Computer Modelling, Analysis and Visualisation
Overview
This unit aims to provide an appreciation of the various CAD/CAM/CAE tools available to the manufacturing industry, and practical experience in their use.
Requisites
Undergraduate degree
200 Credit Points
Postgraduate degree
Nil
Assumed Knowledge
Design methods, material science and mechanics of structures, CAD
02-November-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Identify the various CAD/CAM/CAE tools and their applications in the manufacturing industry (A3)
- Apply computer modelling and analysis software tools in the design process (K1, K2, K3, K5, S1, S2, A1, A2, A4, A5, A6, A7)
- Create and analyse surface models to assist the design process (K2, K3)
- Create and analyse simple kinematic mechanisms (K1, K2, K3)
- Evaluate CAD/CAE simulation results against experimental results (K1, K2, S2, A2, A4, A6, A7)
- Describe the advances in modelling and the techniques available to industry, including virtual reality (K4, A2, A3, A4)
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus Lecture | 1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
| On-campus Class | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning | 9.50 | 12 weeks | 114 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | Individual | 40 - 50% | 1,2,3,4,6 |
| Online Quiz | Individual | 10 - 20% | 1,2,3,4,6 |
| Project Report | Group | 40 - 60% | 2,3,4,5 |
Hurdle
As the minimum requirements of assessment to pass a unit and meet all ULOs to a minimum standard, an undergraduate student must have achieved:
(i) an aggregate mark of 50% or more, and(ii) at least 40% in the final exam.Students who do not successfully achieve hurdle requirement (ii) will receive a maximum of 45% as the total mark for the unit.
Content
- Introduction: Simulation, development, design, prototyping, experimentation, available systems, applications
- FEM and FEA: Fundamentals, 2D and 3D elements, modelling techniques, mesh generation, linear static, dynamic, transient, structural, kinematic, sensitivity studies, optimisation
- Space Curves and Surfaces: Theory, parametric representation of curves and surfaces, relationship to CAD, curvature, smoothing, applications
- Parametric Design: Introduction to parametric design, hierarchy of parametric systems, optimisation, form-feature design, applications
- Kinematic Modelling: Elements of kinematic models, techniques, mechanisms, applications
- Emerging technologies: Virtual reality, types of VRs, virtual product development, applications, global trends
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.