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Problem Solving for Engineers PDF

432 Pages·2013·3.966 MB·English
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Civil Engineering C Problem a r “Problem solving and systems are given a very broad perspective, encompassing m key engineering tasks such as design, investigation, decision making, and ic h optimization. ...the examples and exercises make it an easy-to-read book. The a Solving exercises are not merely drill-type ones, but also ones that make the reader e l think—this is to be commended...” for —Priyan Dias, Senior Professor, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, P Associate Editor, Civil Engineering and Environmental Systems r o Engineers Whatever their discipline, engineers are routinely called upon to develop solutions to all kinds of problems. To do so effectively, they need a systematic and disciplined b approach that considers a range of alternatives, taking into account all relevant l e factors, before selecting the best solution. In Problem Solving for Engineers, David Carmichael demonstrates just such an approach involving problem definition, m generation of alternative solutions, and, ultimately, the analysis and selection of a preferred solution. S David Carmichael introduces the fundamental concepts needed to think o David G. Carmichael systematically and undertake methodical problem solving. He argues that the most l v rational way to develop a framework for problem solving is by using a systems i studies viewpoint. He then outlines systems methodology, modeling, and the n various configurations for analysis, synthesis, and investigation. Building on this, g the book details a systematic process for problem solving and demonstrates how problem solving and decision making lie within a systems synthesis configuration. f o r Carefully designed as a self-learning resource, the book contains exercises throughout that reinforce the material and encourage readers to think and apply the E concepts. It covers decision making in the presence of uncertainty and multiple cri- n teria, including that involving sustainability with its blend of economic, social, and g environmental considerations. It also characterizes and tackles the specific prob- i lem solving of management, planning, and design. The book provides, for the first n time, a rational framework for problem solving with an engineering orientation. e e r K16494 s 6000 Broken Sound Parkway, NW Suite 300, Boca Raton, FL 33487 ISBN: 978-1-4665-7061-0 711 Third Avenue 90000 an informa business New York, NY 10017 2 Park Square, Milton Park www.taylorandfrancisgroup.com Abingdon, Oxon OX14 4RN, UK 9 781466 570610 w w w.sponpre ss.com A SPON PRESS BOOK K16494 cvr mech.indd 1 5/2/13 8:42 AM Problem Solving for Engineers Problem Solving for Engineers David G. Carmichael A SPON PRESS BOOK CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group 6000 Broken Sound Parkway NW, Suite 300 Boca Raton, FL 33487-2742 © 2013 by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC CRC Press is an imprint of Taylor & Francis Group, an Informa business No claim to original U.S. Government works Version Date: 20130220 International Standard Book Number-13: 978-1-4665-7062-7 (eBook - PDF) This book contains information obtained from authentic and highly regarded sources. Reasonable efforts have been made to publish reliable data and information, but the author and publisher cannot assume responsibility for the validity of all materials or the consequences of their use. The authors and publishers have attempted to trace the copyright holders of all material reproduced in this publication and apologize to copyright holders if permission to publish in this form has not been obtained. If any copyright material has not been acknowledged please write and let us know so we may rectify in any future reprint. Except as permitted under U.S. Copyright Law, no part of this book may be reprinted, reproduced, transmitted, or utilized in any form by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, includ- ing photocopying, microfilming, and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without written permission from the publishers. For permission to photocopy or use material electronically from this work, please access www.copyright.com (http://www.copyright.com/) or contact the Copyright Clearance Center, Inc. (CCC), 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, 978-750-8400. CCC is a not-for-profit organization that provides licenses and registration for a variety of users. For organizations that have been granted a photocopy license by the CCC, a separate system of payment has been arranged. Trademark Notice: Product or corporate names may be trademarks or registered trademarks, and are used only for identification and explanation without intent to infringe. Visit the Taylor & Francis Web site at http://www.taylorandfrancis.com and the CRC Press Web site at http://www.crcpress.com To my mother and father: Edna K. Carmichael and A. Fraser Carmichael Contents Preface ..................................................................................................................xvii Author .................................................................................................................xxiii 1. Systems Methodology ...................................................................................1 1.1 Introduction ...........................................................................................1 1.2 Terminology ...........................................................................................2 1.2.1 Abuse of Terminology .............................................................2 1.2.2 Probabilistic, Deterministic ....................................................3 1.2.3 Dynamic, Static ........................................................................3 1.2.4 Discrete, Continuous ...............................................................4 1.3 Origin ......................................................................................................4 1.4 System .....................................................................................................5 1.4.1 Relation between Parts ............................................................6 1.5 Fundamental Variables ........................................................................8 1.5.1 Output, State .............................................................................8 1.5.2 Input, Control .........................................................................10 1.5.3 Disturbance .............................................................................11 1.6 Subsystems ...........................................................................................11 1.7 Environment ........................................................................................14 1.8 System Boundary ................................................................................15 1.8.1 Open and Closed Systems ....................................................15 1.9 System and Behavior Characterization ............................................16 1.9.1 Transient and Steady States ..................................................17 1.9.2 Equilibrium .............................................................................18 1.9.3 Equifinality .............................................................................18 1.9.4 Stability ....................................................................................18 2. Models and Modeling ..................................................................................21 2.1 Introduction .........................................................................................21 2.1.1 Terminology............................................................................23 2.2 Formalism ............................................................................................23 2.3 Hierarchical Multilevel Systems .......................................................25 2.3.1 States, Controls, and Outputs...............................................32 2.3.2 Single Level .............................................................................33 2.4 Staged Systems ....................................................................................34 