Final Project – Engineering Design Practice
1. Problem Statement: The project should clearly state, describe and use schematics or
sketches for the problem to be solved, including the physical situation, the objectives,
actual boundary conditions, actual initial conditions, and the expected outcome.
2. Problem Solution: The project should present the solution methodology, the solid model,
any simplifications on boundary conditions or initial conditions, joints, linkages, mesh
quality, the chosen Finite Element/ Finite Volume (FE/FV) processor if there is more than
one, and the strategy for meshing, loading, and boundary conditions. This should also
include a comparison of different solution strategies, if applicable. In cases of rigid body
dynamic simulations attention should be given to type of joints, used motor, assumptions
or simplifications on links.
3. Model and Simulation: The project should implement a well-built FE/FV model or a
rigid body dynamic that accurately represents the real-world problem, using appropriate
elements, properties, picking the right boundary conditions, initial conditions, joints and
links. The solution should converge. Display engineering values stress, strain,
displacement, velocity and acceleration. The simulation results should be presented in a
clear and comprehensible way, with proper visualization figures and videos.
4. Validation and Verification: The project should include a verification process to ensure
the accuracy of the FE/FV model or rigid body dynamics. This could involve comparing
the numerical (FE/FV or rigid body) model results with theoretical solutions or
experimental data or using a simple model to verify the modeling approach.
5. Report and professionalism: The project should include a comprehensive report
detailing the problem, the solution, the model, the simulation results, and the conclusions
drawn from the results. The report should be professionally written and easy to follow,
with appropriate diagrams and tables. The project should show professionalism in its
approach, methodology, and presentation. This includes proper citation of sources,
adherence to engineering standards, and attention to detail in all aspects of the project.
The report must follow the template given. The report should follow general essay
standards such as 12pt font, Times New Roman, labeled figures, etc.
Some of these guidelines are subject to change; All modifications will be
announced in class and / or the course web course.
Rubric:
Problem Statement 5 pts
Problem Solution 10 pts
Model and Simulation 10 pts
Validation and Verification 10 pts
Report Professionalism 5 pts
Verification:
• Focus:
Checking the internal consistency of the model, including calculations, equations, and
implementation within the simulation software.
• Methods:
Comparing numerical solutions to analytical solutions, performing mesh convergence studies,
checking boundary conditions, and reviewing code for errors.
• Goal:
Identify and correct any errors within the model itself, ensuring it functions as designed.
Validation:
• Focus:
Assessing how well the simulation results align with real-world data from experiments or
physical measurements.
• Methods:
Comparing simulation outputs to experimental data, analyzing the accuracy of predicted values,
and identifying limitations of the model under different conditions.
• Goal:
Determine the model's accuracy and reliability in representing the real-world phenomenon it is
intended to simulate.
Key Differences:
• Comparison Basis:
Verification compares the model to theoretical standards or known solutions, while validation
compares the model to empirical data.
• Stage in Design Process:
Verification typically occurs earlier in the design process, checking the model's internal
consistency before extensive simulations, while validation happens later when comparing results
to real-world data.
Example:
Imagine designing a bridge using a finite element analysis (FEA) software.
• Verification:
Checking that the FEA model accurately represents the bridge's geometry, material properties,
and boundary conditions according to the engineering drawings.
• Validation:
Comparing the stress and deflection predictions from the FEA model to data collected from
physical tests on a real bridge prototype.