Process of Solving Engineering Problems posted by: = Waqgas Ahmad / updated on : C)October 20, 2012 / FSes.ing Engineer ng Engine eng eften invelves spplving a ccnsistent, structured approach to tne solving of problems. # general problem-solving approach snd method can be detined vaill b altho ite problems gh variations Drablems must ve approach: J methudically, applying an algorithm, ov 5 which one arrives at a sulutior p-by-slep prucedure The probl 1G process for a omput nal problem can be outlined as follows: 1 Detine the problem 2. Create a mathematical mote, b Hop 2 GoMputatirnat ie Implement the comaut ‘Test and assess the 6 tor solv.ng the proplem onal erie eathos The bauncaries actween these Sept san oe bari steps may be «n: ind for Specific problems ome ur two of th ‘© wmporlant than others. Nonetheless, va plone Crane of Cr ring vel hep to locus aur ettorts 2s we sole matte proach and strategy Scanned with CamScannerProcess of Solving Engineering Problems 1. Problem Definition: The first steps in problem solving include: Recognize and define the problem precisely by exploring it thoroughly (may be the most difficult step). Determine what question is to be answered and what output or results are to be produced, Determine what theoretical and experimental knowledge can be applied Determine what input information or data is available Many academic problems that you will be asked to solve have this step completed by the instructor, For example, if your instructor ask you to solve a quadratic algebraic equation and provides You with all of the coefficients, the problem has been completely defined before it is given to you and little doubt remains about what the problem i ICthe problem is not well defined, considerable effort must be expended at the beginning in Stugying the problem, elimmating the things that are unimportant, and focusing on the root Problem, Effort at this step peys great dividends by eliminating or reducing false trials, thereby shortening the time taken to complete later steps, After defining the problem: + Collect all data and information about the problem. + Verify the accuracy of this data and information. + Determine what information you must find: intermediate results or data may need to be found before the required answer or results can be found, To create a mathematical model of the problem to be solved: Determine what fundamental principles are applicable. Draw sketches or block diagrams to better understand the problem, Define necessary variables and assign notation Reduce the problem as originally stated into one expressed in Purely mathematical terms, Apply mathematical expertise to extract the essentials fram the underlying physical description of the problem, Simplify the problem only enough to allow the required information and results tobe oprava !dentiy and sustity the assumptions and constraints inherent in this model 3. Computational Method: A computational method for solving the problem is to be developed, based on the mathematical model + Derive @ set of equations that atiow the calculation of the desi red parameters and vanables + Develop an algorithm, oF step-by-step method of evaluating the ent solution. tans involved in the * Describe tne algorithm in mathematical term and then implement as a camiputer pragrer + Carefully review the proposed Solution, with thought given to alte-native approaches (4: Implementation of Computational Metho Scanned with CamScannerProcess of Solving Engineoring Problems the method with Once a computational method has been identified, the next step Is to carry out a computer, whether human or silicon. Some things to consider in this implementation: + Assess the Computational power needed, as an acceptable Implementation may be hand calculation with a pocket calculator. seh with + Tra computer program is required, a variety of programming languages, different properties, are available, A variety of computers, ranging from the most basic home computers to the fastest parallel supercomputers, are available. je an ter, and The ability to choose the proper combination of programming language and comput use them to create and execute a correct and efficient implementation of the method, requires both knowledge and experience. In your engineering degree program, you will be jou with some exposed to several programming languages and computers, providing ¥‘ exposure to this issue. The mathematical algorithm developed in the previous step must be translated into & computational algorithm and then implemented as a computer program. The steps in the algorithm should first be outlined and then decomposed into smaller steps that can be translated into programming commands. One of the strengths of Matlab is that its commands match very closely to the steps that are Used to solve engineering problems; thus the process of determining the steps to solve the Problem aiso determines the Matlab commands. Furthermore, Matlab includes an extensive toolbox of numerical analysis algorithms, so the programming effort often mvolves implementing the mathematical model, characterizing the input data, and applying the available numeral algorithms. 5. Test and Assess the Solution: The final step is lany aspects, assessment is the most open- ended and difficult of the fi ‘in solving computational problems, The numerical solution must be checked carefully: + A simple version of the problem should be hand checked. + The program should be executed on obtained or computed test data for which the answer Or solution is either known or which can be obtained by independent means, such as hand or calculator computation, * Intermediate values should be compared with expected results and estimated vanations, * When values deviate from expected results more than was estimated, the source of the deviation should be determined and the program modified as needed. «A “realty check” should be performed on the solution to determine if it makes sense * The assumptions made in creating the mathematical model of the problem should be checked against the solution. ° Hotels in Sonagar from € 430 Scanned with CamScannerRefers to the logic of a program and a step-by-step description of how to arrive at the solution of a given problem In order to qualify as an algorithm, a sequence of instructions must have following characteristics: * Each and every instruction should be precise and unambiguous * Each instruction should be such that it can be performed in a finite time = One or more instructions should not be repeated infinitely. This ensures that the algorithm will ultimately terminate * After performing the instructions, that is after the algorithm terminates, the desired results must be obtained Scanned with CamScannerompuesmeundarne BLSUEE Din os NNEI br JEN yoshi (eco) oek ) a a % There are 50 students in a class who appeared in their final examination. Their mark sheets have been given to you. The division column of the mark sheet contains the division (FIRST, SECOND, THIRD or FAIL) obtained by the student. Write an algorithm to calculate and Print the total number of students who passed in FIRST division, Scanned with CamScannerStep 1: Step 2: Step 3: Step 4: Step 5: Step 6: Step 7: Step 8: (contd...) Initialize Total_First_Division and Total_Marksheets_Checked to zero. Take the mark sheet of the next student. Check the division column of the mark sheet to see if it is FIRST, if no, go to Step 5. Add 1 to Total_First_Division. Add 1 to Total_Marksheets_Checked. Is Total_Marksheets_Checked = 50, if no, go to Step 2. Print Total_First_Division. Stop. Scanned with CamScannerTN CONIA Undo gn casey NNR gorasants tion of Algoritnstts: » AS programs * As flowcharts = As pseudocodes When an algorithm is represented in the form of a programming language, it becomes a program Thus, any program is an algorithm, although the reverse is not true Scanned with CamScannerFlowchart is a pictorial representation of an algorithm Uses symbols (boxes of different shapes) that have standardized meanings to denote different types of instructions Actual instructions are written within the boxes Boxes are connected by solid lines having arrow marks to indicate the exact sequence in which the instructions are to be executed Process of drawing a flowchart for an algorithm is called flowcharting Scanned with CamScannerMeanie anole elOwebare (2 scisri ples) ee i (contd...) Read input data Add marks of all subjects giving Total q Percentage = Total / 10 ‘Write output data Scanned with CamScanner