CHAPTER 3

Engineering Solution
MEC 400
INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING
AND PROBLEM SOLVING


3.1 Define "Learn How to Learn" (Creative and

Innovative Thinking)
3.2 Demonstrate Engineering Analysis
Capability
3.3 Utilise Problem Presentation and
Organization
3.4 Use of Scientific Calculators and
Computers in Problem Solving
CONTENT

1. Engineering Analysis
2. Problem Presentation and Organization
3. Laboratory Report Writing
4. Use of Scientific Calculators and Computers in
5. Problem Solving
Objectives

1. Understand general concepts in analysis of

engineering problems
2. Understand the format of problem organization and
presentation
3. Use of software in problem presentation
Engineering analysis definition:

Use of mathematical and scientific principles to

verify the performance of alternative solutions or
systems.
Analysis normally involve three areas:

Application of the laws of nature

Application of the laws of economic

Application of common sense
Characteristic of a qualified engineer is the
ability to solve technical problems .

Sciences knowledge of the principles of

mathematics, chemistry, physics, mechanics
and others technical subjects

Arts proper judgment, experience, common

sense and know-how that must be used to
reduce a real life problem,
Important judgement should be considered.
How important is the answer to a given
problem?
Would a rough, preliminary estimate be
satisfactory, or is a high degree of demanded?
How much time do you have and what
resources are at your disposal?
Engineering method-analysis procedure

The engineering method is an example of a process.

Consist of 6 basic steps
1. Recognize and understand the problem.
2. Accumulate data and verify accuracy
3. Select the appropriate theory or principle
4. Make necessary assumption
5. Solve the problem
6. Verify and check result
1. Recognize and understand the problem.
problem

Must be able to recognize and define problem precisely.

If problem not well define, considerable effort must be
expended at the
beginning in studying the problem, eliminating things that
are not important and focus on root problem.

2. Accumulate data and verify accuracy

All physical facts eg: temperature, voltage etc must be
ascertained.

Deal only with items that can be verified.
3. Select the appropriate theory or principle

Select appropriate theory that apply to solution of problem

Understand and identify limitations or constraints that
apply to theory

4. Make necessary assumption(s)

Certain assumptions can be made that do not significantly
affect the accuracy of solutions.

5. Solve the problem

6. Verify and check result

Solutions must be checked to ensure mathematically correct and
units properly specified.

Problem statement:
 State as concisely as possible the problem to be solved

Find:
 State or list down in a proper order what to be determined/ found
preferably in the form of statements as well as symbols.

Data and Diagram:

 Draw/sketch a diagram with all pertinent dimensions, data and other
information with appropriate symbols, and etc.
 Data that cannot be placed in the diagram should be listed separately.

Theory:
 Show the principles, laws, and equations needed to solve the problem. If
the theory must be developed, modified, or derived, it may be presented
here.
 Properly referenced your equations with completely defined variables

Assumption:
 Explicitly list, in complete details, all simplifying assumptions
that have been made to realistically realize your solution to the problem

Solution:
 Show completely all steps taken and calculation algorithms in obtaining
the solution.
 Identify result and verify accuracy by clearly identifying (i.e. double
underline) the final answer. Assign proper significant figures and units to
the final figures.

Comment:
 Give general or brief comments to the solution or any specific remarks
that may help you and others developing an insight.
The solved problems are to be presented according to certain
standards or rules. This is to ensure that other people have no
difficulty in understanding the solutions. Presentation of solutions of
the problem is just as important as solving the problem itself.

Guidelines (know what you write-

write-write what you know)
Use an engineering-problem paper. If not avail

On the top heading of the paper, write full name, course number,
title of the problem, problem number(s), due date, and sheet
number per the total number in the set.

Use a pencil (preferably H or 2H or HB) rather than a pen in writing

and drawing.

Write with legible lettering and hard enough for easy

comprehension. Make sure that the spelling is correct.

 Work must be clear, easy to follow, and un-crowded. Continue line

after line. Avoid going back to blank space in the previous lines. It
may cause confusion and difficult to follow.

Draw a horizontal straight line across the page before starting a new
problem. Do not start a new problem on the same page unless it can
be completed on that same page.

Draw and label the necessary diagrams neatly. Use ruler to improve
the appearance of your work. However, often a freehand sketch is
sufficient.

Employ proper symbols to represent a set of physical quantities,

dimensions, units, parameters, constants, etc. Whenever possible,
use universally accepted symbols and be consistent throughout
problem

See examples

Note that the above example serves as a general or standard guide in the
engineering problem solving only. There are some engineering problems
which may not require certain sections such as the data and diagrams, the
assumption, and etc. These depend on the nature of the problems itself.

Calculator facilitates calculation especially when it
involves repeated and complex calculation.
Programmable calculator and computer are employed
especially in computer graphics and integrated data
base and other voluminous calculation or operation.
After acquiring basics and fundamental in science and
mathematics, with understanding an engineer may then
use these devices for speed and iterative work.