An Introduction to Computer-Aided Engineering

This practical text will provide mechanical and manufacturing engineering undergraduates with an integrated introduction to Computer-Aided Engineering. Building on the students existing knowledge of the activities of an engineering enterprise, it explains how and why computers can be applied to the specification, design, manufacture and launch of a product. It is this integrative nature of CAE which is a major problem faced by students and therefore the importance of integration is stressed at all stages. Each chapter provides an introduction to one aspect of the subject in its own right, and although the design and manufacture elements predominate, attention is also drawn to other areas of applications such as mathematical analysis, simulation and communications. The majority of the material requires little or no previous knowledge of computing and tutorial problems and examples assignments are provided at the end of each chapter where appropriate.