Computer-aided Engineering Education Research Articles

Verification of Synergistic Effects of Education on Mechanism Theory and CAE for Mechanism Analysis

A mechanism was designed to synergize theoretical and computer-aided engineering (CAE) education using Simscape Multibody developed by Mathworks Inc. Educational outcomes were examined by observing students' scores in theory and CAE assignments after each class via decision tree analysis and Bayesian networks. The decision tree analysis showed that the scores on a calculation of gear dimensions influenced the grades of the students the most and were related to their understanding of CAE. Students with high assignment scores were eventually able to model and simulate a mechanism described in a technical book, which was a synergistic effect of theoretical and CAE education. However, it was observed that students with poor assignment scores were inept in the CAE learning process, leading up to the quadric crank chain mechanism. The Bayesian networks showed low dependency between classes in the CAE learning process, which implied that the intended educational outcomes were not achieved. Based on these analyses, which were demonstrated to be effective in evaluating class design, the curriculum, time allocation, and follow-up system of the educational process will be improved and classes will be conducted effectively.

An educational software suite for comprehensive learning of Computer‐Aided Engineering

AbstractThe learning of Computer‐Aided Engineering (CAE) usually involves practical computer lessons on the use of CAE software. Software packages suitable for learning should be user‐friendly and accessible, with an affordable cost. However, the CAE freeware and proprietary software available in the market are relatively difficult to use for novices. Furthermore, most proprietary software packages are very costly, hindering the access of learners. In this study, a CAE freeware suite, CAE 3D, has been developed for supporting the learning of CAE technology. CAE 3D contains four modules for analyzing 3D solid mechanics, heat transfer, and mechanical vibration problems by the finite element method, and 3D fluid dynamics problems by the finite volume method. Unlike most CAE freeware applications, the user interface of CAE 3D is a purely graphical user interface instead of containing some text‐based user interfaces. As CAE 3D is user‐friendly and capable of analyzing various types of engineering problems, it is suitable for use as a learning tool of CAE. For example, learners can adjust parameters, such as geometry, material properties, and/or boundary conditions, to explore the effects of a given setting on the CAE results. This article explains the CAE learning process, development of CAE 3D software and application of CAE 3D to university classrooms. The classroom feedback indicates that the students were highly satisfied with CAE 3D in terms of the usability, the reliability of results and the contribution toward learning. These responses support the applicability of CAE 3D in CAE education.

A Low Cost Implementation of an Existing Hands-on Laboratory Experiment in Electronic Engineering

In engineering the pedagogical content of most formative programmes includes a significant amount of practical laboratory hands-on activity designed to deliver knowledge acquisition from actual experience alongside traditional face-to-face classroom based lectures and tutorials; this hands-on aspect is not always adequately addressed by current e-learning platforms.
 An innovative approach to e-learning in engineering, named computer aided engineering education (CAEE) is about the use of computer aids for the enhanced, interactive delivery of educational materials in different fields of engineering through two separate but related components; one for classroom and another for practical hands-on laboratory work. The component for hands-on laboratory practical work focuses on the use of mixed reality (video-based augmented reality) tools on mobile devices/platforms. 
 This paper presents the computer aided engineering education (CAEE) implementation of a laboratory experiment in micro-electronics that highlights some features such as the ability to closely implement an existing laboratory based hands-on experiment with lower associated costs and the ability to conduct the experiment off-line while maintaining existing pedagogical contents and standards.

Computer‐aided engineering education and more

Computer‐aided engineering education and more

SEFI and Computer-aided Engineering Education in Europe

SUMMARY The role of the SEFI Working Group on Computer-Aided Engineering Education is introduced, and its involvement in the COMETT and DELTA programmes is outlined. Development work is described on aspects of computer-aided learning (CAL) and associated authoring systems at MEDC (Paisley), EPFL (Lausanne) and NTH (Trondheim), together with the SHIVA system developed by CNRS-IRPEACS (Lyon) and the Open University (Milton Keynes). The use of computers in distance education, for both home computing and computer conferencing, is also referred to.

Computer-aided Engineering Education and Technical Management

SUMMARY The computer-aided engineering (CAE) system gives an engineer a set of powerful new tools for proper realization of his/her design tasks. Therefore, it is also necessary to accept this methodological development adequately within the engineering curriculum of technical universities in the successful education of the new generation of engineers. CAE methodology influences all areas of an engineer's work and should be accompanied by principal changes in the traditionally used methods of engineering education. But the student's use of computer tools within many engineering disciplines hides the danger of gaining practical skills by means of the computer instead of traditional educational goals concerning the proper understanding of the solution principles of technical problems. Sometimes the students are not able to recognize the significance of, for example, software development problems or engineer workstation organization problems, in view of the main goal of engineering design—to develop a new technical system. To avoid this danger it is necessary to present methods of technical management as an integral part of CAE education. Such orientation has an important role within an engineer's education in the twentieth century.

Editorial Computer-aided Engineering Education— CAEE ’91

(1992). Editorial Computer-aided Engineering Education— CAEE ’91. European Journal of Engineering Education: Vol. 17, No. 2, pp. 115-116.

Computer-aided Engineering Education at the K.U. Leuven

Computer-aided Engineering Education at the K.U. Leuven