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M-TECH in Computer Aided Design at Shanmugha Arts Science Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA)
Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Computer Aided Design at Shanmugha Arts Science Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA) Thanjavur?
This M.Tech. Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) program at SASTRA Deemed University focuses on equipping students with advanced skills in digital design, analysis, and manufacturing technologies. It addresses the growing need in India''''s manufacturing and automotive sectors for professionals proficient in optimizing product development cycles. The program differentiates itself by integrating theoretical knowledge with extensive hands-on experience using industry-standard software and machinery, preparing graduates for cutting-edge engineering challenges in the Indian market.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for mechanical, production, automobile, and aeronautical engineering graduates seeking to specialize in product design and manufacturing automation. It also caters to working professionals in design and manufacturing roles looking to upgrade their skills with modern CAD/CAM/CAE tools and methodologies. Career changers with a strong engineering background aiming for roles in advanced manufacturing, product development, or R&D within the Indian industrial landscape will also find this program beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding careers as Design Engineers, CAE Analysts, CAM Programmers, Product Development Engineers, or R&D Specialists in India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The strong foundation in advanced engineering tools prepares them for growth trajectories in companies focusing on automotive, aerospace, heavy machinery, and consumer goods manufacturing, potentially leading to leadership roles in design and production.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master CAD/FEA Software Proficiency- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time beyond lab sessions to practice core CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD) and FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus). Focus on developing advanced modeling, assembly, and simulation skills for various engineering components.
Tools & Resources
Official software tutorials, YouTube channels (e.g., SolidWorks Tutorials, ANSYS Learning), Online courses (Coursera, Udemy for CAD/FEA basics), Departmental computing labs
Career Connection
Direct prerequisite for design, analysis, and manufacturing engineering roles. Strong proficiency makes candidates highly desirable for internships and entry-level positions in product development.
Build Strong Mathematical and Computational Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to Applied Mathematics and Computational Fluid Dynamics. Practice problem-solving rigorously, understand the underlying algorithms of FEA and CFD, and utilize online platforms for additional practice in numerical methods and programming (e.g., Python for engineering calculations).
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on Applied Mechanics/Numerical Methods, Khan Academy for math refreshers, GeeksforGeeks for coding practice, Textbooks, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Essential for advanced research, simulation development, and understanding complex engineering phenomena. Crucial for roles requiring deep analytical skills in R&D or advanced CAE.
Engage in Early Design Projects- (Semester 1-2)
Proactively seek out small design challenges or mini-projects, perhaps in collaboration with peers or local student chapters (e.g., SAE, ASME). Apply learned CAD/FEA concepts to conceptualize and analyze simple mechanical systems, documenting the process thoroughly.
Tools & Resources
Online design communities (GrabCAD), College project clubs, Faculty mentorship, Design competitions (e.g., BAJA SAEINDIA, EFFI-CYCLE)
Career Connection
Develops practical problem-solving skills, teamwork, and a portfolio of design work, which are critical for showcasing capabilities during internships and placements.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize through Electives and Advanced Labs- (Semester 2-3)
Strategically choose electives that align with your career aspirations (e.g., Additive Manufacturing for production roles, Design Optimization for R&D). Maximize learning in advanced labs by performing detailed experiments, simulations, and working on complex problem statements under faculty guidance.
Tools & Resources
Elective course materials, Specialized lab equipment, Industry whitepapers, Academic journals, Expert interaction during lab sessions
Career Connection
Develops niche expertise, making you a specialist in areas highly sought after by specific industries (e.g., aerospace for AM, automotive for design optimization). Enhances suitability for research-oriented roles.
Pursue Industry Internships/Collaborative Projects- (Summer after Semester 1 or during Semester 2/3)
Actively search for summer or semester-long internships in manufacturing companies, design firms, or R&D centers. Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world industrial problems. If internships are unavailable, engage in collaborative projects with faculty that have industry ties.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, LinkedIn, Industry contacts, Faculty research groups, Company career portals
Career Connection
Provides invaluable industry exposure, builds professional networks, and often leads to pre-placement offers. Demonstrates practical application of skills to potential employers.
Develop Strong Communication and Presentation Skills- (Semester 2-3)
Utilize the Seminar course and project presentations to refine technical communication, report writing, and public speaking abilities. Participate in technical paper presentations at college festivals or local conferences.
Tools & Resources
Toastmasters clubs (if available), Presentation software (PowerPoint, LaTeX Beamer), Academic writing guides, Peer feedback
Career Connection
Essential for conveying complex technical information to colleagues, clients, and management in any engineering role. Strong communication differentiates candidates in interviews.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Project Work and Dissertation- (Semester 3-4)
Choose a research topic for your M.Tech project that is highly relevant to industry needs or cutting-edge research. Dedicate substantial effort to thorough literature review, robust methodology, data analysis, and clear thesis writing. Aim for high-quality outcomes like a patent application or a research publication.
