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Problem Solving

Engineers use their knowledge of science, mathematics, and experience to solve problems. They create mathematical models to analyze problems and test potential solutions. Usually there are multiple reasonable solutions, so engineers must evaluate options and choose the one best meeting requirements. Engineers attempt to predict how well designs will perform through prototypes, simulations, and tests before full production to ensure expected performance without unintended harm. The study of past failures helps designers evaluate designs under real conditions.

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33 views2 pages

Problem Solving

Engineers use their knowledge of science, mathematics, and experience to solve problems. They create mathematical models to analyze problems and test potential solutions. Usually there are multiple reasonable solutions, so engineers must evaluate options and choose the one best meeting requirements. Engineers attempt to predict how well designs will perform through prototypes, simulations, and tests before full production to ensure expected performance without unintended harm. The study of past failures helps designers evaluate designs under real conditions.

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JS DS
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Problem solving[edit]

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A drawing for a booster engine for steam locomotives. Engineering is


applied to design, with emphasis on function and the utilization of
mathematics and science.
Engineers use their knowledge
of science, mathematics, logic, economics, and appropriate
experience or tacit knowledge to find suitable solutions to a
problem. Creating an appropriate mathematical model of a
problem often allows them to analyze it (sometimes definitively),
and to test potential solutions.
Usually, multiple reasonable solutions exist, so engineers must
evaluate the different design choices on their merits and choose
the solution that best meets their requirements. Genrich
Altshuller, after gathering statistics on a large number
of patents, suggested that compromises are at the heart of
"low-level" engineering designs, while at a higher level the best
design is one which eliminates the core contradiction causing
the problem.
Engineers typically attempt to predict how well their designs will
perform to their specifications prior to full-scale production.
They use, among other things: prototypes, scale
models, simulations, destructive tests, nondestructive tests,
and stress tests. Testing ensures that products will perform as
expected.
Engineers take on the responsibility of producing designs that
will perform as well as expected and will not cause unintended
harm to the public at large. Engineers typically include a factor
of safety in their designs to reduce the risk of unexpected
failure. However, the greater the safety factor, the less efficient
the design may be.[citation needed]
The study of failed products is known as forensic
engineering and can help the product designer in evaluating his
or her design in the light of real conditions. The discipline is of
greatest value after disasters, such as bridge collapses, when
careful analysis is needed to establish the cause or causes of
the failure.

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