Use of Computer based Technology in Engineering Design Assignment

Use of Computer based Technology in Engineering Design - Assignment Example Use of Computer based Technology in Engineering Design Many software applications have been developed to help engineers in this course of design. The most utilised software is AutoCAD. It is an application capable of achieving 2D and 3D designs. The founders of AutoCAD made a decision to code it using C programming language. That is the main reason why AutoCAD is able to support object customization through C++ Application Programming Interface (API). The design tool has a set of basic modelling tools for solids in 2D and 3D orientations. Earlier versions of the design tool made use of lines, arcs, circles and polylines while modern tools have additional functionalities like mental ray engine. The modern design tool has made quality designs achievable. The design is done on a space with provision of user interface aid standards. The standard tool bar is at the top, it lists label from left to right. The designer uses the menu bar; tool sets palette and command line at the bottom to access the very many available objects and commands. By clicking on them the cursor changes to the object of interest. The drawing space displays an XY axis of a rectangular. This is a coordinate system (UCS). Before starting a design, select units for the line and angle of the drawing (Gindis). The CAD tool allows the designer to draw, format, edit, save and retrieve drawing. Like all the other applications, to save a drawing click FILE then proceed to save. To retrieve, click on FILE and proceed to open an existing drawing. The software allows importing of objects from other external sources so ling as they are of compatible formats. Ones a drawing has been imported, editing can be done and even saving of changes made. AutoCAD has calculation functionalities that ensure engineers use the shortest time possible to complete a given project. The application provides the Cam Generator and the Beam Calculation at your disposal. The Cam generator allows plate and cylindrical cam creations. It performs the calculations of velocity and acceler ation. In addition to calculations, the design tool plots cam path. Mechanical engineering has almost the trickiest design set where designs need be of utmost accuracy. The tool offers shaft calculations including deflection lines, bending moment, torsion moment, supporting force, torque rotational angle, equivalent tension and other safety factors. Mechanical designs require perfect fit and that is why the screw pre-calculation tool comes in handy. Other calculation tools include Bearing and screw calculations. With this tools functionalities like stress points, load and line loadings can be analysed with ease (Gindis). Functionalities of Integrated circuit design are available within the software standards. The library has a number of the components that make up integrated circuits and standard integrated circuit that have been made. By selecting the components, the designer is able to create a complete circuit that follows electrical engineering standards of design. The CAD softw are allows the designer to simulate and check the performance of the circuit. The simulation tool can plot graphs of the various parameters as the designer may see fit. This is performed for both AC, DC and transient analysis. Capturing a schematic design is of importance to electrical engineers when using the electronic design automation tool. Electronic circuit design can also become a complex idea to undertake; especially in the design of integrated circuits. For this reason CAD software, have schematic editors. AutoCAD electrical has