Application of Computer-Aided Designs - Assignment Example

Author’s name Instructors’ name Course Date Computer-Aided Designs Introduction Evidently, computer programs and software have played a critical in the engineering industry (Saxena & Sahay 2006). 3D and 2D software are some of the programs used in the Computer-Aided Designs. On the other hand, Finite Element Analysis is the use of a computer model of either design or material that is stressed as well as analyzed for accurate results. The following paper intends to analyze the application of Computer-Aided Designs and Finite Element Analysis in Engineering. 2D and 3D software Analysis 3D software 3D software is software that produces computer-generated imagery-CGI by using 3D modeling as well as 3D rendering. 3D software is also used in producing 3D models for scientific, analytic or industrial purposes (Saxena & Sahay 2006). Therefore, 3D modeling software refers to a group of 3D computer graphics software that is used in producing 3D models. Specific programs of the class are called modelers or modeling applications. The work of 3D modelers or applications is to allow users to alter and create models through the 3D mesh. Users can subtract, add, stretch or otherwise change the the3D mesh to the desired specs. Further, the models can be viewed from various angles, usually at the same time. Also, they can as well be rotated, and the view is zoomed in and out. On the other hand, 3D modelers and applications can be used in exporting the models to files. They can then be imported to any other application as long as the metadata compatibility is fixed. By using, many modelers one can plugged-in the importers and export as well in the order they can evaluating a for reading and writing data in the native formats of other applications or models. In many instances, most of the 3D modelers consist of several related features, including ray tracers as well as other rendering alternatives and facilities for texture mapping (Saxena & Sahay 2006). Some 3D modelers also have features that help in supporting or allowing animation of models, while others may be able to produce a full-motion video that consists of series of rendered scenes or animation. Further, the term rendering is defined as the calculations done by a 3D software package’s render engine to assist in translating the view a finalized 2D image from a mathematical approximation (Saxena & Sahay 2006). In the process, the full information about textural, spatial, as well as the lighting of each scene is brought together to determine the value each pixel of the color in the image that has been flattened. The process of rendering is instrumental in the development cycle of computer graphics. It must be noted that rendering is one of the most technically complex aspects of the 3D production. However, it can be quite easily understood in the realm of an analogy: as any film photographer is needed to develop as well as print his photos before them being displayed, also professional in the computer graphics are burdened with a similar necessity. Notably, there are two main types of rendering where the main difference between them is the speed in which images are finalized or computed (Saxena & Sahay 2006). The first is the Real-Time rendering that is mostly used in gaming or interactive graphics. In Real-Time rendering images should be computed from the information contained in the 3D at very high speed. Therefore, one of the features in the Real-Time Rendering is the interactivity since it is not possible to predict exactly how a player can interact with the gaming environment. For this reason, images need to be rendered in “real-time” as the action continues. Further, it is important to note that speed matters in Real-Time rendering. Therefore, for the motion to appear as fluid, at least, 18 - 20 frames for every second should be rendered on the screen or else the action will seem too choppy (Saxena & Sahay 2006). Finally, Real-Time rendering is rapidly being improved with dedicated graphics hardware (GPUs) as well as through much pre-compiling of information as possible. In this process, a great deal of lighting information for the gaming environment is pre-computed and then directly “baked” into the texture files of the environment to improve the speed of the render. The second type of rendering is the Pre-Rendering or Offline rendering (Narayan et al. 2008). Pre-Rendering is usually used in places where speed is not a significant issue. In the Pre-Rendering, calculations are mostly done through multi-core CPUs instead of dedicated graphics hardware. Further, there two main aspects that should be noted In Pre-Rendering including predictability and photorealism. Pre-Rendering is mostly seen in the animation industry. The effect of Pre-Rendering works where photorealism and visual complexity are held to a much higher level. Some of the large studios have been dedicating up to 90 hours of rendering to individual frames since no unpredictability as far as what will appear in every frame is concerned. Additionally, higher levels of photorealism can easily be met since offline rendering only occurs in the open period as opposed to a real-time rendering (Narayan et al. 2008). Finally, environments, characters, and the associated lights and textures are allowed higher counts of the polygon as well as resolution texture files of 4k or higher. 