Using Engineering to Bridge the Gaps

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Using Engineering to Bridge the Gaps

• FEG 132 Orientation
• Douglas Daley

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What is Engineering?1

• The creative process (design) of applying
• Scientific and mathematic principles
• Experience
• Judgement / Common sense
• To address a need (problem)
• That results in a new product, process or system
  (solution) that satisfies constraints and criteria

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What is Design?

• creative, intuitive, iterative, innovative,
  unpredictable process
• a compound of art and science
• method of solving open-ended problems
• subset of a decision-making process
• a bridge between theory and reality
• engineering ideas enter and influence the world 1

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20th Centurys Greatest Engineering Achievements2

• Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
• Telephone
• Computers
• Agricultural Mechanization
• Radio and Television
• Electronics
• Safe and Abundant Water
• Airplane
• Automobile
• Electrification

• High Performance Materials
• Nuclear Technologies
• Laser and Fiber Optics
• Petroleum and Petrochemical Technologies
• Health Technologies
• Household Appliances
• Imaging Technologies
• Internet
• Space Exploration
• Interstate Highways

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Eides Design Process
Identify Need
Communicate
Define Problem
Specify Materials
Search for Information
Decide on Best Solution
Identify Constraints
Analyze
Identify Design Criteria
Identify Alternative Solutions
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What is an Engineer?

• Educated
• Licensed/registered professional
• Problem Solver/Designer addresses societys needs
• Creative Individual (intuitive)
• Applies science
• Uses design process
• Team member/leader
• Decides and recommends
• Draws and specifies

• Has technical expertise and experience
• Evaluates alternative solutions based on
  reliability, cost, manufacturability, ergonomics
  and marketability

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Some Tips for Success

• Learn from failure
• Collaborate (dont copy)
• Learn from your mistakes
• Trial and error works, but understanding is best
  bet thats why we designed the curriculum
• Use study groups
• Find someone smarter than you

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Interstate and Defense Highway System - Successes

• http//www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure/rw96j.htm

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Structures - Failures
Northridge Earthquake
2. http//www.nbmg.unr.edu/nesc/bobcox/ndx2.php
1. http//www.civeng.carleton.ca/Exhibits/Tacoma_N
arrows/DSmith/photos.html
3. http//www.civeng.carleton.ca/Exhibits/Quebec_B
ridge/intro.html
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What about Engineering Jobs?

• Prospects are excellent

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Is Engineering Fun?

• Sure
• Lets have some fun with WPBD
• Trial and error
• Introduce the design process
• Test your visualization and team work skills