What I Have Learnt - Essay Example

1. Executive Summary ENF 1204, Engineering Design has equipped me with immense skills in engineering design. Among the valuable experiences gained include team work, writing skills with respect to various formats, communication skills, research, using AutoCAD for plotting in engineering design, carrying out experiments in the lab and researching on varied fields of study. This twelve-week experience makes me conclude that engineering design aims at solving problems. The existence of a problem or issue marks the beginning of coming up with a solution design. Then, research will be conducted with that respect to determine the best possible solution. For example, there could be need for a bride in a rural area. Prior to building the bridge, there would be need for research on the different possible structures. Putting into consideration human and economic factors, the bridge to be built would be analyzed and tested. Designing in engineering technically requires immense skills as learnt in this course. This portfolio presents the skills I have learnt in this course. 2. Introduction A project in engineering design requires one to collate and apply numerous skills. To accomplish the tasks in this course, I had to attend not just the lectures, but also the workshops. This portfolio gives an account of my abilities and skills as acquired in the twelve weeks spent studying engineering design. Outlined are my learning outcomes, evaluation from self and peers in my group and a conclusion. Enlisted herein are learning outcomes from the tasks undertaken in AutoCAD and the three design challenges. Among others, these learning outcomes include team work, solving problems in engineering design, skills in AutoCAD, conducting experiments in the lab and plotting results gathered on MATLAB. The graphs that I plotted on MATLAB for the challenge on boat design, the calculations on the design of battery charger and pictures on the design of a bridge present my learning outcome. In addition to these, I also provided a reflective journal at the appendix section. This leads to a conclusion on the study process, including the teamwork experience and the individual contributions of each member to the team which was crucial for the accomplishment of the task. These are the major parts covered in this reflective journal. 3. Learning Outcomes 3.1 Learning outcome I: Application of systematic approach in engineering design In engineering design, the first task involved the building of a model of truss bridge with paddle pop sticks. This started with each team member investigating on the various kinds of truss bridges. From these, each was to develop a new design. Thereafter, the team evaluated the advantages and limitations of each design so as to make a choice of one. Using MDSolids software, forces that acted on each of the joints of the bridge design were determined. All this theoretical research provided a basis for practical work on the bridge which was built and tested thereof. After testing, recording and analyzing the results followed, triggering a discussion that was followed by an appropriate conclusion for the report. In the following design task, we were needed to design a circuit meant for the regulation of the voltage from the power source to the voltage at the input of a battery charger. As such, we were required to carry out research on the available sources of energy and types of batteries among other topics. After building and testing the circuit design, research topics were distributed among each member of the group. The information that was collected from reliable sources was incorporated into the report together with the discussion of findings and conclusion. Following the systematic approach for reports as outlined on page 3, we started by choosing a hull shape, making an analysis of how it would behave at sea level. After engaging in a decision on the hull shape, critical research was conducted on various designs. A model was then made followed by its testing in a wave tank. On completion of the testing process, data recording was done on MATLAB on the responses observed for the model in various waves. Just like in previous reports, topics were equally assigned to members of the group. 3.2 Learning outcome II: The finding, organization and evaluation of information on challenges in engineering design The professional experiences and environments of graduates of engineering differ greatly. This unit offers skills critical for such professionals regardless of the difference in their work environments. From experience, it would be appreciated that those who excel in engineering design find design solutions that best fit a situation following the laid out criteria. A successful engineer needs to be a creative thinker, an art acquired through appropriate training in analysis, constant research and practice and exposure to creative experiences and solutions. To help in solving challenges in engineering design, this program imparts knowledge on systematic investigation, organization and application of information. Undertaking this task on design challenges required us to understand design problems and be equipped with the requisite skills for solving issues. With the boat design task, we observed that force distribution in a boat occurs at the central part, following the results obtained from lab experiments. After the identification of the problems of design and how factors like wind, waves and water would affect the vessel, we analyzed the problem from graphs of the forces shown from the experiment plotted in MATLAB. This enabled us have a better understanding of the balance points of the vessel. The analysis obtained and conclusion made was recorded in the report of boat vessels occurring in the report section. The other task for designing a battery charger had us determine the value of the constituent resistors through circuit analysis. Furthermore, we undertook research studies on renewable energies and the various kinds of battery chargers for referencing in the final design. These research studies are documented in the battery report as appears in the report section. With regards to the bridge design, we had to identify a bridge model with the ability to withstand at least 100 kN force and the dimensions of the location where the bridge was to be tested. Then, we started drawing the proposed designs and analyzing on MDSolids software after researching on the type of truss structure. We constructed a bridge model which best fit the requirements dictated by the findings from the analysis and research. The bridge report, as placed in the report section, presents the research with images of trusses found in Appendix 2. 