2D software 2D software is used in the production of digital images especially mostly from two-dimensional models such as 2D geometric, text, models and digital images by applying techniques that are unique to each of them (Grover & Zimmers 2006). In computer graphics, 2D software is mainly used in program applications, which were initially developed for traditional drawing and printing technologies, such as cartography, typography, advertising, technical drawing, and so on. In such applications, the two-dimensional images are not only representatives of real-world objects, but also independent artifacts with added semantic value (Grover & Zimmers 2006). Therefore, two-dimensional models are preferred since they provide more direct control of the image compared to the 3D computer graphics, which are more about photography than typography. Application of 2D and 3D Software in Mechanical Engineering based on the above discussion, it is clear that 2D and 3D software are used to support the engineering designers in the drawing and manufacturing processes. for example a designer can convert 2D to 3D model or master model that guided the process of compiling designing data such as providing of sketches and drawings. additionally, through the use of 3D modeling, a designer is provided with manufacturing support by applying CAM services before completing the required data. in most cases, engineering designers use available hand drawn mechanical elements, legacy 2D wireframes, computer raster drawing assemblies, when converting 2D models to 3D Computer Automated Drawings (CAD) parametric solid assemblies and models, which play a pivotal role in guiding the manufacturing process in engineering. Notably, in engineering and many other domains including desktop publishing, and business, a description of a given document on the 2D computer graphics techniques should be expected to be much smaller compared to the corresponding digital image, mostly with a factor of 1/1000 or even more (Narayan et al. 2008). Further, it is vital to note that this representation is more flexible as it can be rendered at various resolutions to suit many output devices. Therefore, illustrations and documents on structural designs and other aspects are mostly transmitted or stored as 2D graphic files. Advantages and Disadvantages of the CAD software As noted above, application of CAD software is mostly in designing and drafting. Implementing of CAD systems in the engineering companies has many benefits such as increasing the productivity of a designer. The objective of applying CAD software is to help a designer visualize the final product that is to be produced. It is also helpful in sub-assembling the object’s constituent parts. Unlike manual process, the CAD software helps in improving the quality of the design. The use of the CAD software, the designers are provided with a large number of tools that assist them in conducting thorough analysis in engineering based on of the proposed design. Additionally, CAD software helps designers to better communication. Notably, the next step after designing is ensuring that drawings are perfected (Narayan et al. 2008). By using the CAD software, designers can achieve standardized drawings in an easier way. Therefore, one can have fewer drawing errors, better documentation, and greater legibility. Besides, CAD software helps in the creation of the database for the manufacturing including product dimensions, components, shape, and others as well as saving time for designers. Besides the above benefits of using CAD software, there are some disadvantages of its applications such as the training that is required for designers (Grover & Zimmers 2006). In most cases, the cost of training and the startup capital is high, including the expansive costs of software and the hardware. Depending on the jurisdiction of practice, designers may find it hard to get the conception form. Further, in case a designer does not have a backup, the loss of data is eminent. Computer-Aided Design (CAD) System Description of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) System Computer aided design software can employ the same fundamental techniques of 3D modeling that 3D modeling software use though their goal differs (Grover & Zimmers 2006). Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is applied in computer-aided manufacturing, computer-aided engineering, product lifecycle management, Finite element analysis, 3D printing as well as in Computer-aided architectural design. Application of CAD Software In engineering, CAD software is used in reviewing and evaluating a manufacturing design . After a given object has been designed, it is critically important to review as well as evaluate it to see whether it has been properly designed. Reviewing and evaluating a design is checking if the designed part or object has been correctly formatted or designed as well as whether there is the possibility of it failing in practical circumstances. In engineering and other relevant areas, reviewing and evaluating the design is a critical part of the entire process of designing. However, with the introduction of CAD software the design review as well as evaluation processes have become much faster, efficient, and convenient. Features and Functions of CAD Software The CAD software possesses several tools