IED Unit 4
Modeling
Modeling Introduction
Welcome to Unit 4

One of the jobs that engineers need to be able to do is to create models of their work.  Sometimes this means creating a mathematical model for the motion in a system, or using a computer to create and assemble a 3-dimensional model of their work. As we look at modeling, we’ll focus on modeling in three ways:

  • Mathematical Models
  • 3-dimensional part models using Autodesk
  • 3-dimensional assemblies using Autodesk

The skills we work on in this unit will carry us through a lot of our work this year.  Not only do we need to be able to investigate graphs and mathematical models to make smart design decisions, we also need to be able to make computer models of parts and assemblies to facilitate the design of our prototypes.  In this unit we will have three main parts:

  1. STEP 1: Create some simple mathematical models to demonstrate motion, and to investigate your puzzle cube further.
  2. STEP 2: Create Autodesk models of your puzzle cube pieces that accurately depict your puzzle.
  3. STEP 3: Create fully dimensioned Autodesk drawings of your puzzle pieces as well as a complete Autodesk assembly of your puzzle cube.

When you’re done, you should have a few new ways to model different situations: mathematically, as an Autodesk part, drawing, or assembly.  You’ll also have all the experience you need to tackle our semester’s toughest Autodesk challenge in the next unit!

Part 1: Mathematical Models

Example Motion Graphs

Whether an engineer is working with a simple or complex system, a mathematical model can help give insights into relationships. Mathematical models are used by engineers to define motion, connections, and various parameters.  In our class, we’ll use mathematical models to confirm our designs and to help with creating things that move. In this first part of the unit, we’ll create a few simple mathematical models that help describe motion of different kinds.  We’ll also create a graph to model the relationship between size and weight of our puzzle cube.

GRADING & PROCESS

 Watch the presentation on mathematical models and take 1 full page of careful notes!

 Complete the Ferris Wheel Motion Modeling Activity

 Complete the Motion Modeling assignment

 Collect data on the size and weight of your team’s puzzle cubes and complete a linear regression using Excel

 Have Mr. Benshoof confirm your completed activities and data collection

Mathematical Models

Graphing Motion

Puzzle Cube Regression

Part 2: Autodesk Parts

Choose a Solution

This unit includes our first introduction to Autodesk and the modeling of different parts and components.  For this first introduction, we’ll focus on very square objects and our puzzle cube pieces. You’ll start by following a short tutorial to build a few simple 3-dimensional shapes, then you’ll models of each of your puzzle cube pieces.

GRADING & PROCESS

 Start by taking careful notes on Basic Parts in Autodesk

 Follow the tutorial to make a basic shape

 Create each of your puzzle cube pieces one at a time in Autodesk; save each as a separate .ipt part file on your jump drive

 Have Mr. Benshoof check-off your completed Autodesk puzzle cube parts

 

Part 3: Autodesk Drawings

Autodesk Reference

As you do more and more engineering, you’ll learn that Autodesk can do an amazing range of things.  Not only can we use Autodesk to build individual 3-dimensional models, we can also use it to create nice drawings of those models or even assemble them into working systems.  In this final part of the unit, we’ll do just that!

GRADING & PROCESS

 Take a page of notes on creating drawings in Autodesk – be sure to include notes on how to add dimensions and multiple views

 Create and print a single-page drawing of your most interesting puzzle cube piece

 Take a page of detailed notes on creating assemblies.  Be sure to include specific notes on how to “Mate” and “Flush” faces

 Create an assembly of your puzzle cube by joining the necessary faces of each piece – it might help if you make each piece a different color

 Create a drawing of your completed puzzle cube

 Have Mr. Benshoof confirm your Autodesk drawings and assembly

Assemblies in Autodesk

Puzzle Cube Assemblies

Drawings of Assemblies

Drawings in Autodesk