I am designing a fuel-efficient engine for next-generation automobiles – thanks to e-learning!

When I was in my 4th semester, I started looking for summer internships. I applied to a few internships but I couldn’t get through any of them. One day, while browsing internships on, I came across an online trainings platform. The AutoCAD training caught my eye since most of the internships I applied to required proficiency in AutoCAD, so I decided to enroll in it.

This 6-week training was divided into 4 modules – interface, drawing aids, and basic objects, complex objects & object editing, blocks & annotations, and plotting & introduction to 3D. The first module introduced me to the basic interface of AutoCAD software and its parts such as ribbons, symbols, tabs, panels, command bar, quick access toolbar, drawing window, etc. I also learnt to access Autodesk 360, define the workspace, and enter commands. Then, I learnt about limits and units, dynamic inputs, and toggling options along with creating lines using absolute and relative coordinate methods and polar method. The second module was about drafting various complex figures including lines, arcs, polygons, ellipses, etc. Here, I learnt editing features and their properties along with editing commands such as cut, mirror, trim, and join. Next up was an introduction to layers, its applications, options, and shortcuts. This section ended with grip editing and normal and associative arrays. The third module talked about blocks and its applications, hatching and various methods to do it, and ways to format text. Lastly, I learnt about isometric drafting and how to use the Isoplane command to draw at an angle of 30 degrees. In the fourth module, I was introduced to the Dimension Style Manager and the types of dimensions in AutoCAD. It also talked about plotting on model space and paper space. At the end of the module, I learnt to create a basic 3D solid model using space and visualization tools.

Each module had six to seven brief videos explaining various topics and subtopics within the module. At the end of each module, there were assignments along with an objective test which acted as the key to opening the next module. I liked the pace at which the lectures were delivered, and it was easy to follow what the instructor was teaching. What I loved about the training was its personalized nature; there were different projects for students pursuing civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering.

The training ended, and I started looking for relevant internships. One of my professors had put up a notice inviting interns to help him with a project he was developing. The initial screening was based on the CGPA after which the eligible students were called in for an interview. I had expressed my interest in the design of this project, so most of the questions in the interview revolved around design fundamentals and AutoCAD. Some of the questions he asked me were –

1. What are the different steps involved in design?

2. What is ergonomics?

3. What is the function of limits in AutoCAD?

4. Explain the difference between relative and absolute coordinate methods for drawing a line?

5. What’s the command for changing the appearance of a point in AutoCAD?

6. How do we use blocks and arrays in AutoCAD?

7. How do we create isometric drafting in AutoCAD?

While most of the students found the interview grilling, I was pretty confident while answering the questions since I had already learnt all those things in the training. Soon enough, I heard from the professor about my selection. The research project I am currently working on involves the synthesis and analysis of a fuel-efficient, eco-friendly 4-stroke combustion ignition, turbocharged, air-cooled, combustion engine. The main objective of this project is to design an engine for next-generation automobiles. There are four groups working on this project – design, thermal analysis, analysis of design, and feasibility of production. I work with the design team and am responsible for coming up with the structure of the engine and creating 2D drafts and 3D models accordingly. Had it not been for the online training I took in AutoCAD, I wouldn’t have gotten this internship.

Author of the story: Rhythm Bhatta