The mechanical engineering students at this institution need additional exposure to computer-based engineering system and to the various stages of design, analysis, drafting, and manufacturing. This project provides an integrated computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing software package, precision graphics workstations, and a numerically-controlled vertical milling machine. This instrumentation is used as part of the required design-oriented mechanical engineering courses and associated electives. The students learn how to realistically simulate product performance in the initial design stage before committing to detailed drawings and manufacturing. This project creates a real-life computer-oriented design environment for the mechanical engineering students and make available a basic educational tool for general use in other disciplines. This award is being matched by an equal sum from the grantee.
