A modern paradigm to virtually teach a manufacturing processes course using finite element analysis

Abstract

Finite element analysis (FEA) is a very well-known method in most engineering fields. Its use and application have been widely recognised as a tool in the constantly evolving world of modern engineering. The FEA is commonly utilised to understand different process variables that can mimic the laboratory environment. Computer-aided engineering, design and manufacturing software that utilise FEA are crucial for understanding, estimating and planning manufacturing process parameters. The authors of this article articulate the use of FEA as a teaching method for a manufacturing processes course delivered to third-year mechanical engineering students, and depicts the experience and feedback students had utilising this tool. During the pandemic times, the potentials of computer simulations as a teaching tool are introduced; its effectiveness for on-line learning models is also discussed. © 2021 WIETE Keywords: Computer aided design, Engineering education, Product design