Engineering design is the central activity of the engineering profession. Dieter Schmidt's Engineering Design offers a comprehensive understanding of this process. The book emphasizes developing attitudes and approaches to design rather than focusing solely on techniques and tools. The sixth edition of Engineering Design maintains its emphasis on material selection, design for manufacturing, and design for quality, setting it apart from other broad-based design texts.
Target Audience and Use
Engineering Design is intended for use in junior or senior engineering design courses that incorporate integrated, hands-on design projects. At the University of Maryland, the authors use Chapters 1 through 9 to introduce the design process to junior students. The entire text is employed in the senior capstone design course, which involves a complete design project, from market selection to creating a working prototype. The aim is for students to regard this book as a valuable resource throughout their professional careers.
Key Features and Focus
Dieter's Engineering Design represents a significant update to this classic textbook. As in previous editions, Engineering Design offers a broader overview of topics than most design texts and provides more prescriptive guidance on how to carry out design. Dieter focuses on material selection and how to implement the design process, offering senior mechanical engineering students a realistic understanding of the design process.
Content Overview
The book presents an eight-step process in detail (Chapters 1 through 9), offering prescriptive guidance from problem definition through detailed design. Chapters 10 through 16 cover more specific specialty topics, such as design for X.
A Detailed Look at the Design Process
Engineering Design provides a comprehensive and structured approach to the engineering design process. The book emphasizes a step-by-step methodology, guiding students from the initial stages of problem definition to the final stages of detailed design. This structured approach ensures that students develop a thorough understanding of each phase of the design process and are equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to tackle complex engineering challenges.
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Problem Definition
The initial step in the engineering design process involves clearly defining the problem that needs to be solved. This includes identifying the needs and requirements of the project, as well as any constraints or limitations that may exist. A well-defined problem statement is crucial for guiding the subsequent steps of the design process and ensuring that the final solution effectively addresses the intended need.
Conceptual Design
Once the problem has been clearly defined, the next step is to generate a range of potential solutions. This involves brainstorming different ideas and concepts, and evaluating their feasibility and potential effectiveness. The goal is to identify the most promising concepts that warrant further development and refinement.
Embodiment Design
In the embodiment design phase, the selected concepts are further developed and refined. This involves creating detailed layouts and configurations, as well as specifying the materials and components that will be used. The focus is on ensuring that the design is both functional and manufacturable, and that it meets all of the required performance criteria.
Detailed Design
The final stage of the design process involves creating detailed drawings and specifications for all of the components and assemblies that make up the final product. This includes specifying the dimensions, tolerances, and surface finishes of each part, as well as any special manufacturing processes that may be required. The detailed design phase is critical for ensuring that the final product can be manufactured accurately and consistently.
Emphasis on Material Selection
One of the key strengths of Engineering Design is its emphasis on material selection. The book provides a comprehensive overview of different materials and their properties, as well as guidance on how to select the most appropriate material for a given application. This includes considering factors such as strength, stiffness, weight, cost, and environmental impact.
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Material Properties
Understanding the properties of different materials is essential for making informed decisions about material selection. Engineering Design provides a detailed discussion of the key material properties that engineers need to consider, including:
- Strength: The ability of a material to withstand stress without breaking or deforming.
- Stiffness: The resistance of a material to deformation under load.
- Weight: The mass of a material per unit volume.
- Cost: The price of a material, including the cost of processing and manufacturing.
- Environmental Impact: The impact of a material on the environment, including its recyclability and toxicity.
Material Selection Process
The book outlines a systematic process for selecting the most appropriate material for a given application. This includes:
- Identifying the required material properties: Determine the key properties that the material must possess in order to meet the performance requirements of the design.
- Identifying potential materials: Identify a range of materials that could potentially meet the required properties.
- Evaluating the materials: Evaluate the materials based on their properties, cost, and environmental impact.
- Selecting the best material: Select the material that best meets the requirements of the design, taking into account all of the relevant factors.
Design for Manufacturing and Quality
In addition to material selection, Engineering Design also emphasizes the importance of design for manufacturing and quality. This involves considering how the design will be manufactured and ensuring that it can be produced efficiently and cost-effectively. It also involves incorporating quality control measures into the design to ensure that the final product meets the required standards.
Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
DFM is the process of designing products in such a way that they are easy to manufacture. This can involve simplifying the design, reducing the number of parts, and using standard components. By designing for manufacturing, engineers can reduce the cost of production and improve the quality of the final product.
Design for Quality (DFQ)
DFQ is the process of designing products in such a way that they meet the required quality standards. This can involve incorporating quality control measures into the design, such as tolerances and inspections. By designing for quality, engineers can ensure that the final product is reliable and meets the expectations of the customer.
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Prescriptive Guidance
Engineering Design stands out for its prescriptive guidance on how to carry out design. It provides clear, actionable steps and methodologies, making it a practical resource for students and practicing engineers alike. This prescriptive approach helps to demystify the design process and provides a framework for tackling complex engineering problems.
Broader Overview
The book offers a broader overview of topics than most design texts. This comprehensive approach ensures that students are exposed to a wide range of concepts and techniques, preparing them for the diverse challenges they will face in their engineering careers.
Real-World Understanding
Engineering Design provides a realistic understanding of the engineering design process. It emphasizes the practical aspects of design, such as material selection, manufacturing considerations, and quality control. This real-world perspective helps students to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the engineering profession.
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