the helps it carry out the process (Grover & Zimmers 2006). One of the design review and evaluation tools provided by the CAD software is the “Zoom in” feature. The CAD software has been installed with excellent zooming feature as part of the design details of the components. This feature is used for magnifying the image for a scrutiny, which ensures that the review process is far more accurate. Further, the CAD software has layering feature which one of the commonly used features in this software. Layering refers to the process of overlaying an object over the other. For example, if one has a raw object as the rough casting part and wishes to machine it and provide some final dimensions. However, the layering process one can overlay the part that has been machined on the casted part. This ensures that enough material is present on the part that has been cast to complete the machined part for the dimensions required. Additionally, the CAD software can help in checking interference (Narayan et al. 2008). Notably, it is critical to review the structure that has been assembled that consists of different components to make ensure they fit in the designed space. In some instances, the erection of the project may be made very difficult when there is a risk of components occupying the space that is the same as the one for assembling. This scenario can occur when applying, the CAD software in large utility plants, chemical plants, and others. However, the interference checking feature in the CAD software prevents this problem from occurring. Lastly, the CAD software is installed with “Animation capability” feature. Although not all CAD software has this feature, most of them can perform animation operation of the designed elements (Narayan et al. 2008), which is mostly in the form of the software’s kinematics package. With the animation feature, the designer can perform animation on the already designed part. The objective is to see the object will work in a real life practical situation. Animation feature helps in enhancing visualization capacity of a designer as well as in checking for any interference of the object. However, in the absence of CAD software’s animation feature, a designer will have to use cardboard and pin models in checking the functionality of the component. Importantly, with the animation feature, it becomes very, interesting, easy and useful to check the objects such as links, hinges or the object that has completely been assembled. In machines such as ships, airplane, and other locomotives, the animation is a critically special feature. Finite Element Analysis Description of Finite Element Analysis FEA involves the use of a computer model of either design or material that is stressed as well as analyzed for specific results. FEA is applied in designing a new product or refining existing products. A manufacturing company can verify a proposed design as well as perform to the specifications of a client before the process of manufacturing or construction. There are two types of FEA done in the industry: 3-D modeling and two -D models. How Finite Element Analysis Work A complex system of points known as nodes is used in the FEA making a grid –mesh (Ramamurty 2010). The mesh is programmed with material and structural properties, which are used in defining the reaction of the structure to certain conditions of loading. Based on the expected levels of stress in a specific part, the nodes are assigned to a certain density throughout the material. Notably, the regions with large amounts of stress mostly have a higher density of node compared to the ones with no or little stress (Ramamurty 2010). The analysts will have points of interest such as fractured points of initially tested material, corners, complex detail, fillets, and areas with high stress (Ramamurty 2010). Some of the variables in the system used in the maximization and minimization include Synthetic (User defined), Strain energy and stress-strain, volume, mass, temperature, displacement, force, acceleration, and velocity. Advantages and Disadvantages of FEA In the engineering industry, FEA is instrumental in many ways such as helping to ascertain the elastic capabilities of structures through structural analysis (Ramamurty 2010). FEA is also used to assess the impact of shock or vibration on structures, which is effected by applying the vibration analysis (Ramamurty 2010). Besides, by using fatigue analysis, a designer can predict the lifespan of a structure or a material by indicating the impact of cyclic loading on the specimen. However, the FEA is also expensive, and a designer demands a lot of time for training. Conclusion Technology plays a crucial role in improving the efficiency the engineering industry. Both the 3D and 2D software are applied in engineering for various purposes. On the other hand, the CAD systems and FEA help in enhancing the capacity of structures and materials in engineering. References Grover, M. P., & Zimmers, E. W. (2006). CAD/CAM Computer-aided design and manufacturing. Delhi, Pearson Education. Narayan, K. L., Rao, K. M., & Sarcar, M. M. M. (2008). Computer aided design and manufacturing. New Delhi, Prentice-Hall of India. Ramamurty, G. (2010). Applied finite element analysis. I K International Pub. House Pvt. Saxena, A., & Sahay, B. (2006). Computer aided engineering design. New York, Springer. Read More