Generative Design for Performance and Weight Reduction from Coursera

There are many considerations and factors that play a part in designing a new product. Cost is usually a big one, but sometimes there are other factors that are the main contributors to a product's direction. With vehicles, specifically motorcycles, we see advanced engineering practices performed on seemingly minor parts. In some instances, making a part as light as possible can have a big effect on performance. In other cases, the strength or stiffness of a part, such as a motor mount, is more critical than its mass. Generative design allows us the ability to solve for both problems at the same time and make informed design decisions without the sacrifice. In this course, we’ll explore how generative design can be applied to motorcycle parts to help reduce mass while also increasing performance.

You’ll need a paid subscription to Fusion 360 to complete the assignments in this course. Be sure to review your access or payment options before enrolling: https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360

Want to take your learning to the next level? Complete the Autodesk Generative Design for Manufacturing Specialization, and you’ll unlock an additional Autodesk Credential as further recognition of your success! The Autodesk Credential comes with a digital badge and certificate, which you can add to your resume and share on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Sharing your Autodesk Credential can signal to hiring managers that you’ve got the right skills for the job and you’re up on the latest industry trends like generative design.

Enroll in the Specialization here: https://www.coursera.org/specializations/autodesk-generative-design-manufacturing

Looking for Autodesk Fusion 360 certification prep courses? Check out additional learning resources to help you uplevel your skills: https://www.autodesk.com/learning

What's inside

Syllabus

Identifying and Modeling Obstacle and Preserve Regions

In Week 1, we’ll cover the review of a complex assembly and the identification and modeling of any preserve and obstacle regions needed for the definition of a generative design study.

Setting up a Generative Design Study

In Week 2, we’ll talk about setting up an unrestricted generative design study for multiple materials to explore the swingarm of a motorcycle.

Review and Select an Outcome

In Week 3, we’ll focus on the tools used to explore and select a generative outcome. Selecting the right iteration of an outcome for production is a critical step in the process.

Post Process a File for Production

In Week 4, we’ll cover all the little details needed to get a design ready for production. Preserve regions are usually made up of simple geometry that need further modeling attention. Obstacles are usually cut from a generative outcome as a boundary fill operation in the timeline, but it isn’t always needed and doesn’t always produce ideal results. Taking care of the little details in the design will save time from having to manually modify parts after they have been prototyped.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines generative design and its application to motorcycling, which is useful in the automotive industry

Taught by Autodesk, who are recognized for their work in design

Develops generative design practices in motorcycle design, which is a novel approach that gives learners an edge

This course explicitly requires a paid subscription to Fusion 360, which may be a financial barrier to students without access

Reviews summary

Generative design for efficiency

Learners say this course is informative and provides learners with an excellent introduction to generative design. According to students, it is well-organized, engaging, and focuses on real-world applications of generative design.

Well-Paced Learning

"This course is properly organized and appropriately presented with a laser focus on Generative Design."

"I enjoyed every moment of the class."

Organized and Informative

"This is an excellent introductory course for Generative Design."

"It is properly organized and appropriately presented with a laser focus on Generative Design."

"Excellent course to cover."

Involves Hands-On Applications

"The examples, activities, and challenges are well chosen and give a complete state of the art about weight reduction using generative design."

"This course is really helpful for me because of the industry-based examples."

"Great course with unique applicable study to industry."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Generative Design for Performance and Weight Reduction with these activities:

Refresh your knowledge of CAD modeling

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Ensure that you have a solid understanding of the basics of CAD modeling before starting this course, as it will help you to better understand the generative design process.

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Review your notes or watch online tutorials on the basics of CAD modeling.
Practice creating simple 3D models in a CAD software program.

Follow guided tutorials on generative design

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Supplement the material covered in the course by exploring generative design tutorials and examples.

Browse courses on Generative Design

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Find tutorials that cover the basics of generative design.
Follow the tutorials to create your own generative designs.

Participate in peer review sessions

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Get feedback on your work from other students and provide feedback to others.

