EE and CS bacground, No knowledge of mechanical sytem design,advice pls

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges faced by a computer programmer with a background in computer science and electrical engineering who seeks to learn mechanical system design. The focus is on acquiring knowledge and skills in mechanical design, including the use of software tools for simulation and CAD.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to combine programming and electrical engineering skills with mechanical design but lacks knowledge in the latter.
  • Another participant suggests reading books on Mechanics and Machine Design, noting that many electrical engineers have taken basic Statics and Dynamics courses.
  • A participant confirms their comfort with Statics and Dynamics and seeks recommendations for free software tools to aid in learning mechanical design.
  • One response indicates uncertainty about the availability of free software but mentions that some educational books may include supplementary software.
  • A suggestion is made to collaborate with mechanical engineers and machinists to gain practical insights and knowledge.
  • The original poster expresses interest in visiting workshops and industries to observe practical applications of mechanical design concepts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of foundational knowledge in mechanics and the value of collaboration with professionals in the field. However, there is no consensus on specific free software tools for mechanical design, and the discussion remains open-ended regarding the best resources for learning.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the potential variability in the effectiveness of suggested resources and the dependence on individual learning preferences. The discussion does not resolve the question of which specific software tools are most beneficial.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals with backgrounds in computer science or electrical engineering looking to expand their skills into mechanical system design, as well as those interested in practical applications of mechanical engineering concepts.

bineyame
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Hi All,

I am a computer programmer who has studied computer science and electrical engineering .It is my desire to combine my programming skill and EE background to design systems that potentially constitute mechanical parts( controlled by circuit and firmware...) .The problem is ,I have no knowledge of mechanical system design and i feel that it is a huge drag in my attempt to learn to do systems design. Please suggest ways ,free software tools,... that can help me build skills in mechanical part of system design.

Thanks
 
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bineyame said:
Hi All,

I am a computer programmer who has studied computer science and electrical engineering .It is my desire to combine my programming skill and EE background to design systems that potentially constitute mechanical parts( controlled by circuit and firmware...) .The problem is ,I have no knowledge of mechanical system design and i feel that it is a huge drag in my attempt to learn to do systems design. Please suggest ways ,free software tools,... that can help me build skills in mechanical part of system design.

Thanks

I suggest reading some books on Mechanics and then one on Machine Design. Although most EE's I know were required to take basic Statics and Dynamics courses in undergrad. If you did, then the Mechanics books might not be helpful but the Machine Design will.

CS
 
stewartcs said:
I suggest reading some books on Mechanics and then one on Machine Design. Although most EE's I know were required to take basic Statics and Dynamics courses in undergrad. If you did, then the Mechanics books might not be helpful but the Machine Design will.

CS

Thank you for your advice.Yes, i have taken statics and dynamics courses and I'm fairly comfortable in those areas. I'll read machine design books as you suggested and it will be great if there are software tools out there that i can get for free to complement my reading with simulation and CAD,any suggestion along that line?
 
bineyame said:
Thank you for your advice.Yes, i have taken statics and dynamics courses and I'm fairly comfortable in those areas. I'll read machine design books as you suggested and it will be great if there are software tools out there that i can get for free to complement my reading with simulation and CAD,any suggestion along that line?

I don't know of any free ones. Depending on the book, it may have some educational type software included that supplements your reading of the book.

CS
 
Don't attempt everything alone. I'd look to find a like minded ME and befriend a machinist or two. They haven't had time to forget what you won't have time to learn...

- Mike
 
Thank you for your great suggestion Mike ,I'll definitely try it! I'm also trying to arrange a visit to workshops and industries where i can see practical application of concepts...
 

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