MECHATRONIC SYSTEMS: AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS AND MODERN DESIGN METHODOLOGIES IN UNIVERSITIES

摘要

Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary field, which offers low cost system solutions based on the principle of homogenizing system components and consequently to eliminate at least one material component or packaging level from the system. In mechatronics the synergetic integration of different engineering domains can create new products and stimulate innovative solutions. Mechatronic systems are used in different fields of application, e.g. industrial goods, consumer products and automotive equipment. Special attention is devoted to the rapidly growing importance of electronics and software. Modern methodologies for interdisciplinary, model-based design of mechatronic systems are presented; the benefits of these new methods are described. Currently, there is no doubt about the importance of the mechatronics as an area in science and technology. In this paper, a review of mechatronics is presented with emphasis on the desired qualities of university graduates as viewed by industry. Over the decades, academics and universities have diversified their curriculum's to skill students well in their specialized fields. Current programs in electrical and mechanical engineering have many subfields of specializations. Characteristic of this are the current curricula for the study of mechanical and electrical engineering. Such specialization is reflected in the work methodologies of many projects where the planning and design focuses strictly on defined areas of specialization, not over the system as a whole. As a result, graduates, starting in industry turn out to be trained with high level of team working skills needed in interdisciplinary engineering projects. Faculty of Mechanics of the University of Craiova has developed a new course of Mechatronics for the students of the specialization Road Vehicles.