Computer-Aided Engineering (MFCAENG and LBYMF2B)

TARGET AUDIENCE: Students, Academics, Industry Professionals, Employers, and Tech Enthusiasts

OVERVIEW: I took this class as a sophomore in my fourth term. It covers mainly how software can be used for the application of computer-aided engineering (CAE) but overall, it was just us making basic CAD models for the laboratory and another video presentation along with some critique paper for requirements for the lecture class. Tbf, it was the pandemic but there were no actual learnings aside from hands-on experience on the Fusion360 platform where we got student access on. The video presentations were not noteworthy and the instructor just waived us off when discussing topics about an IEEE conference.

Below are some of the CAD modelling efforts that I made for these classes as exercises. The first CAD is 1.) a simple baseplate that is typically seen in fixture tables, suitable to secure a workpiece into place; The next model is 2.) a ball bearing with a provided use-case where a shaft will deliver torque and needs the bearings to deliver that force. The succeeding two are workpiece 3-4.) clamp blocks that are suited for guiding a workpiece or a toolbit into a baseplate like the previous model; The last CAD is 5.) a box and cylinder assembly that may act as a pipe and duct connector in a housing (isipin mo ung alulod sa bahay, isang variation ito niyan!). The culminating activity for this course can be seen on the projects tab for more reference.

REFLECTION: Working on these CAD projects has to deepen my understanding of how CAE works and bridge between conceptual design and real-world functionality. Based on the definition though, we have yet to apply actual CAE like that of CFDs and Stress Analysis but yes this is a precursor for that topics as you need to have great application of CAD to be able to do that.

I’ve learned also to cope on the fact that despite the instructor’s “teachings” (iykyk!), it is best still to hone the art of CAD modelling if I really want to make this skill integral to my work as a CAD developer which I have set my eyes on! Ultimately this has taught me better in terms of iterative designs and optimizing it in order to ensure the functionality is met with the appropriate GD&T.