What are the important essential software a mechanical engineering student should have some grip on?

With the multitude of options available out there, it is not surprising that students are so often confused about which is the best option for them. For clarification, I have selected some commonly used software and classified them based on their subjects:

 

 

MATLAB and Python:

It is extremely important for mechanical engineers to learn to code. MATLAB and Python are generally preferred as they are the most commonly used scripting languages in the industry & are easy to use as well. It is also vital that students develop the skill to understand how coding works rather than just memorizing the syntax. This will help them understand programs even when they are scripted in different languages. MATLAB and Python are used in many areas of mechanical engineering. The most common being CFD, FEA, and MBD. In CFD, MATLAB can be primarily used for solving advanced numerical simulations by building 2D solvers while Python can be used for solving chemical kinetics problems.

Here are some MATLAB/Python courses specially fabricated for mechanical engineers:

 

 

Converge:

Converge is a popular CFD package. It is a simple software that can solve complex CFD problems. It is especially apt for reacting and non-reacting flows. Converge is used to simulate flow through IC engines, gas turbines, pumps, etc.

The “Advanced CFD for IC Engine Applications” at Skill-Lync covers a range of topics intended to help you master IC engine simulations. Here are some simulation videos of IC engines performed using Converge:

 

 

 

 

If you are more into learning about Multi-Body dynamics, the “Vehicle Dynamics for FSAE and BAJA” can be useful for you. Here again, MSC Adams is used along with MATLAB. You can click on the buttons below for more info:

 

ANSYS Fluent:

ANSYS Fluent is widely preferred by industries. It contains multi-physics capabilities. Its popularity can be contributed to its user interface. Fluent can solve complex CFD simulations quickly by using high-performance computing features. If you wish to learn CFD using ANSYS Fluent, we have just the right course for you at Skill-Lync:

 

 

SolidWorks:

Being a master in SolidWorks equips you with knowledge in designing and simulation. SolidWorks can be used to design and build geometries from scratch. It can also be used to perform preliminary CFD and FEA simulations on geometries.

Seeing how wide the range of SolidWorks is, you can understand that it is not possible to learn all about it in a single go. That is why it is important that you choose specific courses to cover the sectors one by one. Here are some pointers:

 

• If you are into designing, the “Ultimate SolidWorks course” can be right for you. In this course, you will learn to design and render an American chopper from scratch.

• If you are interested in structural analysis, “Finite Element Analysis Using SolidWorks” will teach you how to perform different types of FEA analyses in SolidWorks and post-process the data.
• If you are interested in learning about the flow of air/liquids through mechanical systems, you can learn about flow over six different systems like the airfoil, IC engine valve, etc. in “Flow Simulation using SolidWorks”

 

NX-CAD:

NX-CAD is a great tool to learn for aspiring design engineers. It contains a lot of modeling features that are incorporated during manufacturing processes. This helps the manufacturers speed up the process of bringing the product to the market.

If you are a mechanical or automotive engineer interested in learning about designing using NX CAD, these two courses will be of great interest to you:

• Automotive Sheet Metal Design using NX CAD – here you will learn to design a car BiW structure.
• Advanced Sheet Metal Design – This course covers all topics related to Sheet metal design and rules of Sheet metal design in NX CAD.

 

Altair HyperWorks:

Altair HyperWorks contains a bunch of solvers, modeling, and simulation software. Some of them include HyperMesh, MotionSolve, MotionView, etc. Learning such software can open up a lot of opportunities for fresher and experienced professionals alike.

Many of us may be aware of the Bharat new vehicle safety assessment program. Since October of 2017, cars are now rated based on their safety factor. This has led to industries upgrading their test intensity. In addition to traditional prototype testing methods, computational testing methods are also performed. For mechanical engineers to get into this field, the following courses will be beneficial:

 

 

ANSYS Workbench:

This software is popularly used in finite element analysis. Using ANSYS Workbench, you can prepare models for CFD and structural analysis, perform meshing, and post-process data.

Learning this software can help you perform FEA on a wide of systems. For example, students who have enrolled in “Advanced Structural Analysis using ANSYS Workbench” program at Skill-Lync perform FEA analysis on at least 14 different systems. Some of them include:

1.Thermal Analysis on an air-cooled engine: The thermal stresses, total deformation, and thermal fluxes are solved for.

 

2. Buckle: Uses frictional contacts and fixed supports at places in the geometry to simulate real-life movement. Directional Deformation, Equivalent stress, Safety factor, and Force reactions are found out.

 

3.Bevel Gear Simulation: Transmission efficiency and contact forces are measured.

 

There are a ton of options for you to choose from. You can select software based on your area of interest and excel in it. For example, if you are someone interested in numerical analysis, choose MATLAB/Python.

 

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