Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.3
2.5
Journals
Applied Sciences
Special Issues
Computer-Aided Design in Mechanical Engineering
applsci-logo
Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Applied Sciences Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Computer-Aided Design in Mechanical Engineering

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Mechanical Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 August 2025 | Viewed by 3750

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Rocco Furferi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
Interests: CAD; reverse engineering; additive manufacturing; artificial intelligence
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Today's mechanical engineers heavily rely on Computer-Aided Design (CAD), which has completely changed the way designers and engineers approach the design and development of products. CAD tools enable precise and efficient design processes, allowing for the visualization and simulation of complex systems before physical prototypes are built. Significant cost reductions, shorter development times, and improved product quality result from this. Furthermore, CAD promotes innovation by making it possible to integrate cutting-edge technologies like virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and additive manufacturing, broadening the scope of what is possible in mechanical engineering. In this context, we are pleased to invite you to submit a paper to this Special Issue on “Computer-Aided Design in Mechanical Engineering”.

This Special Issue aims to collect relevant research from leading academic scientists, researchers, and industrial experts, to exchange and share their experiences and research results on all aspects of CAD in mechanical engineering.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Innovative CAD Tools and Techniques:
    • Development of new CAD software and applications;
    • Advanced modeling and simulation techniques;
    • Integration of CAD with other engineering software.
  • Applications of CAD in Mechanical Engineering:
    • Design optimization and analysis;
    • CAD in product development and manufacturing;
    • CAD for sustainable design and green engineering.
  • CAD in Emerging Technologies:
    • CAD for additive manufacturing and 3D printing;
    • Integration of CAD with artificial intelligence and machine learning;
    • Virtual and augmented reality in CAD.
  • Interdisciplinary CAD Applications:
    • CAD in biomedical engineering;
    • CAD in automotive and aerospace engineering;
    • CAD in robotics and automation.
  • Educational Aspects of CAD
    • CAD in engineering education and curriculum development;
    • Innovative teaching methods and tools for CAD;
    • CAD in collaborative and distance learning environments.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Rocco Furferi
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • computer-aided design (CAD)
  • mechanical engineering
  • design optimization
  • simulation techniques
  • additive manufacturing
  • 3D modeling
  • product development
  • sustainable design
  • virtual reality in CAD
  • engineering software integration
  • education

