Download Problem Solving: Understanding Different Types and Approaches by Shahab D. Mohaghegh and more Papers Art in PDF only on Docsity! 1 PROBLEM SOLVING Chapter 3 Shahab D. Mohaghegh West Virginia University 2 Shahab D. Mohaghegh, Ph.D. Problem Solving It is more an ART than it is a SCIENCE. Practice, Practice, and practice to get better. We train engineers that can learn. Computer is a tool to help you solve the problem, It will not solve the problem, you do. 5 Shahab D. Mohaghegh, Ph.D. Types of Problems Resource problem Always encountered, Doing more with less, Optimize. Social Problems Social constraints, Shortage of skilled workers, appropriate training program. 6 Shahab D. Mohaghegh, Ph.D. Types of Problems Design Problem Heart of Engineering, Open Ended problems, Creativity Knowledge Team work 7 Shahab D. Mohaghegh, Ph.D. Problem Solving Approach Problem Identification Done…. usually by your professor, manager, boss, …. Define what needs to be done. Objective must be clear. Design a revolutionary car to gain back market share. 10 Shahab D. Mohaghegh, Ph.D. Problem Solving Approach Application Identify the key questions that solves the problem. What is the required force to propel the car 60 mph knowing projected frontal area is 19 ft2 and drag coefficient is 0.25 11 Shahab D. Mohaghegh, Ph.D. Problem Solving Approach Comprehension Proper theory and data are used to actually solve the problem. Calculate the required drag force. DESIGN IS AN ITERATIVE PROCEDURE 12 Shahab D. Mohaghegh, Ph.D. Problem Solving Approach Identifying the drag force F on the automobile 2 2 1 AvCF d ρ= Drag Coefficient (dimensionless) Air Density (kg/m3) Projected Frontal Area (m2) Velocity (m/s) 15 Shahab D. Mohaghegh, Ph.D. Problem Solving Skills Knowledge Experience to apply knowledge Learning skills to acquire new knowledge Motivation to follow through Communication & leadership skills 16 Shahab D. Mohaghegh, Ph.D. Problem Solving Skills Reductionism It contrasts with synthesis Designing and building subsystems Divide & Conquer (learn from Brits) How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. 17 Shahab D. Mohaghegh, Ph.D. Techniques for Problem Solving 1. Draw a picture. 2. State assumptions. 3. Indicate given info on figure w/units. 4. Label unknowns w/ “?”. 5. Write main equations. 6. Detail algebraic manipulations. 7. Insert numerical values w/ units. 20 Shahab D. Mohaghegh, Ph.D. Techniques for Problem Solving Solve the following problem: A 40 cm log is floating vertically in the water. Determine the length of the log that extends above the water line. Density of water is 1.00 gr/cc and density of wood is 0.60 gr/cc. 21 Shahab D. Mohaghegh, Ph.D. Estimating Many important business is conducted over lunch. You should be able to perform quick calculations on a napkin. “Back of an envelope” calculations are mainly estimations. 22 Shahab D. Mohaghegh, Ph.D. Estimating Can you estimate the surface area of an average size man? Can you estimate the volume of an average size man? Can you estimate how many bed pillows can fit in the back of a tractor trailer? 25 Shahab D. Mohaghegh, Ph.D. Creative Problem Solving Probably the most misunderstood process of the human intellect. What is the nature of “creativity” Is it an attribute that is bestowed upon a selected few? Writers Artists Musicians 26 Shahab D. Mohaghegh, Ph.D. Creative Problem Solving Prerequisites of creativity Mastering the basics Practice, practice, practice, ….. World is full of intellectually brilliant failures. 27 Shahab D. Mohaghegh, Ph.D. Problem Solving Strategy Understand the problem Devise a plan Carry out the plan Look back
