Introduction to Engineering Engineering Solutions 1

What is engineering analysis?

Do we need to follow any standard in engineering problem solving?
How should I organize and present my engineering solutions?

 CHAPTER 2 : THE ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS

2.0 Introduction
2.1 Problem Solving
2.2 The Engineering Method
2.3 Problem Organization and Presentation
2.4 Use of Scientific Calculator and Computer
Tips and Motivation
Worksheets
Exercises 2.0

2.0 INTRODUCTION

An important step toward having a successful engineering career is to develop the ability
to solve engineering problem in an organized and logical manner. This chapter provides
a basic guide to problem analysis as well as organization and presentation of engineering
solution..

It is aimed at building essential problem-solving skills since the ability to solve problems
is what makes a person becomes a distinguishing engineer.

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Problem Solving

2.1 ENGINEERING ANALYSIS

Engineering analysis is referred to as the use of mathematical and scientific principles to

verify the performance of alternative solutions or systems. Usually, it involves laws of
nature or sciences, laws of economics, and common sense. Therefore, it is both science
and art. By science, we mean the ability to apply knowledge in mathematics and physical
sciences correctly when appropriate. By art, we mean good judgment, common sense,
and know-how. This is in order to reduce the real life problem which rather complex into
a much more solvable one through the use of the existing principles of mathematics and
sciences. These skills are developed as a result of experience through the practice of
systematic problem solving.

Before solving any engineering problem, you must address several important questions.
Some of these questions are

(a) how important is the answer to a given problem?

(b) would a rough estimate is enough, or a high degree of accuracy is required?
(c) how much time do you have?
(d) what resources are available at your disposal?

The above questions coupled with some other mind-opening questions will help you
developing the essential skills in engineering problem solving.

2.1.1 General Procedures In Engineering Analysis

The following steps are recommended whenever an engineering problem is to be solved.

The procedures, called the engineering method, will provide systematic and logical
approaches in engineering problem solving process which are of great important in the
engineering profession.

(1) Recognize and understand the problem. Read the problem to be solved
carefully.

Problem statement: Reformulate the statement.

(2) Identify the requirements of the problem. Look for what the problem wants and
sort out what are given and what are not. Accumulate all facts, data, and relevant
information needed.

Find/Determine: List down all that to be determined.

Known information: List down the given data and information. Segregate
them into column of known and unknown.

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(3) Use visual images and symbols. Convert problem statements into drawings or
diagrams and relate each property or quantity to various symbolic representations.

Diagram/drawing: Sketch the setting of the problem. Draw free body

diagram (FBD).

Symbols: Use commonly accepted symbols to represent the variables,

parameters, and constants. Be careful when you deal with problem with
both vector and scalar quantities.

(4) Select appropriate theory or principle. Identify the theoretical principles and
laws applicable to a solution of the problem.

Theory/principles: Write down the right equations to be employed and the

needed formula.

(5) Make necessary assumption(s). Many times in engineering problem solving,

assumption(s) has to be made. Specify them clearly. Some commonly encountered
assumptions in engineering are, for example, linear model of the nonlinear
problem, the range of values over which the solution applied, certain properties
are taken to be constant and etc. You must be aware of the assumptions used.

Assumption: Write down the necessary assumption(s) that makes the

problem solvable.

(6) Solve the problem. Apply the principles and substitute the given data to obtain
the final solution.

Solution: Solve the problem systematically, line by line. Identify each

equation used by numbers.

(7) Verify and check your results. Check the derivations, substitutions of numbers,
arithmetic signs, and any numerical results with significant deviations. Beware of
the illogical answer due to arithmetic error(s) or violation of the assumptions made
early. Make sure that the units are consistent with physical quantities. Finally, you
may formulate relevant questions pertinent to the problem just solved.

Comments: Deduce the conclusion about the solution just obtained. Ask
questions that may enhance further understandings of the problem or of the
solution methods. Questions such as what if?, what happen if?, any other
way?, why?, and etc. may be used for this purpose.

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Problem Solving

2.2 PROBLEM PRESENTATION AND ORGANIZATION

Once the problem is solved, it then must be presented according to certain standards or
rules. Presentation of solutions of the problem is just as important as solving the
problem itself. This is to ensure that other people have no difficulty in understanding
your solutions.

