Agricultural Engineering Design

Module Description/Aims

The aim of this module is to provide the learner with the knowledge and skills to be proficient in use of 3D solid modelling CAD software and drafting techniques as well as adaptive manufacturing in the form of 3 D printing. Students will also be able to simulate real applications with the use of FEA and CFD. Added to this learners will learn various marketing functions, economic, cost and financial tools as well as how quality is controlled in agri-machine manufacturing.

Syllabus Content

Lecture (40 hours):

- Datum Concepts and Relationships:

Coordinate systems; Creation of datum planes and axes; The model tree; Parent child relationships; Database functions.

.- Drafting:

Creation of drawing templates; Use of sketcher functions; Generation of solid models from sketches; Adding features.

Patterns and copies, Revolved features, Sweeps, Blends and Helices:

Creation of patterned features; Creation of grouped features. Creation of closed section sweeps; Creation of open trajectory sweeps and blends; Creation of screw threads and springs. Creation of revolved features; Creation of revolved protrusions.

- Engineering drawing:

Creation of 2D engineering drawings from previously created models; Addition of auxiliary views and annotation.

.- Printing, 2D Plotting and 3D printing:

Selection of formatted sheets, Printing and plotting engineering drawings, conversion of files into STL format for production on a 3-D printer.

- Ethics for designers:

Learners will be instructed on ethical issues associated with agri-machine design.

- Financial Costing & Economics:

The learner will be introduced to various functions and be instructed how to use useful tools in Agri-machine costing and economics

Marketing:

The learner will be introduced to the marketing function and various strategies employed in the agri-machine industry.

- Quality and Manufacturing:

The learner will acquire various tools to assist in formulating design specifications in manufacture of agricultural machines such as SPC.

Whorkshop (30 hours):

- FEA simulation:

Competency in the use of FEA simulation (Finite Element Analysis).

- CFD:

Competency in the use of CFD.

- Basic Beam Analysis & Basic Flow Calculations:

Application of various formulas associated with beam analysis and comparing with physical measured outputs and FEA simulation as well as correlating calculated flow characteristics with measured and simulated software outputs.

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Reading List

Book title:

  • 3D CAD principles & application, Toriya, H., Chiyokura, H., Springer-Verlang, 1991, 1st edition (ISBN 3642457312)
  • Finite Element Method-Basics, Alf Samuelsson, Nils-Erik Wiberg, Studentlitteratur, 1998, 1st edition (ISBN 9789144009278)
  • An Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics, Henk Kaarle, Versteeg, Weeratunge Malalasekera, Pearson Education, 2007, 2nd edition (ISBN 9780131274983)

 

Teaching & Learning Strategies

This module involves development of competence in both theory and practical skills and a minimum level of attendance of 80% at practical classes is a requirement. 

Knowledge will be attained by the completion of a series of practical assignments completed inside and outside of delegated class hours. This will be supported by class demonstrations, notes and relevant course material. A class exam will also be set to assess learning of topics delivered at lecture.

 

Assessments

  • Series of 5 practical modelling projects;
  • Group project which combines all learning outcomes;
  • 2 Laboratory reports on experiments on deflection of beams and fluid flow;
  • Class Exam


Students who do not possess a passing grade or the required attendance at the semesters end will be required to sit a computer based exam. In the event a student fails module due to not meeting 80% attendance at practical/workshop sessions outside of extenuating circumstances, then repeat attend is required at next available offering of the module.