Young engineer in Zimbabwe exploring generative design
Written by David Chadwick
Wisdom James Murombo has a passion for engineering and has been exploring the use of new techniques to optimize his designs for strength and weight. Wisdom is in his third year of studying Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
Optimizing designs using generative design
For the design projects that are assigned to NUST students, Wisdom was motivated to think beyond conventional solutions and is exploring the use of generative design techniques in Solid Edge. “I have always been interested in engineering and design,” says Wisdom. “My father runs a workshop for maintaining diesel engines and I have learned many practical engineering techniques by helping him in his workshop. But I always wondered if the design of the engine components I worked on can be improved.”
Wisdom continues, “I am using Solid Edge with its generative design capabilities to investigate if I can make components as light and efficient as possible while maintaining the required strength.” One of his recent projects was to design an engine stand to use in his father’s workshop: “I came up with an initial concept design and added the loads that the stand will need to support. The generative design capability in Solid Edge shows me where material can be reduced without compromising the strength of the stand.”
Designing a system to aid COVID19 diagnosis
Wisdom does not confine his talents to mechanical design projects. He also has skills in writing software and artificial intelligence. He recently joined forces with another student to design a system that processes X-ray images to support fast diagnosis of patients with COVID19. Wisdom says, “Using AI techniques, the system has the potential to partially automate the initial diagnosis of patients. This can help our healthcare professionals work more efficiently with an increasing number of patients.” This project won second place at the International Network on Appropriate Technology’s (INAT) 9th ICAT Tech-a-thon.
Future plans
When he graduates, Wisdom plans to apply his skills in design and automation to working for a company in the manufacturing, mining or automotive areas in Zimbabwe or abroad. Another possibility is for Wisdom to start his own business and join the Solid Edge for Startups program. We wish Wisdom success in the future and hope he continues to explore the next generation design technologies in Solid Edge. And just a note that any students enrolled in an academic institution and who are interested in learning Solid Edge can download the Student Edition of Solid Edge for free here.
