Practical Engineering Design Problems Sophomore Engineering Clinic September

Practical Engineering Design Problems Sophomore Engineering Clinic September 16, 2009

Dixon’s Taxonomy States of Knowledge Perceived Need Function Physical Phenomenon Embodiment Artifact Type Artifact Instance Feasibility l Each design problem has initial state and final state of knowledge

Defining States of Knowledge Perceived Need: Motivation for design Travelling a distance l

Defining States of Knowledge Perceived Need: Motivation for design Making a small object travel a distance Function: General statement of approach Flying, rolling, etc.

Defining States of Knowledge Perceived Need: Motivation for design Making a small object travel a distance Function: General statement of approach Flying, rolling, etc. Physical Phenomena: Underlying principles

Defining States of Knowledge Perceived Need: Motivation for design Making a small object travel a distance Function: General statement of approach Flying, rolling, etc. Physical Phenomena: Underlying principles Conservation of momentum

Embodiment: General Concept for design Artifact Type: Identified parameters without assigning values Artifact Instance: Complete and specific

Embodiment: General Concept for design Rocket, liquid propellant Artifact Type: Identified parameters without assigning values Foam Wings, Water Propellant, Clay Artifact Instance: Complete and specific 120 g. of clay, 800 m. L water, etc.

Dixon’s Taxonomy States of Knowledge Perceived Need Function Physical Phenomenon Embodiment Artifact Type Artifact Instance Feasibility l Each design problem has initial state and final state of knowledge