A model curriculum for CAD

A model for a computer-aided design course is discussed for teaching undergraduate- and masters-level students in mechanical engineering. The discussions are presented from the point of view of a mechanical engineer. The author´s view is that a CAD-based curriculum should include computer graphics/drafting finite-element methods, and design of machine components. Because computers can perform calculations rapidly, their power should be utilized in evaluating alternatives and obtaining optimal solutions whenever possible. It is recommended, therefore, that optimization techniques should also be included in a CAD curriculum. On the basis of these feelings a brief summary is given of eight topics for inclusion in such a curriculum. The topics are: numerical techniques: computer graphics; design databases; design optimization; fundamentals of the finite-element method; linear elastic analysis using finite-element methods; linkage synthesis; and the design of machine components