Mechanical Engineering - School of Engineering and Technology, IUPUI

Purdue School of Engineering and Technology, IUPUI

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ME 450 Computer-Aided Engineering Analysis

ME 450 is an ME elective offered in the department since 1989. It is usually offered once a year, depending on the enrollment. It has undergone several revisions over the years to incorporate more modern and general computer-aided tools and texts into the course. It is designed to introduce students to the use of the finite element method as a mechanical engineering design and analysis tool. The students learn the basic principles of the finite element method and use a commercial package named ANSYS for multidisciplinary applications, including deformation and heat transfer of solids. The features and applications of vaious finite elements element types, including truss, frame, solid, fluid, heat transfer, and plate/shell bending elements are studied.

Evaluation Methods
In addition to the individually assigned HW problems weekly (about ten) and two mid-term tests students work in teams on a final project applying the method to an advanced design and analysis problem in teams, write a report, and give an oral presentation to fellow students and faculty at the end of the semester. Typical final projects include finite element modeling of an advanced engineering design or analysis problem such as deformations of complex structures under dynamic and thermal loads, bone implants, valve dynamics, etc. Starting from Spring 2003, their final projects have been evaluated with the help of a jury consisting of faculty members. Jury evaluation evaluations measure:
1) creativity and originality,
2) use of engineering principles,
3) impact of the project on safety, environment, and society;
4) professionalism of the project group, and
5) effectiveness of the presentations.

Impact on the Program
This course substantially increases the computer-modeling skills of the students. Students who take this course are usually very effective in capstone design teams in ME 462, where they assume advanced modeling duties. The impact of this course to the curriculum is evidenced by the increased sophistication of the computer simulations of the capstone design for structural integrity validations.

The presentations of student projects of recent years may be accessed from the following list:

Fall '07