.  It  is imperative that you make sure that assembly files etc. open correctly with all necessary part files available in the correct folders in your file structure.

Section Breakdown

The following details the specific tools you may wish to demonstrate and discuss the use of on a per-section basis. This list is by no means exhaustive and as such you may wish to include any additional details you deem relevant.

A         Part Modelling

Demonstrate the use of modelling techniques, don’t explain how the tool works, explain why you used these tools for the part you modelled, 2 examples are appropriate.

Challenging approaches preferred, using advanced tools such as Sweep, Loft, Helix, Web, Vent, etc.

B         Designing in the Assembly Context

Explore and discuss the use of tools to design with respect to the assembly context, show how certain features are linked and explain why it is appropriate to link these features with respect to design for manufacture.

Variable Tables, Project to Sketch, Inter-part Copies, Creating Parts In-Place, Assembly Sketches, Assembly Features, Assembly-Driven Part Features

C         Assembly Modelling

Create fully defined assemblies, make use of advanced tools within assembly environment to assist in design process.

Relationships, Bill of Materials, Sections, Exploded Views, Physical Properties, Interference Checking, Analysing Motion, Detecting Collisions

D Animation of Assemblies

Create unique and interesting animations to demonstrate modelled prodcut or assembly of product, utilise the various tools available to make created videos high quality.

Camera Paths, Motors, Explosions

E Drafting

Create high quality and informative engineering drawings of assembly model and key parts. Discuss the implementation of advanced engineering drawing tools and commands.

Dimensions, Tolerances, Section Views, Detail Views, Parts List, Hole Table, Bend Table, Title Block

F Rendering

Create a variety of high quality photorealisitic renders of product and assemblies. Demonstrate use of various rendering features in the creation of high quality images and videos.

Materials, Cameras, Scenes, Custom Backgrounds, Animation

G         Rapid Prototyping

Choose at least one part to modify/improve, discuss exporting of file for printing software and how tooptimise file for printing.

Include details of selected protoptying technique, including software and settings used.

H         Product Data Exchange, Standard Parts & Collaboration

Explore and discuss the use of standardised part files from reputible sources (i.e. purchase of bolts and  screws  from  website  inlcuding  download  and  use  of  percise  part  files).  Export  part(s)  in compatible  file  formats  (STEP/IGES)  and  import  externally  sourced  part  for  use  in  assembly. Demonstrate sensible naming conventions, file organisation and file exports.

Optional Components *Choose One*

X         Sheet Metal Environment

Explore the creation of apart file created in the sheet metal environment, discuss the benefits of creating part files this way and why you used certain commands to create the file.

Tab, Flange, Dimple, Corner, Break, Hole for producing brackets, enclosures, etc.

Y         Surface Modelling

Explore and implement core surface modelling tools and techniques to create part file with unqiue surfacing shape. Including generation of a split surface and modelling of two parts of a mould tool.

Project, BlueSurf, Bounded, Sweep, Extrude, Trim, Stitch, Split, Keypoint.

Z Finite Element Analysis

Explore and dicuss the creation of a simple Finite Element Analysis study, calculate appropriate force to apply, apply appropriate boundary conditions and analyse results.

Including boundary conditions, material/structural modification, and analysis of results.

Guidance

The following guidelines are offered to help you with your assignment.

1.   The report should NOT be written in the first person (“I” should not appear). For example, you should not say, “I created the feature by using the Extrude command.” It should be written in the passive;  e.g. “The Loft function enables the user to …” .

2.   The key to writing a concise and clear report is to use plenty of carefully selected illustrations of sketches,   intermediate   stages,   etc.   Illustrate   your   description  throughout   with   appropriate screenshots and  keep  your  descriptions  brief.  When  describing your  modelling  approach,  bullet points are particularly appropriate. Screenshots can be captured easily using the Snipping Tool.

3.    In Sections A – Z,a description of how you have achieved the result is NOT required. However, you should  concisely  explain  what  you  have  done  and  most  importantly  show  the  value  of  these downstream  applications,  as  well  as  how  they  would  be  used  in  an  industrial  product  design environment.  Examples  from  the  technical  press,  properly  referenced,  should  be  included.  You should  demonstrate  a  thoughtful,  critical  evaluation   of  the  downstream   applications.  A   non- exhaustive list of the sort of things you should include can be found in the Section Breakdown.

4.   The  file  structure  in  your  ZIP  file  should  correspond  to  the  sections  in   Part   1  Modelling  and Downstream Applications and conform to the arrangement shown below, using the folder names specified. Please ensure Design Manager is used to move/rename files and folders to avoid breaking associative links. If you feel you need to place some files differently, you must be very careful to clearly state where they are. The B00123456 folder (where B00123456 represents YOUR student number) should be the top-level folder in the ZIP file.