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Other

33 pages, 66884 KiB  
Article
Automated Design and Parametric Modeling of Excavator Buckets
by Nikolay Stankov and Aleksandar Ivanov
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(6), 3389; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15063389 - 20 Mar 2025
Viewed by 282
Abstract
This paper presents the process of automated designing and parametric modeling of excavator buckets using the CAD system. A methodology has been developed that covers all stages of design, from the creation of 3D models of the parts, sub-assemblies, and assemblies to the [...] Read more.
This paper presents the process of automated designing and parametric modeling of excavator buckets using the CAD system. A methodology has been developed that covers all stages of design, from the creation of 3D models of the parts, sub-assemblies, and assemblies to the generation of design documentation, using template files. The presented approach allows the creation of parametric models with multiple configurations, which cover different variants of the products according to their technical characteristics and purpose. This paper describes in detail the technological process, including the manufacture of parts and the assembling of sub-assemblies, in accordance with modern production requirements. Bucket classification according to excavator operating weight is included. Parametric modeling of the main components, such as the base and upper part of the bucket, is also described. In addition, an algorithm for automation of design documentation has been developed that integrates PDM systems for engineering data management. Using the presented methodology leads to a reduction in the volume of created documentation and optimizes the design process, providing the opportunity for rapid adaptation to various client requirements. Data management within a PDM system ensures centralized storage, actuality, and accessibility of information, which contribute to more efficient production and management of product data. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computer-Aided Design in Mechanical Engineering)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 6719 KiB  
Article
Sketch-Guided Topology Optimization with Enhanced Diversity for Innovative Structural Design
by Siyu Zhu, Jie Hu, Jin Qi, Lingyu Wang, Jing Guo, Jin Ma and Guoniu Zhu
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 2753; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15052753 - 4 Mar 2025
Viewed by 510
Abstract
Topology optimization (TO) is a powerful generative design tool for innovative structural design, capable of optimizing material distribution to generate structures with superior performance. However, current topology optimization algorithms mostly target a single objective and are highly dependent on the problem definition parameters, [...] Read more.
Topology optimization (TO) is a powerful generative design tool for innovative structural design, capable of optimizing material distribution to generate structures with superior performance. However, current topology optimization algorithms mostly target a single objective and are highly dependent on the problem definition parameters, causing two critical issues: limited human controllability and solution diversity. These issues often lead to burdensome design iterations and insufficient design exploration. This paper proposes a multi-solution TO framework to address them. Human designers express their stylistic preferences for structures through sketches which are decomposed into stroke and closed-shape elements to flexibly guide each TO process. Sketch-based constraints are integrated with Fourier mapping-based length-scale control to enhance human controllability. Solution diversity is achieved by perturbing Fourier mapping frequencies and load conditions in the neural implicit TO framework. Adaptive parallel scale adjustment is incorporated to reduce the computational cost for design exploration. Using the structural design of a wheel spoke as a case study, the mechanical performance and diversity of the generated TO solutions as well as the effectiveness of human control are analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The results reveal that the sketch-based constraints and length-scale control have distinct control effects on structural features and have different impacts on the mechanical performance and diversity, thereby enabling fine-grained and flexible human controllability to better balance conflicting objectives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computer-Aided Design in Mechanical Engineering)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 5232 KiB  
Article
Topology Optimization and Testing of Connecting Rod Based on Static and Dynamic Analyses
by Mahalingam Nainaragaram Ramasamy, Aleš Slíva, Prasath Govindaraj and Akash Nag
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 2081; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15042081 - 16 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 936
Abstract
This research article outlines our aim to perform topology optimization (TO) by reducing the mass of the connecting rod of an internal combustion engine based on static structural and dynamic analyses. The basic components of an internal combustion engine like the connecting rods, [...] Read more.
This research article outlines our aim to perform topology optimization (TO) by reducing the mass of the connecting rod of an internal combustion engine based on static structural and dynamic analyses. The basic components of an internal combustion engine like the connecting rods, pistons, crankshaft, and cylinder liners were designed using Autodesk Inventor Professional 2025. Using topology optimization, we aimed to achieve lesser maximum von Mises stress during static structural analysis and maintain a factor of safety (FOS) above 2.5 during rigid body dynamics. A force of 64,500 N was applied at the small end of the connecting rod while the big end was fixed. Topology optimization was carried out using ANSYS Discovery software at various percentages on a trial-and-error basis to determine better topology with lesser maximum von Mises stress. Target reduction was set to 4%, and as a result, 5.66% mass reduction from the original design and 6.25% reduced maximum von Mises stress was achieved. Later, transient analysis was carried out to evaluate the irregular motion loads and moments acting on the connecting rod at 1000 rpm. The results showed that the FOS remained above 2.5. Finally, the optimized connecting rod was simulated and verified for longevity using Goodman fatigue life analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computer-Aided Design in Mechanical Engineering)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 6800 KiB  
Article
Comparing Bolt Implementation Methods in Vibration Testing for Accurate Dynamic Behavior Analysis
by Jong Hyuk Back, Jeong Bin Bae, Ji Hye Kang and Jung Jin Kim
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 505; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15020505 - 7 Jan 2025
Viewed by 811
Abstract
Vibration testing is crucial for understanding structural dynamics, yet conventional modeling of bolt connections often leads to significant inaccuracies. This study systematically compares six bolt connection methods—bonded, adaptive bonded, joint, beam, screw, and fixed bolt—using a finite element analysis of a headlamp vibration [...] Read more.
Vibration testing is crucial for understanding structural dynamics, yet conventional modeling of bolt connections often leads to significant inaccuracies. This study systematically compares six bolt connection methods—bonded, adaptive bonded, joint, beam, screw, and fixed bolt—using a finite element analysis of a headlamp vibration test jig. The six bolt connection methods were selected based on approaches adopted in previous studies. The experimental results identified the joint connection method as the most accurate, minimizing deviations in natural frequency to 7.6 Hz compared to experimental tests at 493.2 Hz, while bonded methods overestimated the frequency at 544.1 Hz due to excessive stiffness assumptions. Efficiency analyses highlighted bonded methods as the most computationally streamlined, offering preprocessing times as short as 30 s and shorter overall analysis times. These findings emphasize the importance of selecting appropriate bolt connection methods in the early design phase to ensure accurate natural frequency predictions and mode shape representations. Although this study does not consider bolt preload forces, the work shows the possibility of offering practical guidelines for improving the reliability and efficiency of vibration test jig designs by bridging the gap between analysis and experimental results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computer-Aided Design in Mechanical Engineering)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research

10 pages, 464 KiB  
Perspective
Integrating Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing with Additive Manufacturing: A Perspective
by Rocco Furferi
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(6), 3398; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15063398 - 20 Mar 2025
Viewed by 263
Abstract
Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) are among the basic concepts of functional fitness and quality assurance in modern manufacturing. The historical development of GD&T took place primarily in the ambit of subtractive manufacturing; the advent of Additive Manufacturing (AM) now presents novel challenges [...] Read more.
Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) are among the basic concepts of functional fitness and quality assurance in modern manufacturing. The historical development of GD&T took place primarily in the ambit of subtractive manufacturing; the advent of Additive Manufacturing (AM) now presents novel challenges due to the complexity of geometries, material variability, and process-induced variances. The present Perspective Paper briefly hints at key challenges for the future of GD&T in AM, with an eye to the necessary adaptation of tolerancing principles to AM-specific geometries, integration of Model-Based Definition (MBD) in digital threads, and development of new standards for surface texture and tolerance stack-up. New inspection techniques are also highlighted for the AM parts, which would become more prominent. This study underscores the need for continued research and collaboration to develop comprehensive GD&T frameworks tailored to AM, ensuring its industrial scalability and interoperability with traditional manufacturing systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computer-Aided Design in Mechanical Engineering)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-5
Back to TopTop