PHYS 1071: Solid Object Design

Abstract

¶Course description: This is a course in solid object design and additive fabrication. The lectures deliver both skills and knowledge and the students will have access to 3D Printers to complete their projects. The lectures cover different modules of a specialized software for 3D object design, as well as the instructions on how to operate 3D printers, which are necessary skills for becoming professional in 3D object design and manufacturing. The lectures also cover physical mechanisms commonly used by mechanical engineers, with emphasis on their moving parts and functionalities. These mechanisms are the building blocks of any large-scale mechanical system and their knowledge is essential for the success of a physical engineer. The assignments for the course will challenge the students to come up with 3D printing designs for such mechanisms. The students will have access to 3D Printers and most of the projects will result in a fully assembled and functional mechanism. The students will also be involved in larger scale projects during their midterm and final assignments. ¶Course learning outcomes: Regarding skills, the students will become fluent with one of the widely used softwares for solid design. They will learn how to compile their designs into code that industrial machines can read and execute. Lastly, the students will learn how to operate 3D printers. Regarding knowledge, the students will become familiar with a large library of mechanisms that are used in mechanical engineering to create and transfer motion, force or torque. The students will learn the principles behind the functioning of these mechanisms, their purpose and their common applications. Important Note: The course is self-contained and certain coding techniques will be introduced in each lecture. They are integral parts of the course.