2.4.1 Project Phases .........................................................................34 vii viii Contents 2.5 Model Development ...........................................................................40 2.5.1 Scientific Method ...................................................................42 2.5.1.1 Nonrigorous and Management Models ..............47 2.5.2 False Causality .......................................................................50 2.5.3 Adages, Truisms .....................................................................52 2.6 Classification ........................................................................................54 2.7 System Model Terminology ...............................................................67 2.7.1 Terminology............................................................................71 2.7.2 Automatic Control .................................................................72 2.7.3 Fundamental Configurations ...............................................75 3. Some Common System Models .................................................................77 3.1 Introduction .........................................................................................77 3.2 Block Diagrams ...................................................................................77 3.2.1 Junctions ..................................................................................78 3.2.2 Series Subsystems ..................................................................79 3.2.3 Parallel Subsystems ...............................................................79 3.2.4 Feedback ..................................................................................80 3.3 Black Box ..............................................................................................82 3.4 State Equation Models ........................................................................85 3.4.1 Differential Equation Models ...............................................85 3.4.2 Difference Equation Models .................................................89 3.4.3 Partial Differential Equation Models ..................................92 3.4.4 Algebraic (Nondifference) Equation Models .....................93 3.5 Other Forms .........................................................................................94 3.5.1 Networks .................................................................................94 3.5.2 Queuing Models ....................................................................94 3.5.3 Trees .........................................................................................94 3.5.4 Simulation ...............................................................................94 4. Fundamental Configurations Relating to Systems ................................97 4.1 Introduction .........................................................................................97 4.2 Analysis ................................................................................................99 4.2.1 Simulation ...............................................................................99 4.2.2 Prediction, Forecasting .........................................................99 4.2.3 Stability ..................................................................................100 4.2.4 Sensitivity ..............................................................................100 4.2.5 Economic Appraisal ............................................................100 4.2.6 Critical Path Method (CPM) ...............................................101 4.2.7 Reliability ..............................................................................101 4.2.8 Queuing Theory ...................................................................101 4.2.9 Fault Trees, Event Trees .......................................................101 4.2.10 Other Forms of Analysis .....................................................102 4.2.11 Garbage In–Garbage Out ....................................................102 4.2.12 Modeling and Analysis .......................................................102 Contents ix 4.3 Synthesis .............................................................................................103 4.3.1 Confusion in Terminology Usage ......................................104 4.3.2 Conversion to an Iterative Analysis Form ........................105 4.3.3 On-Line/Off-Line .................................................................106 4.4 Investigation ......................................................................................106 4.4.1 State Estimation ....................................................................107 4.4.2 Natural/Artificial Input ......................................................107 4.4.3 Roots ......................................................................................107 4.4.4 On-Line/Off-Line .................................................................108 4.5 Controllability and Observability ..................................................109 4.5.1 Controllability ......................................................................109 4.5.2 Observability ........................................................................109 5. The Synthesis Configuration ...................................................................113 5.1 Introduction .......................................................................................113 5.1.1 Objective ................................................................................113 5.1.2 Constraints ............................................................................114 5.1.3 Variables ................................................................................114 5.1.4 Decision Support ..................................................................115 5.2 Conversion to Iterative Analysis .....................................................115 5.2.1 Steps .......................................................................................117 5.2.2 Planning ................................................................................117 5.2.3 Systems Engineering ...........................................................119 5.2.4 Direct Synthesis ...................................................................120 5.2.5 Theory of Optimal Control Systems .................................120 5.3 Optimal Form of Synthesis ..............................................................121 5.3.1 (Optimal) Synthesis Components ......................................122 5.3.2 Constraints ............................................................................123 5.3.3 Objective ................................................................................123 5.3.4 Probabilistic Systems ...........................................................124 5.3.5 Multiple Objectives ..............................................................125 5.3.6 Alternative Terminology.....................................................125 5.4 Design Examples ...............................................................................126 5.4.1 Structural Design .................................................................126 5.4.2 Earthmoving Operation ......................................................127 5.5 Optimization Techniques ................................................................129 5.5.1 “Gut Feel” Considerations ..................................................129 5.5.2 Numerical Approaches .......................................................130 5.5.3 Calculus .................................................................................130 5.5.4 Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle ......................................130 5.5.5 Dynamic Programming ......................................................130 5.5.6 Mathematical Programming ..............................................130 5.6 Project Planning ................................................................................131 5.6.1 As Synthesis ..........................................................................131 5.6.2 As Iterative Analysis............................................................132

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