ME 212 Intro. to Eng. Design

Welcome!

Today...• Overview, syllabus• Design Project assignment• Nature of engineering

ME 212 I.E.D.Prof. Yurgartis

Request

Please, do not sit in back 3 rows…

Thank you.

Overview of the course• Focus is on the design project.• The project will require you to design,

build, and demonstrate a device.• We will be introducing some “tools”

commonly used in the engineering design process.

Overview of the course• We will examine a “rational design

process model”.• That process includes: defining the

problem, specifying requirements, inventing alternatives, evaluating alternatives, engineering analysis, testing, and reporting.

Overview of the course• We will also be studying engineering

models, and the use of computers to implement those models…includes using MatLab.

• We will also study how to make proper engineering drawings, and learn how to use AutoCAD to help with that.

Overview of the course

• The design project grades are based on the device performance and a design report.

• We also have one exam

Overview of the course• There is little typical “homework” in this

class• But there is a lot of work to be done

outside of class!• You will be asked to complete a design

report in stages using a supplied design report template (available on class website).

Important advice

• Procrastination is a very strong temptation in this class!

…It has led to some mighty unhappy and disappointed students. So please, avoid procrastination.

Overview of the course• You get to build something!• You get to apply your engineering

knowledge is a functional way• You get to see the designs of your

classmates.• It is not easy, but I hope you find it

exciting and worthwhile.

Syllabus• Some highlights…• Please especially note the miscellaneous

recommendations given at the end• Please read fully, carefully when you have

time• Our class web pages will be used extensively

Questions?

Let’s talk about the design project!

Learning to do engineering design is:

• an uncomfortably large and vague topic

• better if you try to suspend your pre-existing biases

• accompanied by making many errors• learned by practicing…so let’s get

started!

Design Project: “Recycling!”

• See class handout for description.• Please read handout very carefully. These

are the design requirements of your “customer”

• Note permissible materials list• Here are your rubber bands.

Design Project

• Questions?(It is good engineering to ask questions

about design problems…lots of questions!)

• Watch the DP Clarifications web page for the formal clarifications to the design requirements

Design Project:

• Time for questions at beginning of every class

• Recommendation: get started on the design project early.

• Have fun with it!

Two minute break, then a new topic:

The nature of engineering

What is engineering?

Form a group with your “row-mates” and take 5 minutes to develop a definition of engineering.

Write it down so you can read it to the class.

What is engineering?

The application of science, mathematics, and experience to harness the forces and materials of nature for the benefit of mankind.

(this is a widely accepted one, but not the only one)

Engineers are not the same as scientists

Scientists study things.

Engineers design and build things.

What do engineers do?

Design things! Like cars, boats, motors, telephone systems, waste water treatment plants, bridges, computers. Machines to make sneakers, clothes, bottles, cans, door knobs, light bulbs, faucets, screws, carpets, and just about everything else you see in this room. They design space shuttles, spy satellites, VCRs, TVs, Walkmans, MP3 players, and polarizing sun glasses.

What else do engineers do?

Help build things. Like cars, boats, motors, telephone systems…

Do research on technical subjects. Like how to store more information on a plastic disk

Manage technical projects. Like building a skyscraper.

Sell and maintain technical products. Like power generation turbines.

Why do students want to become engineers?

Here is what some first year engineering students answered.

Why engineering...

“Engineering takes many of the things I am good at, like science and math, and allows me to put these skills to practical use.”

Why engineering...

“I liked playing with LEGO’s as a kid and decided to make a career of it!”

Why engineering...

“I chose engineering because I want to create and build the impossible.”

Why engineering...

“I have always been fascinated by how things are designed and what makes them work. I expect to get out of engineering school exactly what I put into it. I am very, very, very, very excited.”

Why engineering...

“I chose to come to engineering school for lack of something better. I don’t plan on being an engineer. Hopefully I will find a field that interest me and be able to switch into that.

Why engineering...

“I like the creativity and mechanics involved in building something which could drastically affect other people. I like the idea that something that I could build could greatly improve the quality of life for other people.”

Why engineering...

“Good $”

Why engineering...

“I decided to become an engineer because not only is it a solid base for many other professions (medicine, law, management) but the discipline also stands by itself. I’m not exactly sure what’s out there, but I know that engineering is something I will enjoy and I will feel very comfortable pursuing.”

Why engineering...

“Well, if I had replied to this earlier I would have said that the reason I picked this major is because I feel math and science are my strong field, but after a year here my self-esteem has completely crumbled so now I am unsure as to what direction I will be heading.”

Why engineering...

“I decided to study engineering because I enjoy the challenge of solving problems. Not only that, but I enjoy learning about what makes machines tick. Both of these are reasons why I wanted to be an engineer. Perhaps the most important reason is because I hate English.”

What does it take to become an

engineer?

Need 4 years of college (only)• Math, physics, and chemistry

– Ex: calculus, differential eqns., mechanics, heat, electricity, chemistry.

• Engineering– Ex: statics, strength of materials, fluid mechanics,

heat transfer, programming, design.• General education

– Ex:liberal arts, economics, management

You do not have to be...

• A math or science genius• Unfashionably dressed• Able to recite Star Wars episodes from

memory

It is helpful if you have...

• An interest in the way things work• Reasonable ability to understand

physics and math• Persistence and ability to work hard

• Like to do problem solving • Good spatial reasoning skill• Are an organized, analytical thinker• Feel a sense of accomplishment in

learning new things

Types of engineering you can study

• Mechanical• Aeronautical• Electrical• Computer• Civil• Environmental• Materials

• Chemical• Agricultural• Operations research• Industrial• Biomechanical• Polymer• etc!

Work environment as an engineer

• Usually at sizable companies, but not always

• Usually work in teams of engineers, typically 5 to 20 people

• Often working on one to three major projects at same time

• Have professional status, salaried employee, not unionized

A day in the life of an engineer often includes

• Planning• Management of people• Management of money• Communication• Technical work

Many types of career focus possible, for example…

• Design• Sales/marketing• Product development• Research• Manufacturing• Project management• Consulting• Teaching

What are the rewards?

It takes hard work to become an engineer.

It is worth it?

The rewards...• Engineering is a chance to work on

interesting, challenging, and changing problems– Rarely dull or routine!

• Professional status– help set goals, decide what must be done

and how– trusted to accomplish these goals by

his/her own decisions and knowledge– respected in the community

The rewards, continued...• Good pay

– Ex: 2012 average starting pay for Clarkson mechanical engineers was $56,851. (Max. was $68,000!)

• Chance to make substantial contributions to our society

• Chance to mess around with computers, machines, and lots of other talented engineers!

That’s it for todayWelcome to IED!

Go to the website and download the Design Report TemplateRead “Lessons learned” on webpageGet started on the Design Project.Have fun!