Problem solved pptggffd jytc hhy kjj

1. Engineering Problem Solving

2. What Is Engineering?
• Engineering is the application of science and
mathematics to solve technical problems and
create new systems, products, or devices to
benefit civilization.
• The end result of science is new knowledge.
The end result of engineering is design.
• ABET: Engineering is the profession in
which a knowledge of the mathematical and
natural sciences gained by study, experience,
and practice is applied with judgment to
develop ways to utilize, economically, the
materials and forces of nature for the benefit
of mankind.

3. The Technological Team
Scientist Engineer Technologist Craftsperson
Theory <---------------------------------------------->Practice

4. Problem Solving
• ... is the foundation of all engineering
activities.
• ... is the process of determining the best
possible action to take in a given situation.

5. Two Types of Problems:
Analysis and Design
• Analysis Problems - closed-ended problems
which determine the properties of a given
device or system, and generally have only a
single correct solution.
• Design Problems - open-ended problems to
create a system or device that has given
properties, and generally have multiple
correct solutions.
• A formal, systematic problem-solving
methodology is necessary for both types of
problems.

6. Analysis Problems

7. The Analysis Process -
5 Steps
1. Define problem - diagram or sketch is good.
2. Collect information - data, theories,
assumptions, approximations.
3. Generate a solution - maybe several possible
ways.
4. Refine and implement - use a tool:
spreadsheet, MATLAB, or other computer
program/language.
5. Verify and test - estimate, work another way,
try other data input, compare with a plot,
check dimensional consistency.

8. Problem-Solving Tools
• Calculator, pencil, and paper
• Electronic spreadsheet
• Math software
• Programming languages

9. Example: Typical math
“word problem”
1. Define the problem:
Bill is shopping for some carpet for his den,
which is 12 x 18 feet. The carpet he likes is
$20 per square yard. He has $500 to spend.
After purchasing the carpet, will he be able to
purchase a $5 Happy Meal with the money
left over?

10. Word Problem (cont’d)
2. Collect information
$500 available
$20 per square yard
9 square feet per square yard
18 ft = 6 yds
12 ft = 4 yds

11. Word Problem (cont’d)
3. Generate a solution
• Develop an algorithm:
– Find dimensions of room in yards.
– Find area of room in square yards.
– Multiply by cost of the carpet per square
yard to get total cost.
– Subtract total cost from money available.
– Is remainder enough for Happy Meal?
• Draw a flow chart for this.

12. Word Problem (cont’d)
4. Refine and implement
– Compute steps using a pencil and paper,
or a calculator.

13. Word Problem (cont’d)
5. Verify and test
– Rework problem in feet, rather than yards.
– Estimate and compare:
» 12 x 18 is close to 10 x 20 = 200 sq ft
» 200 sq ft is close to 20 sq yds
» 20 sq yds times $20 each is $400
» This is the same order of magnitude as our $480
answer.
» Estimates are used simply to check whether your
answer makes sense.

14. Example: Maximum Height
of a Projectile
1. Define the problem:
A snowball is tossed straight up in the air with
an initial velocity of 100 ft/sec. The moment
it leaves the thrower’s hand it is 6 ft above
the ground. What is the maximum height
reached by the snowball?
2. Collect information
3. Generate a solution
4. Refine and implement
– pencil and paper (chalk and blackboard)
– spreadsheet
– MATLAB
5. Verify and test

15. Communicating Solutions
• All solutions should be clearly labeled,
documented, and commented.
• Standards will be followed in this course for:
– Spreadsheet solutions
– MATLAB solutions

16. Spreadsheet Solutions
• Provide standard labeled sections.
• Use separate, labeled sheets to divide the
work logically.
• Label columns, rows, important cells.
• Use (but don’t overuse) color to delimit
ranges in a consistent way.
• Use named ranges - carefully.

17. MATLAB Solutions
• Provide standard labeled sections.
• Insert comments or subsection headings
liberally.
• Choose meaningful, consistent variable
names.
• Entire program should execute correctly
from the top.

18. Design Problems

19. The Design Process -
5 Steps
1. Define the problem.
2. Collect information.
3. Generate multiple solutions.
4. Analyze and select a solution. (Use a tool.)
5. Test and implement the solution. (Use a tool.)
This is a contingent, iterative process.

20. Test & implement
a solution
Define the problem
Gather information
Generate multiple
solutions
Analyze & select
a solution
Engineering
Design
Process

21. Example: Creating a Report
1. Define the problem:
Write and print out a professional-looking
report that includes a table of data stored in a
text file on the Engineering anonymous ftp
server (UNIX), and a figure stored in a BMP
file on the Windows NT server.
2. Collect information
3. Generate multiple solutions
4. Analyze and select best solution
5. Test and implement