Computer‐Aided Design

Abstract Computer‐aided design (CAD) uses the mathematical and graphic processing power of the computer to assist the engineer in the creation, modification, analysis, display of designs. This chapter commences with a discussion on the design process of CAD in general. Then, it talks about individual tasks within the overall design process that can be performed using a computer. The computer is especially well suited to design in four areas, which correspond to the latter four stages of the general design process. Computers function in the design process through geometric modeling capabilities, engineering analysis calculations, automated evaluative procedures, and automated drafting. There are various analytical methods available to the designer using a CAD system, such as finite‐element analysis (FEA), static and dynamic analysis, and kinematic analysis. Input and output devices, CAD software, CAD standards and translators, and applications of CAD are also discussed.