Tools & Resources
Research databases (Scopus, Web of Science), Academic software, Specialized lab facilities, Faculty advisors, Research ethics guidelines
Career Connection
A strong dissertation is a powerful credential for R&D roles, academic positions, or advanced engineering consulting. Demonstrates independent research capability and problem-solving.
Focus on Placement Preparation & Interview Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Actively participate in campus placement drives. Prepare a targeted resume and portfolio showcasing CAD/CAM projects and skills. Practice technical interviews, aptitude tests, and group discussions regularly, focusing on core engineering concepts and project explanations.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell resources, Mock interview sessions, Online aptitude test platforms, Company-specific interview guides, Peer interview practice
Career Connection
Directly impacts securing coveted positions in leading manufacturing and design companies. Well-prepared candidates stand out in competitive recruitment processes.
Network with Industry Professionals and Alumni- (Throughout the program, intensified in Semester 3-4)
Attend industry webinars, conferences, and alumni meet-ups. Connect with professionals in your target industries on LinkedIn. Seek their advice on career paths, skill development, and job opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Industry events, Alumni network portals, Professional body memberships (e.g., SAE, ASME)
Career Connection
Opens doors to unadvertised job opportunities, provides mentorship, and offers insights into industry trends, significantly enhancing long-term career growth.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.E./B.Tech. in Mechanical, Production, Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechatronics, Automobile, Marine, Aerospace, Aeronautical Engineering or equivalent with a minimum aggregate of 60% in B.E./B.Tech. or 6.5 CGPA on a 10 point scale.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 76 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180MESC501 | Applied Mathematics for Mechanical Engineers | Core | 4 | Matrix Computations, Numerical Solutions of ODE/PDE, Calculus of Variations, Laplace and Fourier Transforms, Finite Difference Methods |
| 180CADC501 | Computer Aided Design | Core | 4 | Geometric Transformations, Curves and Surfaces, Solid Modeling, Feature-Based Design, Assembly Modeling, Product Data Exchange |
| 180CADC502 | Finite Element Analysis | Core | 4 | Variational Formulation, Shape Functions, Element Types, Heat Transfer Analysis, Dynamic Analysis, Commercial FEA Software |
| 180CADC503 | Industrial Robotics | Core | 4 | Robot Configurations, Forward and Inverse Kinematics, Manipulator Dynamics, Trajectory Generation, Robot Control, Vision Systems |
| 180CADL501 | Computer Aided Design Lab | Lab | 2 | Part Modeling, Surface Modeling, Assembly Constraints, Drafting Standards, GD&T, Parametric Design using CAD software |
| 180CADL502 | Finite Element Analysis Lab | Lab | 2 | Static Structural Analysis, Thermal Analysis, Modal Analysis, Buckling Analysis, Meshing techniques, Post-processing results |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180CADC504 | Computer Aided Manufacturing | Core | 4 | CNC Machine Tools, G & M Codes, Part Programming, Tooling, Process Planning, CAM Software Functions |
| 180CADC505 | Design for Manufacturing and Assembly | Core | 4 | DFM Guidelines, DFA Methodologies, Material Selection, Producibility Analysis, Tolerancing, Fasteners and Joining |
| 180CADC506 | Computational Fluid Dynamics | Core | 4 | Fluid Flow Equations, Finite Volume Method, Pressure-Velocity Coupling, Convection-Diffusion, Grid Generation, CFD Software |
| 180CADE XX (Elective 1) | Additive Manufacturing | Elective | 3 | FDM, SLA, SLS, EBM processes, Material properties, Design guidelines for AM, Quality control, Application areas |
| 180CADE XX (Elective 2) | Design Optimization | Elective | 3 | Optimization Techniques, Single/Multi-Objective Optimization, Sensitivity Analysis, Topology Optimization, Shape Optimization, Genetic Algorithms |
| 180CADA501 | Advanced CAE Lab | Lab | 2 | Multiphysics Simulations, Optimization Studies, Advanced FEA Techniques, CFD Applications, CAD/CAM Integration projects |
| 180CADP501 | Seminar | Project/Seminar | 2 | Technical Literature Review, Topic Selection, Presentation Skills, Report Writing, Q&A Session |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180CADE XX (Elective 3) | Product Lifecycle Management | Elective | 3 | PLM Concepts, Data Management, Product Development Stages, Digital Mock-up, PDM/PLM Software, Configuration Management |
| 180CADE XX (Elective 4) | Industrial Automation | Elective | 3 | Automation Pyramid, PLC Programming, SCADA Systems, Industrial Communication Protocols, Robot Integration, Sensor/Actuator Selection |
| 180CADP601 | Project Work & Dissertation - I | Project | 10 | Problem Statement, Extensive Literature Survey, Objective Formulation, Methodology Design, Initial Simulation/Experimental Setup |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180CADP602 | Project Work & Dissertation - II | Project | 10 | Data Collection & Analysis, Result Interpretation, Conclusion & Future Work, Thesis Report Writing, Final Viva-Voce |
