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Mechanical engineering: computer-aided engineering

Computer-aided engineering (CAE) uses computational simulation instead of physical or mathematical modelling to solve engineering problems. CAE plays a role in the vast majority of engineering enterprises. It can show if something behaves in a way that would be cost-prohibitive, time-consuming or just too dangerous to try. The ability to model complex parts, machinery and environments on a computer sounds fantastic. However, the answers obtained are only as good as the engineer who made and ran the model – that is where this module comes in.

Modules count towards OU qualifications

OU qualifications are modular in structure; the credits from this undergraduate module could count towards a certificate of higher education, diploma of higher education, foundation degree or honours degree.

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Module

Module code

T329

Credits

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
30

Study level

Across the UK, there are two parallel frameworks for higher education qualifications, the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Northern Ireland and Wales (FHEQ) and the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). These define a hierarchy of levels and describe the achievement expected at each level. The information provided shows how OU module levels correspond to these frameworks.
Level of Study
OU SCQF FHEQ
3 10 6

Study method

Module cost

Entry requirements

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What you will study

Mechanical engineering: computer-aided engineering (T329) introduces and develops an understanding of the typical three elements included in CAE (computer-aided engineering):

  • finite element analysis (FEA)
  • multibody dynamics (MBD)
  • computational fluid dynamics (CFD).

All run from a single software package: ANSYS Workbench.

The module comprises three parts, each concentrating on a different CAE element:

Part 1: Computer-aided design and finite element analysis
This part begins with a slight detour in the form of an introduction to computer-aided design. This short foray will show you how models are drawn and assembled before they can be analysed using any of the tools. You’ll then move on to analysing these models using the finite element part of the software package, allowing you to discover how these models would behave in different scenarios. There is then a theoretical section so you understand what the software is doing and how it does it, which will provide a solid foundation for interpreting problems and results. Validating results in one way or another is vital for using any modelling with confidence. So, towards the end of this section, you’ll 3D-print a part you designed and test it to see if it behaves as your model predicts.

Part 2: Mechanisms and multibody dynamics
In this part, you’ll learn about mechanisms in engineering and how to model them – both analytically and computationally through the multibody dynamics (MBD) functionality in ANSYS. You’ll begin by examining some simple, familiar systems made from simple joints and exploring their behaviour through the MBD software. The module then introduces kinematic analysis, allowing these simpler systems’ displacement and velocity to be analysed and compared to the results from the MBD. It then tackles more complicated situations that would be impractical to solve by hand. Finally, you’ll move on to gears, belts and pulleys and how they interact with the systems containing them.

Part 3: Computational fluid dynamics
The third part introduces the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) package in ANSYS. It begins with a general overview of the technique with many application examples of CFD. You’ll learn the fundamentals behind CFD programs and about fluid flow more generally, including the Navier–Stokes equations. Following this, you’ll focus on the flow around wind turbines, paying particular attention to boundary layers. You’ll then move on to considering oscillatory flow, vortex shedding and compressibility. During this part, you’ll also have the chance to control a wind tunnel to compare a physical model with the virtual one in the software.

You will learn

You’ll learn how CAE software works and what it can do, along with its limitations, assumptions and how to validate the output.

Teaching and assessment

Support from your tutor

Throughout your module studies, you’ll get help and support from your assigned module tutor. They’ll help you by:

  • Marking your assignments (TMAs) and providing detailed feedback for you to improve.
  • Guiding you to additional learning resources.
  • Providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content.
  • Facilitating online discussions between your fellow students, in the dedicated module and tutor group forums.

Module tutors also run online tutorials throughout the module. Where possible, recordings of online tutorials will be made available to students. While these tutorials won’t be compulsory for you to complete the module, you’re strongly encouraged to take part.

Assessment

The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box.

Future availability

Mechanical engineering: computer-aided engineering (T329) starts once a year – in October.

This page describes the module that will start in October 2025.

We expect it to start for the last time in October 2029.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

Course work includes:

2 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
3 Interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs)
End-of-module assessment


Entry requirements

T329 has no formal entry requirements; however, it is an OU level 3 module. Therefore, you need a good knowledge of engineering obtained through OU level 1 and 2 study or another higher education institution.

We recommend you have completed:

We strongly recommend you check your background and experience are sufficient to tackle this module. We’ve found that appropriately prepared students have the best chance of completing their studies and get the most enjoyment from the module.

Talk to an advisor if you’re not sure you’re ready.

Preparatory work

Topics that you might find helpful to revise are:

  • stress and strain
  • dynamic systems
  • fluid dynamics
  • differentiation and integration
  • matrices.

