1. Introduction to Engineering Problem Solving and the Scientific Method
Adapted from: Dr. Mark Henderson - Arizona State University

2. Properties of a Problem
You have all the information
It can be solved
Probably one correct answer

3. Engineering Problems Never have all the information
It may never have been solved and may not be able to be solved
Many solutions
So, how do we approach an engineering problem?

4. Solving Engineering Problems: Science and Art
What part is Science?
Math,
Physical laws
?, ?, …
What part is Art?
Creativity,
Innovation
What part of the rocket problem did you use science? Trigonometry, physics, math, aerodynamics
What part of the rocket problem did you use art? Previous experience, creativity, judgment, hunches,

5. Digital Imaging
In the 1990’s film cameras dominated the point and shoot camera market.
Digital cameras were very expensive (thousands of dollars) and therefore few people had them.
But what happened…

6. APPLE QUICKTAKE 100 (February 17 , 1994 )
- 640 x 480 (.3M) pixel resolution
Stores eight 640 x 480 images
Serial port connect to PC
Weighs only one pound
Only $1400

7. Three Types of Engineering Problems
Can CMOS computer chip processes capture images?
Are there more effective ways move images to the computer?
Are there better ways store images than just in the camera?
Hypothesis Testing
Analytical Modeling
Would you use the same approach
to solve each of these problems?
Evaluate Alternatives

8. Three Problem Solving Methods in Engineering
Scientific Method
Hypothesis Testing
What is the solution?
Engineering Analysis
Analytical Modeling/Optimization
Engineering Design
Evaluating Alternatives
Yes/No
Best Conditions
What is the answer to these three problems?
New Design Concepts

9. The Air Rocket Problem How would you frame it using:
Scientific Method?
Engineering Analysis?
Engineering Design?

10. Scientific Method: Define the Problem
Be Specific
Do digital cameras take better pictures than film cameras?
Include ALL relevant solutions and no irrelevant solutions
What about movie cameras?
What is “better”?
Make it testable
Is this hypothesis testable?

11. Write a problem statement. Write a hypothesis.
Do Toilets flush clockwise in the northern hemisphere and counterclockwise in the southern hemisphere?
Write a problem statement.
Write a hypothesis.
Develop a way to test the hypothesis.

13. Scientific Method: Will a 4 fin or a 3 fin design make my rocket more stable?
Define the Problem
Write a hypothesis
Test the hypothesis
Physical Experiments
Numerical Experiments
Prototype and Test
Will a reinforced rocket body enable launch?
Answer is Yes/No with some data to prove it.

14. Engineering Analysis: What is the best body and fin material for rocket stability?
Not just Yes/No
Examine ALL possibilities
You may have multiple criteria
Best to create a mathematical model
Different approaches may require variations in the model.

15. Engineering Design: Which rocket structure will provide optimum stability?
Not just yes/no
Not just a number
Requires idea generation of many alternatives
An artifact selected from many alternatives
Modeling, prototyping, testing
Involves more than technology …

16. Problem Solving Must be Logical and Organized!
Define the problem
Be Specific
Win the competition.
Be able to control rocket distance, accuracy, precision and repeatability from the given launcher
Create a rocket with predictable accuracy and precision given the launcher and test requirements.

17. What analysis will you use for your rocket
Scientific Method - Hypothesis
Engineering Analysis - Optimization
Engineering Design - Artifact

18. Develop a Plan to Solve the Rocket Problem
State the problem.
List the variables.
Is it the rocket shape? Material? Weight? Launcher? Wind? Personnel?
Which variables can you control?
How can you adjust for the uncontrollable variables?
What are you trying to optimize?
What is the form of the solution?
What is your approach?