Module: Design & Solid Modelling

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

All Module information is indicative, and this portal is an interim interface pending the full upgrade of Coursebuilder and subsequent integration to the new DCU Student Information System (DCU Key).

As such, this is a point in time view of data which will be refreshed periodically. Some fields/data may not yet be available pending the completion of the full Coursebuilder upgrade and integration project. We will post status updates as they become available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Design & Solid Modelling
Module Code	MM225 (ITS) / MEC1005 (Banner)
Faculty	Engineering & Computing	School	Mechanical & Manufacturing Eng
Module Co-ordinator	Nigel Kent
Module Teachers	Paul Young
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

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

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Tutorial	24	Classroom use of Solid Modeller
Lecture	12	Delivery of material on the philosophy and practice of mechanical design
Independent Study	24	Engagement with online lessons from software provider
Assignment Completion	48	Design Project: working in teams to fulfill design brief
Independent Study	17	Practice 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 Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Loop Exam	Part creation using solid modeller	15%	Week 5
Loop Exam	Part and Assembly modelling	35%	Week 12
Completion of online activity	Based 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
Project	Design Project and Presentation	40%	Week 12

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
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,