The standards may vary from one engineering company to another and university to
university. Furthermore, they may also vary according to the purposes and the audience
to whom the problem is presented. Different audience requires different approach.
Therefore, it is not possible to present one set of standards that suits all requirements.
However, the following suggestions are some useful guidelines which may help you
presenting and organizing your solutions in a systematic and logical manner.

2.2.1 Guidelines For Problem Presentation

1. Use an engineering-problem paper. If not available, you may use an A4-size paper.

2. On the top heading of the paper, write your full name, course number, title of the
problem or the problem number(s), the due date, and the sheet number per the total
number in the set.

3. Use a pencil (preferably H or 2H or HB) rather than a pen in writing and drawing.

4. Write with legible lettering and hard enough so that the reader has no difficulty in
following your solutions.

5. Make sure that the spelling is correct.

6. Work must be clear, easy to follow, and un-crowded. Continue line after line. Avoid
going back to blank space in the previous lines. It may cause confusion and difficult
to follow !

7. Draw a horizontal straight line across the page before starting a new problem. Do
not start a new problem on the same page unless it can be completed on that same
page.

8. Draw and label the necessary diagrams neatly. Use ruler to improve the appearance
of your work. However, often a freehand sketch is sufficient.

9. Employ proper symbols to represent a set of physical quantities, dimensions, units,

parameters, constants, and etc. Whenever possible, use universally accepted
symbols and be consistent with them throughout your problem presentation.

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2.2.2 Format For Problem Organization

Based on the engineering method as discussed early, we may introduce the systematic
way of problem organization that may help you developing the essential skill in
engineering problem solving.

Problem Statement: A brief statement (often a summary) of the problem with all essential
information.

Find: State what to be determined, preferably in the form of statements as

well as symbols.

Data & Diagram: List down all given data and related information in numeric and
symbolic forms with appropriate units. Draw diagram(s) to describe the
problem. Show all dimensions with symbolic quantities and labels.

Theory: Show the principles, laws, and equations needed to solve the problem. If
the theory must be developed, modified, or derived, it must be presented
here.

Assumption: List down all simplifying assumptions that make the solutions possible
and reasonable, or within the acceptable range of engineering tolerance.
Explain your assumptions clearly so that others will have no difficulty
in understanding your thought.

Solution: Demonstrate all important steps taken to arrive at the solutions. Leave
out the steps that are not critical in understanding. Highlight the final
answers with boxes or double underline.

Comment: Make a brief conclusion of the solution just obtained. Suggest an

alternative way(s) to get or to improve the solution.

Note that for some problems, the diagram and the assumption may not be necessary. Solving
mathematical equations, for example, often does not require a diagram and/or assumption(s).
Figure 2.1and 2.2 illustrate how the format of the engineering problem presentation and
organization is generally applied.

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Problem Solving

Due date Full Name Page #

Problems in set
Last, First Name

KJM400
08/28/97 Problem 2.1, 2.5, 2.8 AbdulRahman, Zamri 1/3
Problems
identification Total page
Problem 2.1 Problems statement

Problem Statement: Hollow spheres of different materials with 0.05 m thickness

are to be manufactured.

Find: Determine the manufacturing cost for each sphere?

Data & Diagram: all diameters, r = 0.2 m; Standard data

cost per kg (c) density ()

aluminum, RM31.50 /kg 2710 kg/m3
steel, RM9.25 /kg 7850 kg/m3

Diagram(s) Given data

with labels

ri
ro
Formula(s)

4 ( ro3  ri3 )
Theory: volume of hollow sphere, V  (1)
3
where ro = outer radius and ri = inner radius.
mass, m=V (2)

cost of manufacturing, C = cm (3)

Assumptions:  is approximately equal to 3.14 (accurate to 2 d.ps)

Solution:
Equation #
Necessary assumption(s)
Using eq(1),
4(3.14)
V= (0.2 3  0.15 3 )
3
= 0.0019363 m3

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Introduction to Engineering Engineering Solutions 7

(continued)
KJM400
08/28/97 Problem 2.1 AbdulRahman, Zamri 2/3

Problem 2.1 (continued) Step-by-step procedures

From eqn(2),
mass of aluminum sphere m = 2710(0.0019363) kg
= 52.47 kg

mass of steel sphere m = 7850(0.0019363) kg

= 152.00 kg

Using eqn(3),
cost of aluminum sphere C = 31.50(52.47)
= RM1652.81
Highlight the answers
cost of steel sphere C = 9.25(152.00) with Unit
= RM1406.00

The manufacturing costs for the hollow sphere made up of aluminum and steel
are RM1652.81 and RM1406.00 respectively.

