Engineering Design
Engineering design is the creation of a commodity for the benefit of mankind.
In more complex terms, engineering design is the process by which ideas, tastes, prejudices, basic scientific principles and available resources are weighted and combined (synthesized) into a well defined plan (specification) for the eventual construction of an object or a system.
Two characteristics that are inherent in the design process are: (a) iteration and (b) compromise.
Iteration is necessary because it is impossible to get everything right the first time around. As we check our product at several points during the design process (see link below), we usually find something that doesn't work as well as we had hoped. We then go back, change some parameters and repeat the process from the beginning. The more complex the product or the system we are designing, the greater the number of iterations required.
Compromise is necessary because we are usually faced with several conflicting requirements and we must find the most profitable way to satisfy each and every one of them.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. Develop a flow chart of the design process.
2. Define real world problems in practical (engineering) terms.
3. Search for, and study existing solutions.
4. Develop constraints and criteria for evaluation.
5. Look for and analyze alternative solutions.
6. Make decisions considering the trade offs between the various solutions.
7. Develop final specifications.
8. Communicate the results (sell the design).
Engineering Modeling
Although engineers usually strive for a high level of precision in their work, there are times when they are expected to generate quick answers under tight constraints (time, cost, etc.). To do this, engineers rely on their basic understanding of the problem at hand as well as any previous experience they may have. They use both to create a simple mathematical model, which they can solve and come up with a reasonable, estimated answer. This modeling is what distinguishes an engineering approximation from a "guess". If the initial constraints are lifted and greater accuracy is desired, the initial approximation can always be refined. The accuracy of our estimations depends strongly on the references we use and how experienced we are with similar kinds of problems.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. Solve simple estimation problems from each engineering discipline using mathematical modeling.
2. Use a rational approach to estimation.
3. Check consistency of dimensions in engineering equation.
Fermi Problems
