Computer Aided Engineering

Code:

M.EMAT003

Acronym:

EAC

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Science and Technology of Materials

Instance: 2025/2026 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Industrial Drawing Section
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Materials Engineering

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
M.EMAT	21	Syllabus	1	-	6	52	162

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

The objective of this course unit is to provide students with knowledge about CAD/CAM/CAE applied to all stages of product development, from concept generation to prototyping and testing. The aim is to address the basic concepts of the Finite Element Method, including theoretical concepts based on the principle of virtual work. An introduction to Abaqus software, a reference tool for solving problems using the Finite Element Method, will be provided. The modeling and simulation of the mechanical behavior of the product will also be covered.

Subtracting and additive manufacturing processes (Additive Manufacturing - AM) will be discussed in the production of parts. AM stands out for its ability to produce parts with high geometric complexity, significantly differentiating itself from traditional manufacturing processes. To optimize the results obtained with AM, it is essential to understand and consider the limitations and constraints inherent to this method from the initial project phase. In this context, topological optimization (TO) and Design for AM (DfAM) become fundamental topics to address.

In the last part of the course unit, basic concepts of machining will be presented, including the use of Autodesk Fusion software to generate machining paths. A very practical approach will be taken, resulting in actual machined parts produced at FEUP.

Teaching Methods and Learning Activities

The topics will be presented in lectures and used in exercises. During the Finite Element Method classes, a problem will be proposed for resolution and submission. Students will be required to complete a project using Abaqus. They will also complete a project on rapid prototyping and a project on machining.

Students will take an exam covering the three main topics of the course unit: concepts of the Finite Element Method, AM, and Machining.

Learning outcomes and competences

At the end, the students should:

1. Know the basic concepts of the Finite Element Method.
2. Perform simulations in Abaqus.
3. Know the concepts of topological optimization (TO) and Design for AM (DfAM).
4. Know the concepts related to the machining of metal components.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

Students should have knowledge in technical drawings, 3D CAD and English.

Program

FEM – Finite Element Method:
Interpolation Functions

Numerical integration.

Stiffness matrix.


CAE – Computer Aided Engineering:
Simulation of mechanical behavior, using Siemens NX / Abaqus


Additive Manufacturing
Topological optimization (TO) concepts and Design for AM (DfAM).

Machining:
 Know the concepts related to machining. Use of PowerMill software.

Mandatory literature

Desenho Técnico Moderno, Arlindo Silva, João Dias, Luís Sousa, Editora Lidel. ISBN: 972-757-189-1
Controlo Numérico Computorizado - Conceitos Fundamentais, Carlos Relvas, Publindústria - Edições Técnicas, 2000. ISBN: 972-95794-6-6
Plastock, Roy A.; Computação gráfica. ISBN: 972-9241-18-X

Comments from the literature

All students have access to the PowerPoint presentations used during classes, which cover all lectured subjects.

The training courses and tutorials on CAD/CAM/CAE applications covered in class serve as a supplementary bibliography.

Teaching methods and learning activities

The themes will be presented in class and used in the exercises.

During the classes on the Finite Element method, a problem will be proposed and delivered by the sudents.

Students will carry out a work using Abaqus.

Students will have to carry out a work on rapid prototyping.

Students will have to carry out a work on machining.

Students will take an exam on the concepts of the Finite Element Method and Machining.

Software

Autodesk Fusion 360
Finite Solutions SOLIDCast
Autodesk AutoCAD
Autodesk PowerMILL
Autodesk PowerSHAPE
Autodesk PowerINSPECT

keywords

Technological sciences > Engineering > Simulation engineering
Technological sciences > Technology > Production technology > Manufacturing systems
Technological sciences > Technology > Measurement technology

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Trabalho prático ou de projeto	70,00
Exame	30,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Elaboração de projeto	76,00
Frequência das aulas	56,00
Estudo autónomo	30,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

Number of class absences must be less than or equal to 25% of the number of classes provided.
Students must submit the different  projects within the deadlines specified by the teacher.

Calculation formula of final grade

The final classification is calculated with this formula: Final classification ="Excel" * 0.1 + "Abaqus"*0.2 +  "Additive Manufacturing" *0.2 + "Machining"*0.2 + "Exam" * 0.3

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Students with special regimes (TE, DA, ...) must carry out a project similar to other students. All taught content and access to relevant CAD/CAM/CAE software will be provided.

Classification improvement

The classification improvement is made through the appeal exam.