PROBLEM SOLVING TECHNIQUE

1. Problem statement: Read the problem carefully Briefly state the problem Identify information given Identify quantities to be found 2. System identification: What is the system involved? (Ex: steam, air, nitrogen in a container etc) Is it a closed system or an open system? Sketch the system, include boundaries and indicate any energy and mass interactions 3. Assumptions and approximations State any appropriate assumptions and approximations made to simplify the problem 4. States determination: What properties are known at the initial state? (note : requires 2 independent & intensive properties to determine a state). Try to determine the state and obtain all relevant properties to solve the problem What properties are known at the intermediate or final state? Try to determine the state and obtain all relevant properties to solve the problem For an open system: What properties are known at the inlet or exit state? What are the processes involved? Show processes on property diagrams What is constant or what property is constant? Is there any relationship between any of the properties?

5. Models to be used for the system: Steam tables Ideal Gas Equation etc 6. Problem analysis: Apply all the relevant physical laws and principle Ex: Apply mass balance and energy balance and reduce them to their simplest form by utilizing the assumptions made 7. Solution: Substitute the known quantities into the simplified relations and perform calculations to determine the unknowns If necessary use interpolation or trial and error 8. Discussion and conclusion: Check to make sure the results are reasonable and intuitive Discuss their implications and state the conclusions that can be drawn from the results