This document discusses different types of engineering problems including research, knowledge, troubleshooting, mathematics, resource, social, and design problems. It then describes the typical problem-solving approach used by engineers which includes problem identification, synthesis, analysis, application, and comprehension. Key problem-solving skills and techniques for obtaining error-free solutions are also outlined such as using diagrams, assumptions, equations, and estimation. The document emphasizes that creativity and lateral thinking are important aspects of engineering problem-solving.

1. FOUNDATIONS OF
ENGINEERING

2. CHAPTER # 3
Problem Solving

3. TYPES OF PROBLEM
Research Problem: requires that a hypothesis be proven or disproven
Example: A scientist may hypothesize that CFC(Chlorofluorocarbons ) are destroying the earth’s ozone layer. The problem is to design an experiment
that proves or disproves the hypothesis.
Knowledge Problem: occurs when a person encounters a situation that he does not
understand.
Example: A chemical engineer may notice that the chemical plant produces more product when it rains. The cause is rain cool the heat exchangers
hence creating more space.
Troubleshooting Problem: occur when equipment behaves in unexpected or improper
ways.
Example: An electrical engineer may notice that an amplifier has a 60cycle hum (undesired low-frequency noise) whenever the fluorescent lights are
turned on. To solve this problem, he determines that extra shielding is required to isolate the electronics from the 60-cycle radiation emitted by the lights.

4. Mathematics Problem: Often encounters by engineers whose general approach is to
describe physical phenomena with mathematical models.
Example: If a physical phenomena can be described accurately by a mathematical model, the engineer unleashes the extraordinary power of
mathematics, with its rigorously proven theorem and algorithms, to help solve the problem.
Resource Problem: are always encountered in the real world.
Social Problem: can impact the engineers in many ways.
Example: A factory may be located when there is a shortage of skilled labor because the local schools are of poor quality. In this environment, an
engineer running a training program for factory workers must design the program to accommodate the low reading abilities of trainees.
Design Problem: are the heart of engineering.A design problem must be properly
posed.
Example: Designing a car – Need properly posed => 0-60miles/h in 6s, gets 50 miles/gallon, cost less than $10,000, meets government pollution
standards .

5. PROBLEM-SOLVING APPROACH
Problem identification: to identify the problem
The management of automobile firm -> painfully aware of the firm is losing market share. They challenge the engineering staff to design
a revolutionary automobile to gain back lost sales.
Synthesis: parts are integrated to form whole
The Engineers may determine that they can meet the design objective for the new car (high fuel economy & rapid acceleration) by
combining a highly efficient engine with a sleek, aerodynamic body.
Analysis: dissected into pieces
The Engineers may be compare the drag of a number of different body types & determine if the engine can fit under the hood of each
body.

6. Application: where appropriate information is identified for the problem at
hand
The Engineer determine that a key question is to find the required force needed to propel the automobile at 60mph at sea level, knowing
that the car has a projected frontal area of 19 ft2 and a drag coefficient of 0.25
Comprehension: in which the proper theory and data are used to actually
solved the problem
The Engineer determine that the drag force F on the automobile may be calculated using the formula
F=1/2 Cd ρ Av2

7. PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS
It is a process in which an individual or a team applies knowledge, skills and
understanding to achieve a desired outcomes in an unfamiliar situation.
Knowledge -- first school & then in job
Experience -- wisely apply knowledge
Learning Skills -- to acquire new knowledge
Motivation -- to follow through on tough problem
Communication & leadership skills – to coordinates activities in a team

8. Problem Identification
Synthesis
Analysis
Application
Comprehension
Solution
Optional Iteration

9. TECHNIQUES FOR ERROR-FREE
PROBLEM SOLVING
Given:
Picture , Assumption, Indicate all given properties on diagram with their proper units
Find:
Label unknown with question marks
Relationship:
Main equation with desired quantity
Algebraically manage to isolate the desired quantity
Subordinate eq -> several levels -> to get all unknown to become known

10. TECHNIQUES FOR ERROR-FREE
PROBLEM SOLVING
Solution:
Insert numerical values with their units
Ensure unit cancel appropriately
Compute the answer
Clearly mark the final answer
Final answer makes physical sense
Ensure all queries have been answered

11. ESTIMATING
Estimate: Roughly calculate or judge the value, number, quantity,
The final step to check the answer
This comes with experience

12. CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING
ABET in 1985 report -> defines engineering as “the profession in which a
knowledge of the mathematical & natural sciences gained by the study,
experience & practice is applied with judgment to develop ways to utilize,
economically, the materials and forces of nature for the benefit of mankind”
Missing -> problem solving skills & creativity
Engineers creates from nature what did not exist before
Creative mind bring the ideas by his blinding flash
Creativity though possessed by all, many assume that ‘real’ creativity is
bestowed upon few (writers and artists)
None is true about creative, but it is not the 1st or last step. Artist spends
years perfecting his mastery -> before his flashes of insight

13. Second misconception – it is a domain of few peoples chosen by God & fortune
Two Types of problem : 1) solved at one 2) divide into parts
1)type -> world class geniuses -> each generation -> produces 1-2
2)type -> most of the problems are of this type. We all can do this by
persistence and practice

14. CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING
Creative Leaps, Aha! Experiences, and Sideways Thinking: Nothing to do with linear, logical
processes of reasoning. Thinker -> insight -> solution
Exercise: Connect the following nine dots with four contiguous straight lines. Draw the four straight lines without lifting your
pencil

15. SOLUTION

16. CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING
Classifying Problem-Solving Strategies – George Polya (1945) mathematician published the book “How to
Solve it ”
First: We have to understand the problem -> What are
unknowns ? Data? Conditions? Satisfy the condition, Draw a figure
Second: Find the connection between the data and the unknowns -> You may be
obliged to considered auxiliary problems if an immediate connection can not be found
Third: Carry out your plan -> Check each
step. Can you see clearly the step is correct? Can you prove that it is correct
Forth: Examine the solution obtained -> Can you check
the result ?