Answer in sentences for

clarity and conclusiveness

Comment: The manufacturing cost is given up to two decimal places only

(to the nearest cents).
The cost is valid only at the time when the cost of material per kilogram is as
given. It will change if there is a price fluctuation.

Figure 2.1: Engineering problem presentation and organization.

Note that the above example serves as a general or standard guide in the engineering problem
solving only. There are some engineering problems which may not require certain sections such
as the data and diagrams, the assumption, and etc. These depend on the nature of the problems.
The next problems illustrate some these exceptions.

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Problem Solving

KJM400
08/28/97 Problem 2.5, 2.8 Zamri AbdulRahman 3/3

Problem 2.5: Solve for the roots of the equation

f ( x )  2 x 2  1.3x  0.2  0

b  b 2  4 ac
Theory: Apply quadratic formula, x 
2a
where a = 2, b = -1.3, c = -0.2

Solution:
 (1.3)  ( 1.3) 2  4 ( 2 )(0.2 )
x
2(2)
Using box to highlight
x= the final answer

Problem 2.8: Forces are applied on the block at point B as shown.

Find: Determine the resultant force at B, RB = ?

Data & diagram:

A B 20 N
300
50 N

Theory: Apply vector addition or

summation of the components, Rx =  Fx , Ry =  Fy

Solution:

Comment:

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Introduction to Engineering Engineering Solutions 9

The following example requires creativity in translating problem statement into schematic
diagrams:
KJM400 AbdulRahman, Zamri
08/28/97 Air craft landing problem 1/1

Problem Statement: An aircraft with known glide ratio is running out of fuel in
the middle of the lake. For the given obstacles, a pilot must make a safe landing.

Find: Determine whether a pilot should make a ground or water landing?

Data & Diagram:

glide ratio, gr = 15:1 (15 units horizontal: 1 unit vertical)
lake diameter, d = 3 mi (= 7920 ft) or radius, r = 3960 ft
height above ground, h = 500 ft

transmission line

 road
dock

Theory: Apply trigonometry or concept of ratio.

Maximum glide distance, x = hgr , h = net elevation height.

Assumptions: 1. Height of the power line is 40 ft.

2. Clearance of aircraft above the power line is 10 ft.

Solution: h = 500 - 60 ft = 440 ft

x = 440x15 ft = 6600 ft

Since x > r, the pilot must make a ground landing.

Alternative approach:

glide distance to be able to pass the tower line = 3960 ft

3960
minimum net height needed, h   264 ft
15
Since net height available is 440 ft > 264 ft, pilot lands on the ground.

Comment: Since the glide ratio provides the maximum horizontal distance
the aircraft can glide, the pilot may also choose to land on the water.

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Problem Solving

Example of problem solving using word processor and spreadsheet software:

Example 2.4
20/01/98 Containment tank problem AbdulRahman, Zamri 1/3

Problem statement: A water tank with a capacity of 1.20(106) L when filled is to be constructed.
The shape is to be square-cube bottom which is underground and half-cylindrical top. The cost
for the top portion is RM800/m2 and for the bottom portion is RM600/m2.

Find: Determine the dimensions of the tank that will result in the lowest Ringgit cost.

Data & diagram: 1 m3 = 1000 L

H =2R

Theory:

Surface area: half-cylinder, AC = RL + R2

square cube, AS = 2LH + 2RH = 4LR+ 4R2

Volume: half-cylinder, VC = R2L/2

square cube, VS = 2RLH = 4R2L

Assumption(s): 1. Tank has no air space when filled.

