Constraint Based, Three Dimensional Solid Modeling In An Introductory Engineering Graphics Course: Re Examining The Curriculum

The content of engineering graphics courses has remained the same for many decades. When three-dimensional modeling became available, many educators considered the new technology a novelty. Industry, however, realized the potential of using the 3D model as the center of the design process, deriving from it drawings, documentation, and other technical information instead of seeing it as an end in and of itself. If educators are to prepare able practitioners to accompany this change in industry, the current curriculum content must be re-evaluated. The Graphic Communications Program at North Carolina State University is exploring ways to better prepare students by examining the content of the introductory courses in an effort to determine core concepts that adhere to a solid modeling-based curriculum. During the spring 2001 semester, a pilot study was conducted in an introductory engineering graphics course using a proposed alternative curriculum focused on constraint-based, 3D solid modeling. This paper will introduce a rationale for the proposed curriculum, and outline the main topics of the curriculum.