Engineering Problem-Solving 101 : Time-Tested and Timeless Techniques

Title: Engineering Problem-Solving 101 : Time-Tested and Timeless Techniques
Author: Robert Messler
ISBN: 0071799966 / 9780071799966
Format: Soft Cover
Pages: 288
Publisher: McGraw-Hill
Year: 2013
Availability: 45-60 days

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MASTER UNIVERSAL ENGINEERING PROBLEM-SOLVING TECHNIQUES

Advance your engineering skills and become a capable, confident problem solver by learning the wide array of tools, processes, and tactics employed in the field. Going far beyond "plug-and-chug" solutions, this multidisciplinary guide explains the underlying scientific principles, provides detailed engineering analysis, and lays out versatile problem-solving methodologies.

Written by an "engineer who teaches," with more than 20 years of experience as a practicing engineer and numerous awards for teaching engineering, this straightforward, one-of-a-kind resource fills a long-vacant niche by identifying and teaching the procedures necessary to address and resolve any problem, regardless of its complexity. Engineering Problem-Solving 101: Time-Tested and Timeless Techniques contains more than 50 systematic approaches spanning all disciplines, logically organized into mathematical, physical/mechanical, visual, and conceptual categories. Strategies are reinforced with practical reference tables, technical illustrations, interesting photographs, and real-world examples.

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Preface
Introduction

Chapter 1 : Engineers as Problem Solvers
Chapter 2 : Problem Solving Skills versus Process versus Techniques

Part I : Mathematical Approaches to Problem-Solving
Chapter 3 :
Using Equations (Plug-and-Chug)
Chapter 4 : Approximating and Estimating
Chapter 5 : Interpolating and Extrapolating
Chapter 6 : Checking
Chapter 7 : Dimensional Analysis and Reconciling Units
Chapter 8 : Using Similarity and Ratios
Chapter 9 : Using Indexes or Indices
Chapter 10 : Scaling
Chapter 11 : Sensitivity Analysis (of Parameters)
Chapter 12 : Response Curves and Surfaces
Chapter 13 : Numerical Analysis & Methods
Chapter 14 : Dimensionless Quantities or Parameters
Chapter 15 : Assumptions, Constraints, Conditions, and Cases

Part II : Physical/Mechanical Approaches to Problem-Solving
Chapter 16 :
Reverse Engineering
Chapter 17 : Material Property Correlations
Chapter 18 : Proof-of-Concept Models
Chapter 19 : Experimental Models and Model Experiments
Chapter 20 : Test Models and Model Testing
Chapter 21 : Mock-ups and Masters
Chapter 22 : Prototypes and Rapid Prototyping
Chapter 23 : Trial and Error

Part III : Visual, Graphic, or Iconic Approaches to Problem-Solving
Chapter 24 :
Sketching and Rendering
Chapter 25 : Tracings and Transfers, Lofting and Lines-taking
Chapter 26 : Graphing and Graphical Methods
Chapter 27 : Layouts
Chapter 28 : Flow Diagrams or Flowcharts
Chapter 29 : Causal Diagrams or Cause-and-Effect Diagrams
Chapter 30 : Decision Trees

Part IV : Conceptual or Abstract Approaches to Problem-Solving
Chapter 31 :
Brainstorming : Process, Methodology and Techniques
Chapter 32 : Using Analogs
Chapter 33 : Dissecting Problems: Decoupling and Coupling, Zooming In and Zooming Out
Chapter 34 : Working Problems Backwards and Inverse Problems
Chapter 35 : Functional Analysis & Black Boxes
Chapter 36 : Morphological Analysis and Morphological Charts
Chapter 37 : Storyboarding
Chapter 38 : Iteration and Iterative Design Process

Closing Thoughts
Index