Register

Start End Fee
- - -

No current presentation - see Future availability

This module is expected to start for the last time in October 2029.

Additional Costs

Study costs

There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.

If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.

Ways to pay for this module

Open University Student Budget Account

The Open University Student Budget Accounts Ltd (OUSBA) offers a convenient 'pay as you go' option to pay your OU fees, which is a secure, quick and easy way to pay. Please note that The Open University works exclusively with OUSBA and is not able to offer you credit facilities from any other provider. All credit is subject to status and proof that you can afford the repayments.

You pay the OU through OUSBA in one of the following ways:

  • Register now, pay later – OUSBA pays your module fee direct to the OU. You then repay OUSBA interest-free and in full just before your module starts. 0% APR representative. This option could give you the extra time you may need to secure the funding to repay OUSBA.
  • Pay by instalments – OUSBA calculates your monthly fee and number of instalments based on the cost of the module you are studying. APR 5.1% representative.

Joint loan applications

If you feel you would be unable to obtain an OUSBA loan on your own due to credit history or affordability issues, OUSBA offers the option to apply for a joint loan application with a third party. For example, your husband, wife, partner, parent, sibling or friend. In such cases, OUSBA will be required to carry out additional affordability checks separately and/or collectively for both joint applicants who will be jointly and severally liable for loan repayments.

As additional affordability checks are required when processing joint loan applications, unfortunately, an instant decision cannot be given. On average the processing time for a joint loan application is five working days from receipt of the required documentation.

Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).

Employer sponsorship

Studying with The Open University can boost your employability. OU courses are recognised and respected by employers for their excellence and the commitment they take to complete. They also value the skills that students learn and can apply in the workplace.

More than one in ten OU students are sponsored by their employer, and over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees. 

  • Your employer just needs to complete a simple form to confirm how much they will be paying and we will invoice them.
  • You won’t need to get your employer to complete the form until after you’ve chosen your module.  

Credit/debit card

You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module. 

We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron. 

Mixed payments

We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).


Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2025. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules

This information was provided on 09/10/2024.

Can you study an Access module for free?

Depending on eligibility and availability of places, you could apply to study your Access module for free.

To qualify, you must:

  1. be resident in England
  2. have a household income of not more than £25,000 (or be in receipt of a qualifying benefit)
  3. have not completed one year or more on any full-time undergraduate programme at FHEQ level 4 or above or successfully completed 30 credits or more of OU study within the last 10 years

How to apply to study an Access module for free

Once you've started the registration process, either online or over the phone, we'll contact you about your payment options. This will include instructions on how you can apply to study for free if you are eligible and funded places are still available.

If you're unsure if you meet the criteria to study for free, you can check with one of our friendly advisers on +44 (0)300 303 0069, or you can request a call back.

Not eligible to study for free?

Don't worry! We offer a choice of flexible ways to help spread the cost of your Access module. The most popular options include:

  • monthly payments through OUSBA
  • part-time tuition fee loan (you'll need to be registered on a qualification for this option)

To explore all the options available to you, visit Fees and Funding.

What's included

You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:

  • a week-by-week study planner
  • module materials
  • audio and video content
  • access to third-party software
  • assignment details and submission section
  • online tutorial access
  • access to student and tutor group forums.

We’ll also give you three printed module books, each covering one part of the study. And you’ll have access to our OpenSTEM Labs.

Computing requirements

You’ll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date 64-bit version of Windows (10 or 11)*. Any macOS is unsuitable.

Minimum and recommended requirements for The Open University ANSYS software:

  • Minimum i3 processor or equivalent (i5 equivalent or above recommended).
  • Minimum 512 MB graphics card (1 GB or higher recommended).
  • Minimum 4 GB of RAM* (8 GB or more recommended).
  • Minimum 25 GB hard drive (50 GB or larger strongly recommended).
  • Physical ‘C:/’ drive present.
  • You’ll need administrator privileges on your machine.
  • OpenGL-capable.

*A version of ANSYS for Linux OS is also available. The Linux version may require more than 4 GB of RAM.

In addition:

  • You’ll need control over your internet connection settings – corporate firewalls may prevent FEA software from accessing the Internet.
  • 22" or larger monitor recommended.

See System and browser requirements for Ansys software for information on Ansys Student Version.

Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.

To join in spoken conversations in tutorials, we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).

Our module websites comply with web standards and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.

Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all current, supported versions of Android and iOS. It’s not available on Kindle.

It’s also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you’ll also require a desktop or laptop as described above.

If you have a disability

The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying T329 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.

To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our disability support pages.