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

Robert (Bob) W. Messler is Professor of Engineering at the Materials Research Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. He spent 16 years in industry, 11 years at Grumman Aerospace, and 5 years at Eutectic-Castolin. Dr. Messler then returned to Rensselaer, where he earned his degrees, to serve as Technical Director and Associate Director of the Center for Manufacturing Productivity. He later became tenured as Professor and was appointed as Associate Dean for Academic & Student Affairs. Dr. Messler has authored 5 technical books.

• IntroductionCh 1. Engineers as Problem SolversCh 2. Problem Solving Skills vs. Process vs. TechniquesPart I – Mathematical Approaches to Problem-SolvingCh 3. Using Equations(“Plug and Chug”)Ch 4. Approximating and EstimatingCh 5. Interpolating and ExtrapolatingCh 6. CheckingCh 7. Dimensional Analysis and Reconciling UnitsCh 8. Using Similarity and RatiosCh 9. Using Indexes or IndicesCh 10. ScalingCh 11. Sensitivity Analysis (of Parameters)Ch 12. Response Curves and SurfacesCh 13. Numerical Analysis & MethodsCh 14. Dimensionless Quantities or ParametersCh 15. Assumptions, Constraints, Conditions, and CasesPart II – Physical/Mechanical Approaches to Problem-SolvingCh 16. Reverse EngineeringCh 17. Material Property CorrelationsCh 18. Proof of Concept ModelsCh 19. Experimental Models and Model ExperimentsCh 20. Test Models and Model TestingCh 21. Mockups and MastersCh 22. Prototypes and Rapid PrototypingCh 23. Trial and ErrorPart III – Visual, Graphic, or Iconic Approaches to Problem-SolvingCh 24. Sketching and RenderingCh 25. Tracings and Transfers, Lofting and Lines-takingCh 26. Graphing and Graphical MethodsCh 27. LayoutsCh 28. Flow Diagrams or FlowchartsCh 29. Causal Diagrams (Fishbone or Ishikawa Diagrams)Ch 30. Decision TreesPart IV – Conceptual or Abstract Approaches to Problem-SolvingCh 31. Brainstorming Process, Methodology and TechniquesCh 32. Using AnalogsCh 33. Dissecting Problems: Decoupling and Coupling, Zooming In and Zooming OutCh 34. Working Problems Backwards and Inverse ProblemsCh 35.FunctionalAnalysis&Black BoxesCh 36. Morphological Analysis and Morphological ChartsCh 37. StoryboardingCh 38. Iteration and Iterative Design Process