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Synthesis
Use creativity to:
Develop ideas via brainstorming
Evaluate the ideas by analysis when
enough ideas have been generated
Skills used in Implementing
Problem Solving Strategies
Decision Making
Use logic to
compare the various ideas and
select the “best” one(s)
Research Problems
Knowledge Problems
Troubleshooting Problems
Mathematics Problems
Resource Problems
Social Problems
Design Problems
Types of Problems; cont’
Research Problems
A hypothesis be proven or disproved
Example; CFC may destroy the earth’s
ozone layer is a hypothesis. Design an
experiment that either proves or disproves
the hypothesis
Types of Problems; cont’
Knowledge Problems
When a person encounters a situation that
he doesn’t understand
Example;
A chemical engineer noticed that the
chemical plant produces more product
when it rains
Further study showed that heat exchanger
cooled by rain increasing product
Types of Problems;
cont’
Troubleshooting Problems
When equipment or software behaves in
unexpected or improper ways
Example
During vibration test of an aluminum beam,
the amplitude of the response is higher at
all exciting frequencies
Troubleshooting shows that 60 cps of AC
current was close to the natural frequency
of the beam
Types of Problems; cont’
Troubleshooting Problems; cont’
e.g. an electronic amplifier has a loud
“hum” when it is in a room with
fluorescent lights.
Types of Problems; cont’
Mathematics Problems
Describe physical phenomena with
mathematical models
Engineers can unleash the extraordinary
power of mathematics, with the rigorously
proven theorems and algorithms
Example; Isaac Newton’s sine square law
can be applied to hypersonic flow
e.g. find x such that 4x + 5 = 0.
Types of Problems; cont’
Resource Problems
There is never enough time, money, or
equipment to accomplish the task
Engineers who can get the job done in
spite of resource limitations are highly
prized and awarded
e.g. how will we get the money to build our
new factory?
Types of Problems; cont’
Social Problems
For example, if a factory is relocated to
where there is shortage of skilled worker,
engineers should set up training program
for employees
e.g. how can we improve education?
Types of Problems; cont’
Design Problems
Require creativity, teamwork, and broad
knowledge
Example; design a new car
Economy car? SUV?
Design goal and parameters
Team Exercise
Required:
a) Sketch the problem
b) How many acres of land are
contained by the cone created by her
line of site?
c) How high would the balloon be if,
using the same procedure, an area
four times greater is encompassed?
Creative Problem Solving
The nine dots shown
are arranged in equally
spaced rows and
columns. Connect all
nine points with four
straight lines without
lifting the pencil from
the paper and without
retracing any line.
Creative Problem Solving
If you enjoy solving puzzles, you will enjoy
engineering
Crick and Watson figured DNA when they were
young
Engineers create from nature what did not exist
before
In this creative process, the engineer marshals
skills in mathematics, materials, and other
engineering discipline and from these resources
create a new solution for a human need
Creative Problem Solving
Engineering is not dull or stifling; send
people to moon, communication from
battlefield, etc
Creative artists spent many years
perfecting their skills
Engineers need patience, practice, and
gaining problem-solving techniques by
training
Self-Questions for Problem Solving
How important is the answer to a given
problem?
Would a rough, preliminary estimate be
satisfactory or high degree accuracy
demanded?
How much time do you have and what
resources are at your disposal?
Data available or should be collected,
equipments and personnel, etc
Self-Questions for Problem Solving
What about the theory you intend to use?
Can you use it now or must learn to use it?
Is it state of the art?
Can you make assumptions that simplify
without sacrificing needed accuracy?
Are other assumptions valid and applicable?
Optimize time and resources vs reliability
Engineering Method
1. Recognize and understand the
problem (most difficult part)
2. Accumulate data and verify accuracy
3. Select the appropriate theory or
principles
4. Make necessary assumptions
5. Solve the problem
6. Verify and check results
Engineering Method
Perfect solutions to real problems do
not exist. Simplify the problem to solve
it; steady state, rigid body, adiabatic,
isentropic, static etc
To solve a problem, use mathematical
model; direct methods, trial-and-error,
graphic methods, etc.
Problem Presentation
Problem statement
Diagram
Theory
Assumptions
Solution steps
Identify results and verify accuracy
Standards of Problem Presentation
Engineers should have ability to present
information with great clarity in a neat,
careful manner
Poor engineering documents can be
legal problems in courts
Follow standard forms such as shown in
the textbooks
Algorithms
Algorithm: “a step-by-step procedure
for solving a problem or accomplishing
an end” (Webster)
Algorithms can be described by
Pseudocode
Flowcharts
Pseudocode
English-like description of each step of
algorithm
Not computer code
Example - take out trash barrels
while there are more barrels
take barrel to street
return to garage
end
Flowcharts
Graphical description of algorithm
Standard symbols used for specific
operations
Start/Stop
Process Flow
Branch Test
Flowchart Example
Define the
Begin
problem
yes no
Solve the Output
problem End
results
Top Down Design
State problem clearly
Sketch problem
Describe input/output (I/O)
Work problem by hand
Algorithm: pseudocode or flowchart
Decomposition - break problem into steps
Stepwise refinement - solve each step
Test the algorithm/check your work!!
Example (Team exercise, 15
min)
State problem clearly:
Given ax2 + bx + c = 0, find x.
Describe I/O:
Input: a, b, c
Output: x
Example (cont.)
Hand example:
a=1, b=4, c=4
equation? (See Chapter 6, Mathematics
Supplement)
x=?
Example (cont.)
Algorithm development
write an algorithm in pseudocode to take
any set of coefficients (i.e., a, b, c) and
give the value of x for each set
Test your algorithm
a,b,c = 1,4,4
a,b,c = 1,1,-6
a,b,c = 1,0,1
other good test cases?