Computer-Aided Design in Automotive Surfaces

Objectives

The objective of the Computer-Aided Design in Automotive Surfaces course consists mainly in consolidating the basic tools of parametric design using CAD (Computer Aided Design) software, as well as increasing knowledge in advanced surface design tools.

For proper monitoring of the subject, students have to start from a series of previous knowledge in parametric design assimilated in the DVAO subject. Competences in geometry, algebra, trigonometry and organisation of relevant data for the parameterisation of 3D models will be integrated in an applied way.

The practical development of the subject will be carried out with the CATIA 3Dexperience software, and encompasses the creation of 3D parts, by learning wireframe and surface modelling, combined with previous knowledge in solid part design.

As a parallel objective, the course aims to instill a specific understanding of the parametric design methodology, to achieve self-taught ability in the use of other parametric CAD softwares. At the same time, it is intended to consolidate technical expression, with the added component of the use of English as the main language in the course.

Learning outcomes

• LO4. Knows in depth finite element programs for the development of complex / advanced simulations.
• LO5. Validate simulated models with experimental results.

Competencies

Specific skills

• Identify and understand spatial vision and graphic representation techniques, using traditional methods of metric and descriptive geometry, and computer-aided design applications, and apply these techniques in the design and manufacturing processes automotive engineering.
• Understand the principles of mathematical theory in order to solve mathematical problems that may arise in engineering and apply knowledge to: linear algebra, geometry, differential geometry, differential and integral calculus, ordinary and partial differential equations, numerical methods, numerical algorithms, statistics and optimisation.
• Work in a multilingual, multidisciplinary environment, and make oral presentations and write reports in English in the field of engineering, in general, and in the automotive sector, in particular.

Basic skills

• Students have the ability to gather and interpret relevant data (usually within their field of study) in order to make judgements that include reflection on relevant social, scientific and ethical issues.

Content

Block 0. Introduction

• Introduction to the course, CATIA preferences configuration, levelling in basic concepts of 3D solid design with Part Design
• Three-dimensional space, geometry tree, sketches, and solid part features

Block 1. GSD Surface / Wireframe Basic concepts

• Generative Shape Design application basics
• Topological spaces: curves, surfaces and volumes, coordinate systems
• Creation and parameterisation of basic curves
• Creation of basic surfaces: extrusions, revolves, fills
• Modification of topological sets: fillets, trims and splits, unions
• Geometric transformations: symmetries, scales, rotations, translations
• Volume generation through open and closed surfaces
• Data organisation in geometry tree (aka. Bill of Material), hierarchies

Block 2. GSD Advanced Modelling Features

• Creating parameters and functions
• Complex curves: splines, isoparimetric curves, spines
• Advanced surface design tools: sweeps, blends, multisections, extrapolations
• Topological combination: extractions, borders, different boundary representations, sewing with solid parts
• Curvature analysis on curves and surfaces

Block 3. Professional perfomance

• Creating parameters and functions
• Equations and laws for adaptive models
• Replication tools: patterns, duplicates, and PowerCopies
• Data organisation techniques: geometry tree, workflows

Evaluation

The final mark for the course will be calculated with the following formula:

FM: 10% • CE + 20% • max (D1, RD1) + 20% • max (Deliverables) + 50% • max (FE, RFE)

Continuous evaluation (10%) CE

• Active participation in the subject.
• Presentation of voluntary exercises and/or notes or briefings of the course, are likely to score points.
• The follow-up will be made by reviewing the exercises worked by students during the explanations.
• This note is not recoverable, and it is evaluated on an individual basis.

Deliverables 1 (20%) D1

• Evaluation of the exam assigned to the students after completing Block 1 of the course.
• Date: Check out work plan.
• To pass the CADinAS course, the presentation of this deliverable will be mandatory.
• This part is recoverable (RD1), by individual evaluation.
• Recovery will consist on delivering a new exercise. The dates will be specified once the first delivery marks of this Block are published.
• To pass the course, a minimum mark of 3/10 points will be needed in this deliverable.

Deliverables 2 (20%) Deliverables

• Evaluation of the different tasks assigned to the students after completing Block 1 of the course.
• Date: Check out work plan.
• Recovery will consist on delivering a new exercise. The dates will be specified once the first delivery marks of this Block are published.
• To pass the course, a minimum mark of 3/10 points will be needed in these deliverables.
• This note is not recoverable, and it is evaluated on an individual basis.

Final Exam (50%) FE

• It corresponds to the final evaluation of the course, which assesses the content of blocks 1, 2 and 3.
• Date: See work plan.
• To pass the CADinAS subject, it will be mandatory to take the exam.
• The exam will be in face-to-face format. Exceptions can be analised.
• This part is recoverable (RFE), by individual evaluation.
• Recovery will consist of a new exam. The specific date will be decided once the delivery notes for the EF are known. Check out work plan.
• To pass the course, a minimum mark of 3/10 points will be needed in this exam.

Methodology

The course will be taught online and presential. Depending on the evolution of the health emergency, priority will be given to the presential format at the UVic-UCC UGranollers headquarters.

As the subject has a strong practical content, most sessions will consist in solving exercises with the help of CAD tools. Although the different issues of the subject have introductory topics, in most sessions, the theory related to the contents will be explained by solving practical cases. After explanation, exercises will be proposed to be developed by the students.

Throughout the course, exercises will be proposed for students to solve independently, which must be submitted. The resolution of these exercises is key to properly follow the subject and succesfully pass the exams.

It is fundamental that students have a personal laptop to bring to class, and to work online. For the online classes it is also highly recommendable to have double screen on your computer, so it is easier to follow instructions and practice at the same time. The computer must have an internet connection via wifi, and it needs to have the 3DEXPERIENCE-CATIA program installed, which must work in an agile way:

• Hardware recommendations for 3DEXPERIENCE-CATIA

At the UVic-UCC UGranollers headquarters, loan laptops are available. Despite not being certified, they allow an agile operation in the applications of the 3DExperience platform (3DExperience, CATIA, SIMULIA, ...).

• Lenovo 80WK: Core i5-73000HQ 2.5GHz, NVidia Geforce GTX1050 4Gb graphics, 12 Gb RAM, SSD
• Asus Republic of Gamers GL553V: Core i7 7700HQ 2.8Ghz, Nvidia Geforce GTX1050 4Gb Graphics, 12 Gb RAM, SSD
• Workstation MSI WE63 8SI 495ES: Intel Core i7 8750H / 2.2GHz, Nvidia Quadro P1000 graphics, 16Gb RAM, 256 GB SSD + 1TB HD

Bibliography

Bibliography

• (2018). Advanced Surface Design: CATIA V5-6R2017 Learning Guide. ASCENT.
• Mario Hirz • Wilhelm Dietrich Anton Gfrerrer • Johann Lang (2013). Integrated Computer-Aided Design in Automotive Development: Development Processes, Geometric Fundamentals, Methods of CAD, Knowledge-Based Engineering Data Management. Springer.
• Zamani, Nader G (2017). CAD Modeling Essentials in 3DEXPERIENCE 2016x Using CATIA Applications. SDC Publication.

Reading

Teachers will provide complementary bibliography and compulsory reading throughout the course via the Virtual Campus.