Mechanical Engineering Tools: Real World Resources

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the tools and resources used by mechanical engineers in their professional practice. Participants explore various software, books, and physical tools relevant to different engineering roles, including mechanical and aerospace engineering.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants seek general information about tools used by mechanical engineers, including software and reference materials.
  • Others emphasize the need for specificity in the types of tools, distinguishing between design software and analysis tools.
  • A participant mentions the importance of creative design concepts followed by analysis using FEA and CFD software.
  • Specific software tools are listed, including ANSYS, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and MATLAB, among others.
  • One participant shares a detailed list of tools and resources used in California civil and mechanical engineering, indicating a variety of standards and software relevant to their work.
  • Another participant humorously includes "Lack of sanity" in their list of tools, suggesting the challenges faced in the profession.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the types of tools and resources needed, with some seeking general information while others call for more specific inquiries. There is no clear consensus on what constitutes essential tools, as different engineering roles and tasks require different resources.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the diversity of tools across various engineering disciplines and the need for clarity in requests for information. Some contributions reference specific software and standards, but the applicability may vary based on individual engineering roles.

Who May Find This Useful

Practicing mechanical engineers, students in engineering programs, and professionals interested in the tools and resources used in mechanical and aerospace engineering may find this discussion beneficial.

CERNboson
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Any practicing mechanical engineers post some internet links or tools used on the job?

Would be much appreciated thanks.
 
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What do you mean tools?

Do you want a link to my software library or to a description of the stuff in my toolbox? Or perhaps you're just looking for a good pen and pencil manufacturer?
 
What do you use to design what you make, yeah software library is good. What books do you reference for your specific field?
 
I'm an Aerospace Engineer, who writes software.

Perhaps you should outline exactly what aspect you want to know about.

Software used to design a component isn't the same thing as software used to design a user interface - so you really need to narrow it down.

What books do I reference? Again, very broad and for the most part they are programming related.
 
CERNboson said:
Any practicing mechanical engineers post some internet links or tools used on the job?

Would be much appreciated thanks.

Welcome to the PF.

I'm an EE, but some of the cooler things that our ME group gets to work with is 3D Printer systems for prototyping plastic parts. We have several, but this is the one that is getting the most use at the moment:

http://www.3dsystems.com/products/sla/viper/index.asp

So the MEs design the parts in 3D CAD software (typically AutoCAD and some other packages), and use the 3D Printer to prototype a few parts. They can then assemble a product to see how it all goes together, and fine tune the design iteratively. Cool stuff.
 
Sorry for being kinda broad, I am not trying to be specific, i want to know generally. You don't go straight out of college with a pen and paper and design a turbine, you have tools to help you model stresses, fluid dynamics, books to help you. I know there are a lot of different types of mechanical engineers.

I guess a good layout would be

Type of engineer/job:

Tools used:

?
 
@CERNboson. As a design engineer you will need first and foremost your creative genius. After coming up with your design concepts, you then carry out analysis, for stress analysis you can use FEA softwares i.e finite element analysis or you can also perform ur analysis using all u have learned in school in solid mechanics. For fluid systems you can use CFD softwares. If your analysis suggests that your concept is good u then make 2D & 3D drawings of your concept. Depending on the kind of project, you may simulate the design in action using simulation softwares like SolidWorks Simulation or you may build a prototype to test your design and ensure that it will really work and be safe. You will also carry out manufacturing drawings. I hope this gives u direction.
 
In summary,
FEA softwares: ANSYS, FEMtools, ANSA.

CFD softwares: FLUENT, FLUIDYN.

Drafting softwares: SolidWorks, Pro/E, Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD.

Other analysis tools are MATLAB, MATCAD,
You can google these sofwares for more details.
 
  • #10
  • #11
California Civil PE Tools (Hospital Design):

1. AISC 13th Edition
2. AISI NASPEC - 2007 Edition
3. ASCE Standard 7-5 & 7-10
4. 2010 CBC & 2007 CBC
5. RISA-3D
6. Mathcad 14
7. Hilti PROFIS Anchor
8. Powers Design Assist
9. TI-85 Calculator
10. Autocad
11. Navisworks Manage
12. Various component ESR reports.
13. OSHPD website
14. Archive of OSHPD CAN's (code application notices)
15. Plotter capable of 30x42 prints
16. PE & SE Stamps
17. Lack of sanity.

California Mechanical PE tools:
1. Most of above.
2. ASHRAE Handbooks (series of 4)
3. ASME B31.1, B31.3 & B31.9
4. AutoPIPE/Caesar II
5. AutoCAD MEP
6. Machinery's Handbook
7. Any machine component design book from college. (Shigley's?)

Mechanical Engineer (Machine component design) for Semiconductor Capital Equipment:
1. Solidworks
2. Solidworks
3. Copy of companies fastener, machining, welding, fabrication standards
4. Copy of companies dimensioning practices and typical sheet note call outs.
5. Mcmaster-Carr
6. Power Point & Excel
7. Calculator & equations optional
8. ASME Y14.5-2009 optional
 
  • #12
Thanks Jehake12 and Xandro101, that is exactly what I am talking about!
 

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