Computer-aided design

Objectives of the course

This course gives an overview of the possibilities of computer support in the context of product development. To this end, common methods and tools for modeling, structure simulation, and optimization are presented. In addition to concepts for the use of CAx systems, the students are also introduced to the basics and backgrounds of various processes. The focus is on parametric computer-aided design (CAD) and finite element analysis (FEA).
The students are made familiar with the possible uses and potentials of computer-aided systems (CAx systems) in product development. Furthermore, they will be able to use application scenarios to explain the areas of application of CAD in the product life phases and to derive requirements for virtual models from this. You will learn to analyze the structure of CAD models (history) and to differentiate between good and bad models. In addition, they get to know a wide variety of functional groups in 2D and 3D modeling as well as parametric, feature, and knowledge-based meddling techniques that modern CAD systems make available to users. Based on an introduction to the finite element method, the students will be able to carry out simple simulations of linear electrostatic problems and identify important sources of error during an FE analysis. Furthermore, the basics and possible applications of structural optimization are dealt with in the course, and simple optimization problems are independently formulated and solves with suitable optimization methods.

Content

• Overview and possible uses of CAx systems
• Methodological basics for the construction process and the resulting requirements for support from CAx systems
• Overview of information processing in product development
• Mathematical basics of CAD modeling
• Modeling with CAD systems (2D & 3D modeling, model types, parametric, feature-based and knowledge-based modeling)
• Modeling of complex geometries for additive manufacturing using visual programming language
• Fundamentals and applications of the finite element method (FEM)
• Overview of structure optimization and optimization methods

Structure

The module “Computer-Aided Design” consists of the following courses:

• Computer-Aided Design – Lecture
• Computer-Aided Design – Exercise

In addition, the following laboratories can be attended:

• Computer-Aided Design – 2 LP Lab
• Laboratory Computer Aided Design for Additive Manufacturing – 6 LP Lab