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Join a study group or online forum for the course.
Share your work with others and ask for feedback.
Provide feedback to others on their work.

Two other activities

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Show all five activities

Create a blog post or video tutorial on generative design

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Share your knowledge and insights on generative design with others.

Browse courses on Generative Design

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Choose a topic that you are knowledgeable about.
Write a blog post or create a video tutorial on the topic.
Publish your content online and share it with others.

Create a generative design project

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Apply the skills and knowledge you have gained in the course to a real-world project.

Browse courses on Generative Design

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Choose a product or component that you would like to redesign using generative design.
Set up a generative design study in Fusion 360.
Generate and evaluate different design iterations.
Select and refine the best design.
Manufacture and test the final design.
Document and share your results.

Career center

Learners who complete Generative Design for Performance and Weight Reduction will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Product Designer

Product Designers leverage Generative Design to create innovative products that meet both performance and weight reduction requirements. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles and applications of Generative Design, enabling Product Designers to stay ahead in the competitive industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers utilize Generative Design to optimize the design of mechanical components, balancing performance and weight efficiency. This course offers valuable insights into Generative Design techniques, empowering Mechanical Engineers to push the boundaries of mechanical design.

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Automotive Engineer

Automotive Engineers apply Generative Design to enhance vehicle performance and reduce weight in the automotive industry. This course provides specialized knowledge in Generative Design for motorcycle parts, enabling Automotive Engineers to stay competitive and meet the demands of the rapidly evolving automotive landscape.

See salaries and explore the career path for Automotive Engineer

Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace Engineers leverage Generative Design to optimize aircraft components for performance and weight reduction. This course offers a foundation in Generative Design principles, empowering Aerospace Engineers to contribute to the design of cutting-edge aerospace systems.

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Industrial Designer

Industrial Designers utilize Generative Design to enhance the form and function of products. This course provides a foundation in Generative Design techniques, enabling Industrial Designers to create innovative and aesthetically pleasing products.

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Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineers apply Generative Design to optimize manufacturing processes and reduce production costs. This course provides insights into the application of Generative Design in manufacturing, enabling Manufacturing Engineers to improve efficiency and productivity.

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Design Engineer

Design Engineers utilize Generative Design to optimize product design and performance. This course offers a foundation in Generative Design principles, enabling Design Engineers to create innovative and efficient designs.

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Research Engineer

Research Engineers leverage Generative Design to explore new design possibilities and advance technological boundaries. This course provides a foundation in Generative Design techniques, empowering Research Engineers to push the limits of innovation.

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Simulation Engineer

Simulation Engineers utilize Generative Design to optimize product performance through virtual simulations. This course offers insights into the integration of Generative Design with simulation techniques, enabling Simulation Engineers to enhance product design and decision-making.

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Project Manager

Project Managers may oversee projects that involve Generative Design. This course provides a general understanding of Generative Design principles, enabling Project Managers to effectively manage and coordinate such projects.

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Quality Assurance Engineer

Quality Assurance Engineers may work with Generative Design outcomes to ensure product quality. This course provides a basic understanding of Generative Design principles, enabling Quality Assurance Engineers to assess and validate Generative Design outcomes.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers may document and explain Generative Design processes and outcomes. This course provides a foundational understanding of Generative Design principles, enabling Technical Writers to effectively communicate and present complex technical information.

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Sales Engineer

Sales Engineers may promote and sell Generative Design solutions. This course provides a general overview of Generative Design principles and applications, enabling Sales Engineers to effectively present and explain the benefits of Generative Design to potential customers.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts may assess the business impact and feasibility of Generative Design adoption. This course provides a basic understanding of Generative Design principles and potential applications, enabling Business Analysts to evaluate and make recommendations on Generative Design investments.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers may develop and execute marketing campaigns for Generative Design products or services. This course provides a general understanding of Generative Design principles and applications, enabling Marketing Managers to effectively promote and position Generative Design offerings.

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