Engineering Problem Solving

or

Curriculum Module

Created with R2024a. Compatible with R2024a and later releases.

Information

This curriculum module contains interactive MATLAB® live scripts, Simulink®, and Simscape™ models that provide a means to solving multi-disciplinary engineering problems through systems thinking. The focus will be on problem solving for engineered systems that are applicable from introductory engineering to capstone/senior design.

Background

The Engineering Problem Solving courseware features three interactive scripts; the first explores problem solving philosophy with emphasis on engineering and concepts that involve systems engineering, the second explores creating and evaluating problem statements and requirements, and the third explores breaking down a complex problem into tangible parts that can be worked on and applying techniques learned in the previous scripts.

The instructions inside the live scripts will guide you through the exercises and activities. Get started with each live script by running it one section at a time. To stop running the script or a section midway (for example, when an animation is in progress), use the Stop button in the RUN section of the Live Editor tab in the MATLAB Toolstrip.

Contact Us

Solutions are available upon instructor request. Contact the MathWorks teaching resources team if you would like to request solutions, provide feedback, or if you have a question.

Prerequisites

This module assumes knowledge of some problem solving theory, calculus, physics, and basic MATLAB skills. There is some MATLAB knowledge required for these scripts and models, and you could use MATLAB Onramp and Simulink Onramp as resources to acquire familiarity with MATLAB syntax, live scripts, and Simulink/Simscape models. Simscape Onramp can be used as an optional resource to gain more skills.

Getting Started

Accessing the Module

On MATLAB Online:

Use the link to download the module. You will be prompted to log in or create a MathWorks account. The project will be loaded, and you will see an app with several navigation options to get you started.

On Desktop:

Download or clone this repository. Open MATLAB, navigate to the folder containing these scripts and double-click on EngineeringProblemSolving.prj. It will add the appropriate files to your MATLAB path and open an app that asks you where you would like to start.

Ensure you have all the required products (listed below) installed. If you need to include a product, add it using the Add-On Explorer. To install an add-on, go to the Home tab and select Add-Ons > Get Add-Ons.

Products

MATLAB® is used throughout. Tools from Simulink®, Simscape™, Requirements Toolbox, and Simulink Test are used frequently as well. The Image Processing Toolbox is only used for the imread and imresize functions. System Composer is only used for visualization of system architectures. If your module uses a product not on this list, you can find it here.

Scripts

If you are viewing this in a version of MATLAB prior to R2023b, you can view the learning outcomes for each script here

IntroToProblemSolving.mlx

	In this script, students will...	Academic disciplines
	$\bullet$ Explore the fundamentals of problem solving and systems engineering $\bullet$ Enhance systems thinking skills by utilizing mathematical models $\bullet$ Gain insights into methodologies for effectively approaching and solving problems $\bullet$ Engage in project planning and understanding customer needs	$\bullet$ All Engineering Disciplines

DefiningRequirements.mlx

	In this script, students will...	Academic disciplines
	$\bullet$ Gain experience in defining, interpreting, and analyzing problem statements $\bullet$ Explore different types of requirements and identify what constitutes a useful requirement $\bullet$ Evaluate a set of requirements for a sample problem statement $\bullet$ Connect, execute, and visualize requirements and tests with mathematical models $\bullet$ Incorporate regulatory standards into the process of writing and testing requirements	$\bullet$ All Engineering Disciplines

SystemsDecomposition.mlx

	In this script, students will...	Academic disciplines
	$\bullet$ Utilize the V-model to decompose a complex problem $\bullet$ Explore system architectures and interfaces $\bullet$ Gain experience in decomposing problems into actionable tasks $\bullet$ Conduct verification activities to ensure compliance with design criteria $\bullet$ Perform a trade study for drone battery selection $\bullet$ Review automatic code generation process from a Simulink model	$\bullet$ All Engineering Disciplines

IntegrationAndTest.mlx (planned)

	In this script, students will...	Academic disciplines
	$\bullet$ Utilize the V-model to construct your solution $\bullet$ Gain expertise in integrating components and conducting system-level testing $\bullet$ Conduct validation activities to ensure compliance with customer needs	$\bullet$ All Engineering Disciplines

License

The license for this module is available in the LICENSE.md.

Related Courseware Modules

Introduction to Engineering with Arduino

	Available on: GitHub

Battery Systems: introduction

	Available on: GitHub

Mass-Spring-Damper Systems

	Available on: GitHub

Or feel free to explore our other modular courseware content.

Educator Resources

• Educator Page

Contribute

Looking for more? Find an issue? Have a suggestion? Please contact the MathWorks teaching resources team. If you want to contribute directly to this project, you can find information about how to do so in the CONTRIBUTING.md page on GitHub.

© Copyright 2024 The MathWorks™, Inc