Engineering Merit Badge

Objectives: To understand engineering and its impact on society. To understand the different fields of engineering. To understand what it means to be a licensed engineer and its significance. To understand the Engineer’s Code of Reference and its relevance to the Scout Oath and Law.

What is Engineering? Engineering is the application of science and mathematics to improve society Engineers exist to design, construct, operate, or maintain the systems and devices that drive our society, making them as effective and efficient as possible The bottom line: engineering is problem solving Engineering is the art or science of making practical. ~ Samuel C. Florman

The Basic Engineering Fields Biological Industrial Materials Nuclear Aerospace Civil Environmental Mechanical Electrical Chemical Software

Common Characteristics Strong math & science background Effective speakers Good communication skills Good writers Senior Project presentation Lab reports

Civil Engineering Civil engineers meet society’s need for infrastructure and water systems. Civil Engineering is the most diverse discipline because of the wide range of subcategories:

Civil Engineering A civil engineer might be asked to: Design a bridge Build a dam Determine the safest speed of a road Analyze data on the soil for a foundation Interpret numbers to forecast future traffic problems Civil Engineering

Environmental Engineering Environmental engineering is the protection and restoration of the environment. Environmental engineers have an expertise in water/air quality, water and wastewater treatment. LOTS of chemistry

Environmental Engineering An environmental engineer might be asked to: Design a wastewater treatment facility Determine how to dispose of toxic chemicals Use computer models to figure out how much pollution a city will create

Mechanical Engineering Mechanical engineering applies the principles of engineering, physics and materials science for analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. It involves the production and usage of heat and mechanical power for the design, production, and operation of machines and tools.

Mechanical Engineering A mechanical engineer might be asked to: Design automobiles, refrigeration & heating systems, and industrial equipment Determine the efficiency of an engine Use computer models to figure out the optimum design and layout of a manufacturing plant

Electrical Engineering Electrical engineering generally deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. Today it covers a wide range of subfields including electronics, digital computers, power engineering, telecommunications, control systems, RF engineering, and signal processing.

Electrical Engineering An electrical engineer might be asked to: Design a PC, cell phone, radar equipment, or wireless communication system Design and build an efficient power generation and distribution system Use computer models to figure out the propagation of radio frequency signals through different mediums

Chemical Engineering Chemical engineering applies the natural sciences (e.g., chemistry and physics) and life sciences (e.g. biology, microbiology and biochemistry) to production, transformation, transportation and proper usage of chemicals, materials and energy. It essentially deals with the engineering of chemicals, energy and the processes that create and/or convert them.

Chemical Engineering A chemical engineer might be asked to: Develop new or adapted substances for products ranging from foods and beverages to cosmetics to cleaners to pharmaceutical ingredients Develop new technologies such as fuel cells, hydrogen power, nanotechnology, polymers, and biomedical products.

Software Engineering Software engineering is the study and application of engineering to the design, development, and maintenance of software. An engineering discipline that is concerned with all aspects of software production. It is the establishment and use of sound engineering principles in order to economically obtain software that is reliable and works efficiently on real machines.

Software Engineering A software engineer might be asked to: Design a computer operating system, cell phone apps, industrial control software, or other embedded application software Assemble extensive amounts of code into working applications, as well as to update and fix problems in existing software Create flowcharts and diagrams that demonstrate how applications function

What is an engineer’s biggest priority??? SAFETY!!! Do example

The Systems Engineering Process

The Problem Solving Cycle State the Problem Redefine the Problem Identify Constraints Add Specifications Look at Potential Causes Identify Possible Solutions Analyze the Alternatives Select the Most practical Alternative Draw example on Board

Let’s Do an Example An environmentally concerned client wants to change her home heating system from electricity to gas in order to dramatically reduce her heating costs.

Redefine What is the most cost-effective change the woman can make to reduce her energy costs?

Identify Constraints home is heated by an electric system house has single pane windows and little insulation in the attic energy costs are significantly higher than those of others in her area with comparable homes environmentally concerned

Add Specifications Your solution must be… Feasible Safe Legal Practical Etc. Time consuming – create chart

Identify Possible Solutions Look at Potential Causes What would create a high electricity bill? Identify Possible Solutions Brainstorm possible solutions Analyze the Alternatives we must weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative. Construct a matrix and time chart

One Kind of Matrix Time Chart Solution Cost Time Appearance  Switch from electricity to gas  $5000  2 Weeks  No Change  Add Insulation $450   5 Days No Change   Brick in existing windows  $300  2 Days Big Change  Install high-efficiency pump  $2500  10 Days  Small Change   Add two-pane window  $500  8 Days   Time Chart Event Day Number 1 2 3 4 5  Order Insulation X    Delivery Remove Wall Panels X  Install  Completion

The Registered Professional Engineer “Qualified” individual who holds a license to practice engineering in their state Specific discipline oriented (Civil, Mechanical, etc.) Not necessary, but encouraged Page 90 of handbook WHY become a PE????

Requirements to become a registered engineer Earn a four-year engineering degree Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam – 8 Hour Test!!!!! Complete four years of engineering work experience Pass the Professional Engineering exam – Another 8 hour test! Why become a PE????

Engineer’s Code of Ethics Use knowledge and skill for development of human welfare. Be honest, impartial, and faithfully serve the public, employers, and clients. Strive to increase the competence and prestige of the profession. Support the profession and societies of their disciplines. Pg 89 in book

Engineering Job Functions Design Analysis Testing Research Sales Management Consulting Teaching

Want to get into an engineering school??? High School Courses to take… Math Algebra Trigonometry Geometry Pre-Calculus Science Biology Chemistry Physics Electives Drafting Computer Science - Don’t forget English and foreign languages…