ChatGPT, your new sidekick for Mechanical Engineering?

Like many of you I have been recently introduced to Chat GPT and I have been blown away by what it is capable of doing. This is a huge leap for computing and if I may be forgiven for my grandiose language, ChatGPT will cause the biggest leap in productivity since the widespread adoption of the personal computer many years ago.

ChatGPT is capable of creative writing and is able to write marketing emails, SOPs, and information request emails, and honestly speaking would be able to write this article better than me. The NY Times explores such uses much better than I and I definitely recommend you listen to today's episode of The Daily for a background.

Something that seems to have flown under the radar is how useful this tool is for engineers not working in the IT space. Perhaps it may be a little early now but in a few years, ChatGPT may become your new sidekick!

Here's an example question I tried out to see how it handles mechanical problems:

__________________________________________________________________________

Venkata: My Heatshield is failing due to the high temperature causing it to engage a fit which causes high thermal stress and yielding. How do I fix it?

ChatGPT:

There are several potential solutions for addressing a heatshield that is yielding due to high temperatures causing it to engage a fit, which leads to high thermal stress and yielding. Here are a few potential approaches:

1.??Modify the fit between the heatshield and the colder part: If the heatshield is not fitting securely against the colder part, it may be yielding due to the thermal expansion caused by the high temperatures. One solution could be to modify the fit between the two parts so that the heatshield is more securely held in place, which could help to reduce the amount of thermal expansion and stress on the heatshield.

2.??Use a different material for the heatshield: If the material of the heatshield is not capable of withstanding the high temperatures it is subjected to, it may be yielding due to the thermal stresses it is experiencing. In this case, consider using a different material for the heatshield that is more resistant to thermal expansion and able to withstand the high temperatures.

3.??Add insulation or a barrier between the heatshield and the colder part: If the temperature difference between the heatshield and the colder part is causing the heatshield to yield, consider adding insulation or a barrier between the two parts to reduce the heat transfer. This could help to reduce the thermal expansion of the heatshield and improve its stability.

4.??Modify the design of the heatshield: If the current design of the heatshield is not sufficient to prevent it from yielding, consider modifying the design to better support the loads and temperatures it is subjected to. This could involve changing the shape or size of the heatshield, or adding additional structural support.

It's worth noting that it may be necessary to try a combination of these approaches in order to effectively address the issue. In any case, it's important to carefully consider the cause of the problem and take a systematic approach to finding a solution.?

_________________________________________________________________________

This may not be the most specific answer in the world but all 4 of the options it gave would work and would be a great aid for anyone just starting out in the field.

Another scenario I tried is something that I don't enjoy writing that much, SOPs. (Props to Tristan Funk for this example) Here's what it came up with:

__________________________________________________________________________

Venkata: Write an SOP for a 6" Valve replacement

ChatGPT: Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for 6" Valve Replaceme

Gather necessary tools and equipment: Before beginning the valve replacement, gather all necessary tools and equipment, including the replacement valve, wrenches, torque wrench, pipe thread sealant, pipe thread tape, and any other tools or equipment required for the specific valve and piping system.

Review valve documentation: Carefully review the documentation for the replacement valve, including any installation instructions and any applicable service bulletins or service letters. Familiarize yourself with the specific requirements for the valve and the piping system.

Shut off and isolate the valve: Before replacing the valve, shut off and isolate the valve from the piping system. This may involve closing any upstream or downstream valves, venting any pressure from the piping system, and securing the piping system to prevent any accidental release of fluids or gases.

Remove the old valve: Using the appropriate wrenches, remove the old valve from the piping system. Carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions for valve removal, taking care to avoid any damage to the piping system or surrounding components.

Install the new valve: Once the old valve has been removed, install the new valve according to the manufacturer's instructions. Be sure to use pipe thread sealant or pipe thread tape as appropriate to ensure a proper seal between the valve and the piping system.

Torque the valve: Using a torque wrench, torque the valve to the specified value according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Test the valve: After replacing the valve, test the valve to ensure that it is functioning properly. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for testing the valve and perform any necessary troubleshooting if issues are encountered.

Re-energize the piping system: Once the valve has been tested and is functioning properly, re-energize the piping system according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Note: This SOP is intended as a general guideline and may need to be modified to fit the specific needs of your organization. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and the piping system documentation for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

________________________________________________________________________

As you can see, this is a great general SOP that you can easily edit to suit your needs. Tasks like this could be a great way to partially automate your workload.

Though this technology is still in an early stage of development, I see real potential in using a program like this as a virtual assistant and partially automating simpler tasks during your day-to-day. If the AI is trained on company proprietary material and technical publications, I see huge potential in using ChatGPT to speed up ideation, onboarding, and on-the-job training at large companies like 普惠 or Pratt & Whitney Canada .

Perhaps one day, I could ask a custom proprietary version of ChatGPT trained on company documents and manuals to ask something like: "Search SAP and find an available alternative for the material of this part." or "What's the recommended minimum flow of oil to a bearing operating at XXX speed with XXX radial load." or "What is the fatigue strength of this part?"

What do you think? Could this be something you use in the future? As for me, I'll ask ChatGPT what it thinks. Honestly, it is probably a better writer than me anyway...

Do you think Mechanical Engineers will use you, ChatGPT?

ChatGPT: It is difficult to predict with certainty whether or not all mechanical engineers will choose to use a language model like myself in their work. However, it is likely that many mechanical engineers will find value in using a tool like me to assist with various tasks and to access a wide range of information.

As technology continues to advance, it is becoming increasingly common for professionals in various fields to use artificial intelligence and machine learning tools to help them with their work. In this sense, it is possible that the use of language models and other AI tools will become more widespread among mechanical engineers over time.

Ultimately, the decision to use a language model or other AI tool will depend on the individual preferences and needs of each mechanical engineer and the specific requirements of their work?