Date of Award
2025
Document Type
Open Access Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MS)
Administrative Home Department
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Advisor 1
Paulus van Susante
Committee Member 1
Andrew Oliva
Committee Member 2
Chad Walber
Abstract
This thesis aims to tackle some of the inefficiencies with the current methods of engineering. The issues are specifically the inefficient iteration processes between preliminary design and detail level design, a lack of centralized resources, and poor project organization and management. The thesis provides a case study on the current tools that solve this issue and then presents a new proof of concept framework for an engineering tool. This tool addresses these issues by unifying calculators, databases, external tools, and project management systems under one modular platform.
The tool consists of one central GUI with multiple independent modules such as a beam calculator, CAM designer and material database that are displayed within the main GUI which enhances the modules with project management and metadata systems. Its architecture is designed for modularity and scalability, enabling future expansions of new tools.
Verification tests confirm that the system runs as intended and can create preliminary design CAD models using parametric knowledge-based engineering which can then be analyzed in FEA. This helps reduce time for initial iterations by eliminating initial guess work. The tool was then extensively tested in real engineering scenarios where it proved essential to the success of the projects. Expediting timelines and completing all requirements for the project proving that the tool works and is needed in engineering workflows.
Recommended Citation
Sierra, Elijah M., "REVIEW AND DEVELOPMENT OF CENTRALIZED ENGINEERING TOOL FRAMEWORKS TO ENHANCE PRODUCTIVITY AND BRIDGE GAPS IN CURRENT ENGINEERING PROCESSES", Open Access Master's Thesis, Michigan Technological University, 2025.