3.3 Learning outcome III: Identification and evaluation of the social, economic, environmental and technical factors affecting the solution of challenges in engineering design For a good design, economic, technical, human, environmental and legal factors regarding engineering design had to be considered prior to building our design. Due to the critical importance that each of these factors play in modern engineering design, we evaluated each of them. i. Technical factor: We undertook experiments and analyses that would support each of our final designs. Consider the example of the bridge design where we determined factors on force distribution. Each and every member contributed to the findings on compression and tension forces. ii. Economic factor: This plays a significant role in designs. It would be appreciated that the more economical a design, the more efficient it would be. The bridge design illustrates this argument, considering that a good design used limited materials but had the ability of withstanding the maximum load. iii. Environmental factor: The environment where a design would be used informs the need for a given design. For instance, the battery charger we designed was to be used in a rural setting. This informed the designing of a solar battery charger since the universal availability of solar would make it practical in the rural setting and also makes it efficient for use. iv. Legal and human factors: These factors would be guided by the use of the item to be designed and how a design would be used to solve the problem. Additionally, the governing law in the given location needs to be adhered to. 3.4 Learning outcome IV: The use of computer-aided design, CAD software for the development and presentation of design solutions In this semester, we learnt how to use the CAD software in various ways with the tasks drawn from the CAD tutorials completed within the scheduled timeframe. The assessment in blue sheet has been attached in the appendices as proof. For practice, numerous 2D drawings were made, slowly graduating to 3D modeling. This saw us gradually understand how to use this software. After completion of the tasks in the tutorial, it became possible for me to develop 3D models from 2D drawings. It was also possible to develop orthogonal drawings from 3D models. With this being a common mode of communication among engineers across board, I put much effort to master the skill. The first AutoCAD skill gained entailed drawing of various shapes under the 2D setting which occupied the first half of the semester. The teacher imparted knowledge on the numerous functions that AutoCAD could undertake including drawing of circles, lines, arrays, mirrors, object snaps and offsets. My initial challenge with AutoCAD was coordination. However, with constant practicing, I overcame the challenge. This made graphing in 2D easier. In the second half of the semester, I put much effort in learning about 3D shapes. I acquired skills on the use of various AutoCAD viewpoints to capture the various viewpoints of objects in 2D and 3D. Moreover, I learnt about the assembly of 3D and combination into a shape that would complete an object. I also acquired knowledge on extrude shade, polyline, joint, subtract functions and union. Appendix 1 presents some of the drawings done using AutoCAD. 3.5 Learning Outcome V: Effective oral and written communication through engineering drawings Both oral and written communication skills are vital for an engineering student. This course provided me an opportunity to express my oral and written communication skills through design activities. Communication is a critical aspect of life wherever one could be. Skills in communication do not just benefit engineers but also other living beings in the world. Engineering design demands use of numerous communication modes so as to attain the intended objectives. In the groups, text messages, emails, Facebook, MDSolids and AutoCAD were among the key modes for sharing ideas. For better understanding, some members of the group drew the model bridge design using MDSolids while some used AutoCAD. The computer was useful when taking photos of the bridge, which, combined with the Jing software, provided pictures with dimensions in pictorial form. This was easy to share among group members. Through various drawings, I have been able to exhibit my mastery of this skill. It is presented as a written report with regards to the three design activities. Appendix 2 shows MDSolids bridge design. 3.6 Learning outcome VI: Demonstration of individual and collaborative learning in a team setting Working effectively at an individual level requires information literacy, design problem solving ability and management ability as pertains time and tasks given. Working creatively and effectively with others calls for effective communication skills, logical and rational argument ability and ability to work within and across cultures. Effective collaboration would be determined by the manner in which the team players work together just as the type of task being undertaken. Every design begins with the identification of the problem and ends with the evaluation of possible alternatives against different design criteria. The task on the three design challenges had my team come up with numerous alternative design solutions. We engaged in lengthy discussions to determine the weight of each alternative prior to commencement of building the design. In the task on boat vessel design, all the parts of the vessel responsible for distribution of force on the body weight were identified. This triggered in me the idea of trimming the edges of this vessel in a circular angle so as to cause the sliding off of water with the rising of the waves. After the discussions, it was decided that we trim off the edges, squaring off in circular angles, so as to lessen the impact of the waves on the vessel. Acknowledging individual efforts and attainments as critical and also important for personal satisfaction, teamwork plays the ultimate role of magnifying success in the task undertaken and fostering satisfaction among team members. The achievement of a team that effectively works together outdoes the sum of the isolated achievements of each individual team member. Some of my work for the semester is evidenced in the reports at the appendices. On the task on battery charger design, it was unanimously agreed that the same circuit be adopted due to the need to have resistors of the same value as dictated by the power source and the load. Working on the bridge design, designs were first received from members of the group. It was not until a critical evaluation of the shapes and joints that we settled for three standard kinds of truss. Given that the Parker (camelback) exuded higher force resistance as analyzed by MDSolids, the structure was chosen for our model design. The criteria followed to come up with the decision included: The need to have an efficient design The need for suitability of the design for the situation The need for the design to meet the minimum set requirements The need for a design that would be easy to build, involving minimum human intervention Appendix 3 and Appendix 2 give the resistance calculation for the battery design and analysis of truss respectively. 