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Engineering Problem Solving Method

The document outlines an Engineering Problem Solving Method (EPSM) for students to follow when presenting homework and exam solutions. The EPSM consists of 7 sections - Problem Statement, Find, Data & Diagram, Theory, Assumptions, Solution, and Comment. An example problem on determining the manufacturing cost of hollow spheres made of different materials is provided to illustrate how to apply the EPSM format.

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wandee2393
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227 views

Engineering Problem Solving Method

The document outlines an Engineering Problem Solving Method (EPSM) for students to follow when presenting homework and exam solutions. The EPSM consists of 7 sections - Problem Statement, Find, Data & Diagram, Theory, Assumptions, Solution, and Comment. An example problem on determining the manufacturing cost of hollow spheres made of different materials is provided to illustrate how to apply the EPSM format.

Uploaded by

wandee2393
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Engineering Problem Solving Method/Approach (EPSM or EPSA)

Based on the engineering method as discussed in MEC400 Introduction to Engineering and


Problem Solving, we may introduce the systematic way of problem organization and
presentation that may help students developing the essential skills in engineering problem
solving. The following format of EPSM is recommended (or to be adopted) in all homework
and quizzes submitted by students in the mechanical engineering program.

Problem Statement: A brief statement (often a summary) of the original problem with all
essential information only. Students must rephrase the given problem
in their own sentences.

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 & Diagram: List down all given data and related information in numeric and
symbolic forms with appropriate units. Draw diagram(s) to describe
the problem. Show all dimensions with symbolic quantities and labels.

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.

Assumption(s): List down all simplifying assumptions that make the solutions viable,
or within the acceptable range of engineering tolerance. Explain your
assumptions clearly so that others will have no difficulty in
understanding your thought.

Solution: Demonstrate all important steps taken to arrive at the solutions line
by line. Use equation numbers when necessary. Leave out the steps
that are not critical in the understanding. Highlight the final answers
with boxes or double underline.

Comment: Make a brief conclusion, discussion or remark of the solution just
obtained. When possible, suggest an alternative way(s) to get or to
improve the solution.


Note that for some problems, the diagram and the assumption may not be necessary.
Solving mathematical equations, for example, often does not require a diagram and/or
assumption(s). Figure 2.1 illustrates how the EPSM is generally applied.






11/09/13
MEC100
Problem 2.4
Zamri AbdulRahman 1/3


Problem Statement: Hollow spheres of different materials with 0.05 m
thickness are to be manufactured.

Find: Determine the manufacturing cost for each sphere?

Data & Diagram: outer radius, r = 0.2 m;

cost per kg (c) density ()
aluminum, RM31.50 /kg 2710 kg/m
3

steel, RM9.25 /kg 7850 kg/m
3









Theory: volume of hollow sphere, V
r r
o i

4
3
3 3
( )
(1)
where r
o
= outer radius and r
i
= inner radius.
mass, m = V (2)

cost of manufacturing, C = cm (3)

Assumptions: is approximately equal to 3.14 (accurate to 2 d.ps)

Solution:

Using eq.(1),
V = ) 15 . 0 2 . 0 (
3
) 14 . 3 ( 4
3 3


= 0.0019363 m
3


From eq.(2),

mass of aluminum sphere m = 2710(0.0019363) kg
= 52.47 kg

mass of steel sphere m = 7850(0.0019363) kg
= 152.00 kg
(continued)

Due date
Course code Full Name
Page # Problem
identification
Problems statement
Total page
r
o

r
i

Diagram(s)
with labels
Formula(s)
Step-by-step procedures
Given data with
Symbols and units

Standard data
With symbols
Equation # Necessary assumption(s)
25 mm
About 25 mm from the edge
of the paper
25 mm

11/09/13
MEC100
Problem 2.4
Zamri AbdulRahman 2/2

Using eq.(3),
cost of aluminum sphere C = 31.50(52.47)
= RM1652.81

cost of steel sphere C = 9.25(152.00)
= RM1406.00


The manufacturing costs for the hollow sphere made up of aluminum and
steel are RM1652.81 and RM1406.00 respectively.


Comment: The manufacturing cost is given up to two decimal places only
(to the nearest cents).

The cost is valid only at the time when the cost of material per kilogram is as
given. It will change if there is a price fluctuation.





Figure 2.1: EPSM for Engineering problem presentation and organization.

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.



Answer in sentences for
clarity and conclusiveness
Comment to help understanding
and developing insights
Highlight the answers
with proper unit

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