The importance and applications of3D computer modeling in engineering design and the necessity of teaching its principles to engineering students

The necessity of teaching 3D computer modelling to engineering students is studied in this paper. Firstly, the applications of 3D computer modelling in engineering design are described and then an investigation is carried out to understand how it can speed up and ease the design process. Later, three main stages of the engineering design process, i.e. "Ideation", "Refinement" and "Implementation" are introduced, and consequently the results are presented in the form of 6 statements. These statements demonstrate the essential role of 3D computer modelling in the process of engineering design, and outline the importance of learning its scientific principles, and working with the relevant computer tools in this area. Twenty-five examples of relevant to 3D modelling courses at a number of top ranked universities worldwide are provided. Finally, according to the results of this study, the need to plan for and establish a program for teaching the principles of 3D modelling and relevant computer tools to engineering students is emphasized. Lastly, the authors provided recommendations and directions for future research in this field.