3.7 Learning outcomes VI (a): Solving problems independently The course imparted in me independent thinking ability; through lectures, group discussions and workshops, I developed and exercised the imagination and insight capability for solving engineering problems. Of importance would be to develop an understanding of the engineering concepts on which to base the design problems. The workshops and lectures provided concepts on momentum, force distribution, voltage division, Newton’s law and Thevenin’s theorem among other important concepts. In the task on battery charger, it was required of us to determine the value of the resistors in the circuits and the length of time the circuit takes to fully charge. The need to understand concepts on forces was critical in the bridge design task so as to come up with a strong bridge. Therefore, we undertook many exercises on force distribution. Using a program to analyze our bridge saved us time as opposed to if we had to calculate the required figures by ourselves. The task on the bridge design involved researching on truss which informed our development of the three different bridge model designs. Thus, based on the findings from the analysis, we chose the Parker truss, also referred to as camelback truss bridge as our model. Appendix 3 and Appendix 2 give the calculation on the battery charger and pictures on bridge analysis respectively. 3.8 Learning outcome VI (b): Teamwork The first learning outcome in this course is my ability to work in a group. I learnt to effectively work in a team and also lead a team in solving technical problems, manage time amidst numerous tasks, create cohesion among members as the most effective strategy in solving problems and modern engineering and industrial production. My experience made me conclude that it is more beneficial working in a team as opposed to working individually as the former generates more information and ideas, lessens chances of making mistakes, enhances better decision-making and distributes workload among many other benefits. I had the experience of working in one team with regards to design challenges. My team of four collaborated in analyzing the circuit design following the Lab sessions in the workshop. This experience has imparted positively on me. For example, the experience improved on my communication skills. Since English is not my first language, I had challenges communicating with my peers. However, through my participation in the group discussions, I gained more confidence and acquired the requisite communication skills. Additionally, I acquired knowledge from the other team members. At the end of this portfolio are three reports which are products of our teamwork. 3.9 Learning Outcome VII: Application of personal reflective journals and the demonstration of their effectiveness among learners This course presented the opportunity to experience tasks in technical reports as mainly used in the course, reflective journal, Harvard writing styles and oral presentation. With their application common in engineering communication, they are essential study items. We delivered three written technical reports in the course for the three design challenges. We also submitted a reflective journal every four weeks. Despite the fact that the oral presentation scheduled for the end of the semester was cancelled due to time constraints, we still had presentations in our individual groups. In the lectures, we were introduced to Harvard writing style. The technical writing exercises taught us the principles of report writing which include adherence to rules of grammar, use of vocabulary, structure, contracted words and personal pronouns. The three reports presented in the report section reflect our work with this regard. 3.10 Learning Outcome VIII: Laboratory measurement activities This course provided me with experience in laboratory measurement activities. Moreover, the skills gained on report presentation would be useful as I further pursue this course. There were three workshop activities in this course: conducting three experiments on boat vessels; circuit board testing in the battery charger task; and determining of the efficiency of the selected bridge model. These activities taught me proper measurement in experiments. I also learnt how to test an electrical circuit board and determine critical measurements in a bridge model using modern devices. In these activities, mechanical, electrical and physical knowledge proved to be critical. With this knowledge widely applicable in engineering, it is useful to me in pursuit of further studies. The skills on report writing learnt from the design challenges would be equally useful in the remaining subjects in this course. Appreciating that there would be further report writing activities and group work in future pursuit of the degree, these skills on report writing would make my experience in the subjects to be covered easy. 4. Conclusion The Engineering Design course has been of significance to me. It has imparted critical skills with regards to engineering communication and provided valuable knowledge on electrical, mechanical and physical aspects of engineering. Furthermore, the course has set me the foundational skills in laboratory activities and using AutoCAD for engineering plotting. This would be crucial for me even as I undertake higher education in engineering or other fields of study. The engineering design process proved crucial for the effective completion of every task given. The process involved identification of the design problems, analysis of the requirements and making the best design choice for each task as guided by environmental, economic, technical, legal and human factors. Understanding this process is important for an engineer in modern-day industrial setting. The group work experience during workshops, working with people having diverse knowledge sets, proved somehow challenging. However, this group work fostered my communication ability with others and improved on my understanding, two of the most important considerations in the practical environment presented by the modern industry. Even more useful were the tasks involving writing of technical reports on the design challenges. This experience made me familiarize with report writing skills. As such, I developed skills needed in the analysis of problems and presentation in reports for easy understanding. Therefore, I acknowledge the significant impact of this course on my learning as I have gained immense new skills and improved further on my prior knowledge. Read More