Design Shell: A Framework for Interactive Parametric Design

This paper consists of a study of the mechanical engineering design methodology and the development of a computer-based framework for performing design. The framework, known as the Design Shell, provides the essential design tools, such as, constraint manager, nonlinear simultaneous equation solvers, optimizers, sensitivity analyzer, and graphics handler, in an interactive design environment. The design shell attempts to enhance the designer’s understanding of the relationships between the various design parameters and how these affect the overall design. As an illustration of the capabilities of the computer tool, the design of a torsion bar spring is presented in the paper.