2. The construction cost for the base is not included.
3. The height is two times the radius.

Solution:

1. Express total volume as a function of length and radius VT = f(L, R)

VT = VC + VS :
VT = R2L/2 + 4R2L = 1200 (E2.4-1)

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2. Express total cost as a function of length and radius CT = f(L, R)

CT = $800AC + $600AS
CT = 800(RL + R2) + 600(4LR+ 4R2) (E2.4-2)

3. From eq.(E2.4-1) solve for L,

2400
L= 2
(E2.4-3)
R (   8)

4. Solving eq.(E2.4-2) and (E2.4-3), and simplifying yields

 2400 
CT = 800(  3)   R2  (E2.4-4)
 R (  8) 

5. Using Mathcad*, we can generate table of cost vs. radius and plotting graph as follows

R 1  10

2400 2
C T( R ) 800 (  3)  R
R (  8)

Radius Cost
R, (m) CT, (RM)
1.0 1 063 277
2.0 548 835
3.0 397 007
4.0 343 203
5.0 334 505
6.0 353 272
7.0 391 645
8.0 446 745
9.0 515 571
10.0 597 164


*Mathcad is a computational tool by Mathwork , Inc. available in the computer laboratory
R203 at UiTM, S.17 campus, Shah Alam.

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Problem Solving

Graph of Cost (RM) versus Radius (m)

 6 1.2 106
1.210

6
1 10

5
8 10
Cost, C (RM)

C T( R)
5
6 10

5
4 10

5
2 10
5
110

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 R 10
Radius, R (m)

From the graph, we observe that the lowest cost is RM334,505.00 corresponding to R = 5.0 m.
Substitute it back into eq(E2.4-3) and H = 2R to obtain

R = 5.0 m, L = 8.62 m, and H = 10.0 m

Comment: The lowest construction cost may also be obtained by differentiating eq(E2.4-4) with
respect to R , set it to zero, and then solve for R. This will give us the exact answer R = 4.76 m
and the cost of RM333668.26 since it is an analytical solution. Can you show this calculation?
This part is left to you as an exercise.

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Exercises 2.0: Engineering Solutions

1. A car traveling along the North-South highway at an average speed of 95 km/h.
Determine the time it will take for a driver to arrive in the city of Ipoh from Klang knowing that
the distance is 236 km.

2. The equation describing a certain physical phenomenon is given by f(x) = 2x2 + 3x – 5.

Find the root of this equation.

3. A piece of land in Putrajaya is to be sold at a price of RM85/ft2. For the land area as
shown, determine the amount of money needed for this piece of land.

60 ft

30 ft

30 ft

80 ft
50 ft

90 ft 60 ft

4. The task of measuring the width of inaccessible lake and the height of a cliff was
assigned to three engineering students. The distances and angles shown were measured on a level
ground in a vertical plane due north of the cliff. Determine the width BC and the height CD of
the cliff of the LAKE if  = 40o.
D

30o B 
A Lake C
126 m

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Problem Solving

5. The KLIA express train is moving at 110 km/h when the brake is suddenly applied.
Knowing that the train slows down at a steady rate of 10 m/s2 and that to total mass is 200000
kg, calculate the braking force generated on the wheels of the train and the total stopping
distance.

6. A simple electric circuit has a voltage supply of 12 V and is connected to a load with a
resistance of 4.65 . Determine the circuit current and the power generated.

7. A chemical tank is to be constructed for ZAR Chemical Company in Shah Alam. As a

consultant, you are to determine the lowest cost in Ringgit Malaysia to construct the tank that
will hold 25(104) L of chemical when filled. The shape is to be cylindrical in a horizontal
position with length H and radius R, and with hemispherical ends. Specify the corresponding
dimensions. The costs for cylindrical and hemispherical portions are, respectively, RM600/m2
and RM750/m2.
H

8. A wire 10 m long is to be cut into two pieces; one piece is to be bent into an equilateral
triangle and the remaining piece into a square. What are the dimensions of the two shapes if the
total area encompassed by both to be maximum?3

1. Eide, A.R., Jenison, R.D., Mashaw, L.H., Northup, L.L., Engineering Fundamentals and
Problem Solving, 2nd ed., McGraw-Hill, Inc., 1986, p.62.
2. Ibid.
3. Red, W.E., Mooring, B., Engineering Fundamentals of Problem Solving, Wadsworth, Inc.,
1983, p.264.

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