Michigan Tech professor Charles Van Karsen teaches ME students to use Altair's modeling and simulation software. (Image courtesy of Michigan Tech.)
Simulation-driven design involves a big change to the typical mechanical design process: No longer does an engineer first create a geometric model and then use simulation to validate that model's behavior. Rather, they first create a behavioral model (based on boundary conditions) and then use simulation and optimization tools to generate a geometric model. Put another way, while the typical design process begins with computer-aided design, the simulation-driven design process begins with computer-aided engineering.
One challenge that companies face in implementing simulation-driven design is finding mechanical engineers who have the breadth of skills to do it. While many mechanical engineering (ME) colleges teach simulation-driven design, it's generally as an incidental part of an undergraduate course, or as a graduate-level elective course. It's not often part of the core curriculum.
One school that has mainstreamed simulation-driven design is Michigan Tech, which recently announced a partnership with Altair, to incorporate its HyperWorks simulation tools into the school's ME curriculum.
For Michigan Tech, Altair is an obvious partner, as HyperWorks is widely used in the automotive industry, an important constituency for the school. But, more importantly, Altair offers tools that are both highly capable and highly usable—an important prerequisite for undergraduate students.
Altair has provided more than just software to Michigan Tech. Altair applications engineer Erik Larson, a Michigan Tech alumnus, has worked with the school for the last three years providing support and training to aid in a successful implementation. And Brett Chouinard, Altair's COO and also an alumnus, serves on the school's Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics Advisory Board.
This year, sophomore ME students are first using HyperWorks to model and predict the deflection of a truss bridge and then using it to design and model a crane with a dynamic load. Junior ME students are using HyperWorks to simulate and build a “turbo-lift/great glass elevator” that moves up and jogs sideways. Next year, senior ME students will use HyperWorks in their Capstone Design program, where they will work on a hands-on, real-world commercial design project.
Although many engineering schools already use HyperWorks, Michigan Tech is the first to use it pervasively throughout its undergraduate ME program. With employers asking for graduates with simulation-driven design skills, more schools are likely to follow.
Evan Yares has made his career in the engineering software industry for over 30 years. A recipient of the CAD Society Joe Greco Community Award, he’s been recognized as a champion for users of engineering software.