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.
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 tool. 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 a theoretical section so you understand what the software is doing and how it does it, providing a solid foundation for interpreting problems and results. Validating results in one way or another is vital for confidently using any modelling. 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 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 compared to the MBD results. 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 ANSYS's computational fluid dynamics (CFD) package. 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, particularly on boundary layers. You’ll then consider 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.
Entry requirements
T329 has no formal entry requirements; however, you need a good knowledge of engineering obtained through OU level 1 and 2 study or another higher education institution.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
marking your assignments and offering detailed feedback to help you improve
providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content
guiding you to additional learning resources
facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the dedicated forums.
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Assessment
Course work includes:
2 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
3 Interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs)
End-of-module assessment
The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box.
What's included
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
a week-by-week study planner
course-specific module materials
audio and video content
assessment details and submission section
online tutorial access
access to student forums.
Additionally, the website includes:
access to our OpenSTEM Labs
access to third-party software.
We also provide physical:
module books.
Computing requirements
Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer with at least 8 GB of RAM. A 22" or larger monitor is recommended. It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
Operating systems – Windows 11 only. Any macOS is unsuitable.
Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection. You’ll need control over your internet connection settings – corporate firewalls may prevent FEA software from accessing the licensed served hosted by the Open University.
Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended; Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.
Minimum and recommended requirements for The Open University Ansys software:
i3 processor or equivalent (i5 equivalent or above recommended).
512 MB graphics card (1 GB or higher recommended).
A version of Ansys for Linux OS is also available. The Linux version may require more than 4 GB of RAM.
25 GB hard drive (50 GB or larger strongly recommended).
Physical ‘C:/’ drive present.
You’ll need administrator privileges on your machine.
OpenGL-capable.
See System and browser requirements for Ansys software for further information on Ansys Student Version.
Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
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 website.
Future availability
Mechanical engineering: computer-aided engineering (T329) starts once a year – in October.
It will next start in October 2027.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2032.