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Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Design and Solid Modelling
Module Code MM225
School School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Nigel Kent
Semester 2: Nigel Kent
Autumn: Nigel Kent
Module TeachersPaul Young
Nigel Kent
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Coursework Only
Students can submit assigned project work and repeat the tests in August.
Description

To provide an introduction to the design process and the use of different design tools for specification development, critical review, decision making and team work in relation to mechanical engineering. To develop skills in the generation and use of 3D solid models for shape, component properties, manufacturing information and analysis. To interlink the use of the design tools with the analytical elements of other concurrent modules, especially Mechanics of Materials and Manufacturing Processes

Learning Outcomes

1. Use a structured design approach to determine the design specification, evaluate alternative designs and progress a design project from inception to completion.
2. Distinguish the range and application of various design elements available to the Engineer.
3. Construct solid models and assemblies of existing and new designs in Engineering Design Software
4. Formulate solutions to design problems.
5. Produce Solid models suitable for use in design prototype evaluation and manufacture of the design



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Tutorial24Classroom use of Solid Modeller
Lecture12Delivery of material on the philosophy and practice of mechanical design
Independent Study24Engagement with online lessons from software provider
Assignment Completion48Design Project: working in teams to fulfill design brief
Independent Study17Practice with the solid modelling software
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Lectures
A series of lectures on different aspects of execution of a design project to complement the other learning activities below.

The design process
The different stages of the design process: Specification development, Ideation, Prototyping, Evaluation, Improvement and Delivery

Projects, teamwork and ethics
The design project will require teamwork, demonstrate application of the design process including exploration of the team interactions and the ethical issues related to the designing of new products.

Testing and analysis
Introduction to the use of solid modelling to provide the inputs for computational analysis of problems from other modules. The development and testing of prototypes of designs for critical evaluation.

Problem solving and decision making
Within the Solid modelling tests and Team Design Challenge the application of engineering to solve open problem statements will be developed.

Geometric tolerancing and dimensioning / limits and fits / surface finish / Standards
In both lectures and the use of the software model based application of standards to communicate manufacturing requirements on parts will be developed and applied.

Part and Assembly modelling and analysis
Classroom and independent study activities will develop skills in the representation of mechanical parts and assemblies to develop models of designs, components and complete solutions to mirror the real world components, creating a Digital Twin

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Loop ExamPart creation using solid modeller15%Week 5
Loop ExamPart and Assembly modelling35%Week 12
Completion of online activityBased on a number of activities undertaken as part of module including tutorial exercises, completion of MySolidWorks learning path, interaction with team members on the design forum.10%Other
ProjectDesign Project and Presentation40%Week 12
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List

  • David G. Ullman: 2010, The mechanical design process, McGraw-Hill Higher Education, Boston, 0072975741
  • Robert L. Mott, Edward M. Vavrek, Jyhwen Wang: 2018, Machine Elements in Mechanical Design, 6th, Pearson, 9780134441184
  • Richard G. Budynas, Keith J. Nisbett: 2019, Shigley's Mechanical Engineering Design, 11th, McGraw-Hill, 1260569993
Other Resources

61455, Web Portal, Dassault Systèmes SOLIDWORKS Corp., 0, My Solidworks, Dassault Systèmes SOLIDWORKS Corp., my.solidworks.com,
Programme or List of Programmes
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CAMB.Eng. Mechanical & Manufacturing Eng
ECSAStudy Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
ECSAOStudy Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
HDEATH.Dip Engineering Analysis & Technology
MEB.Eng. in Mechatronic Engineering
SSEBEng in Mechanical & Sustainability Eng
Date of Last Revision25-JUL-08
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