by Dale Baker
Enrichment Activity (Long)
Envision the future by designing and drawing a picture of a new product. Explain what need or purpose the new design is fulfilling. Ask others to review your design and give you some feedback. Then use the feedback to redesign your product.
Review Questions
The following questions will help you assess your understanding of the Discovering Engineering Section. There may be one, two, three or even four correct answers to each question. To demonstrate your understanding, you should find all of the correct answers.
An emerging area of engineering is nanotechnology
geotechnology
aerotechnology
retrotechnology
Electrification is generating and distributing electricity to many different users
being shocked by electricity
powering machinery, instruments, and appliances with electricity
not an important engineering accomplishment
The automobile and jet airliner have freed people from the limitations of geography
are both important engineering accomplishments
have the same type of engines
are dangerous and should be abandoned
Computers provide us with entertainment
control machines
perform complex computations
store vast amounts of information
Air-conditioning has not had any unanticipated negative consequences
contributed to damage of the Earth’s ozone layer
was originally developed for use in automobiles
makes life comfortable in the southern United States
The future of engineering is easy to predict
determined by engineers trying to design things to fulfill peoples wants and needs
tied to energy production
not affected by natural disasters
Review Answers
The Global and Societal Impact of Engineering
a
a,c
a,b
a,b,c,d
b,d
b,c
Conclusion
In this chapter we have explored the nature of engineering through the profiles of several practicing engineers, through engineering job advertisements, and through some of the great accomplishments of engineers. We have explored some of the very broad sets of engineering careers and tasks. We have also discussed the most common engineering specializations of today. These activities establish a foundation for understanding the impact of engineering on our society. We have also examined several trends to help us understand the future of engineering. And finally, we have explored the educational requirements and licensure of engineering.
Vocabulary
Consultant
A person who gives professional or expert advice.
Electronics
The development and application of devices and systems involving electricity.
Global economy
The international spread of trade and commerce across national boundaries with minimal restrictions from governments.
Microelectronics
The design, development, and construction of electronic systems from extremely small components.
Mortality rate
A measure of the number of deaths in a population during a given time period in general or due to a specific cause.
Patent
The exclusive rights granted by a government to an inventor to manufacture, use, or sell an invention for a certain number of years.
Rapid prototyping (RP)
The automated construction of physical objects under computer control using specialized equipment.
References
ABET, Inc. “ABET.” Downloaded July 2008. Available on the web at
http://www.ABET.org.
ABET, Inc. “ABET History.” Downloaded July 2008. Available on the web at
http://www.abet.org/history.shtml.
Josh Brancheau, Abi Wharton, and Firuz Kamalov. “The History of the Automobile.” New Vista High School. Downloaded July 2008. Available on the web at
http://l3d.cs.colorado.edu/systems/agentsheets/New-Vista/automobile/history.html
National Academy of Engineering. “Greatest Engineering Accomplishments of the 20th Century.” Downloaded July 2008. Available on the web at
http://www.greatachievements.org/
National Council for Engineering Examiners. “Licensure for Engineers.” Downloaded July 2008. Available on the web at
http://www.ncees.org/licensure/licensure_for_engineers/
Sunny Auyang. “History of Engineering.” Harvard University Press. Downloaded July 2008. Available on the web at
http://www.creatingtechnology.org/history.htm
Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. “Bubonic Plague.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Downloaded July 20, 2008. Available on the web at
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bubonic_plague&oldid=226844485
Student Supplemental Resources
Engineering Job Opportunities from the Internet August 2007
Each of the following engineering job opportunities was posted on the Internet in August 2007.
Job Description 1
Engineer, Manufacturing
SPECIFIC DUTIES:
Develops, implements and maintains methods, operation sequence and processes in the manufacture or fabrication of parts, components, subassemblies and final assemblies.
Interfaces with design engineering in coordinating the release of new products.
Estimates manufacturing cost, determines time standards and makes recommendations for tooling and process requirements of new or existing product lines.
Maintains records and reporting systems for coordination of manufacturing operations.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Uses a logical, systematic approach to solving problems through analysis and evaluation of alternate solutions.
Acts in a professional manner even when dealing with time demands and/or interpersonal conflict.
Maintains a flexible approach toward task scheduling.
Demonstrates strong communication skills by clearly documenting activities and presenting information, technical content and ideas through spoken and written words; listens well.
Follows through on tasks to completion.
Defines and prioritizes realistic, specific goals; able to complete scheduled tasks in the face of changing priorities.
QUALIFICATIONS:
BS in Engineering plus related experience; two years for Eng; four years for Sr. Eng.
Sound knowledge of manufacturing techniques and process control.
Familiarity with the process of integrating technical designs into a production environment.
LEAN Six Sigma implementation experience.
Experience in managing complex, high profile projects.
Knowledge of SAP applications is a plus.
Job Description 2
Media R&D Engineer (Electronics Industry)
JOB DESCRIPTION
Technical position specializing in large format printing & LF Media development and testing. This person will be responsible for R&D deliverables during the New Product development process and also be in charge of the Large Format Image Permanence Activity.
New Product Development is driven by cross-functional teams and requires the ability to work cooperatively and coordinate activities across the organization. This position will interact often with marketing, sales, manufacturing, Printer development teams, strategic manufacturing sites, and customers, as well as other internal personnel in conducting product and application training.
Max. % travel.
REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS
Musts:
A self-motivated, success oriented, and the will to deliver against goals.
Strong team interaction ability
Strong technical skills
Familiarity or Experience in one or more of the following area
s: Product Development
Program Management
Imaging and Printing
Image Permanence (Fade and Durability Testing)
Imaging materials manufacturing and testing
BS degree in an Engineering discipline.
Large Format printing experience - large format printing, graphic production processes, applications testing and materials selection.
Demonstrated test development, specification establishment and troubleshooting experience.
Intermediate computer/digital workflow skills
Good communication skills
Good organizational skills
Multi-task ability
Self-directed
High energy
Teamwork ability a must
Strongly Desired:
Ability to operate large format printers is desired. Ability to develop application relevant test methods and make recommendations for improvements is a plus.
Demonstrated ability to work well across cultural boundaries as well as multiple geographical sites and time-zones.
Job Description 3
Eyewear Test and Development Engineer
DESCRIPTION
Interface with Designers, Research Engineers, Manufacturing Engineers and Quality in testing raw materials, prototypes and pre-production samples for manufacturing process implementation and production hand-off.
Define, track and execute testing deliverables to ensure timely test results based on product timelines.
Support the field-testing program which provides detailed, meaningful feedback from real-world testing.
Be able to identify and troubleshoot processes of experimentation, redesign experiments accordingly, and design valid experiments to ensure ‘killer’ data.
Identify and solve problems found through materials, product and process testing.
Research on materials and material specifications, process technology, concepts, and new testing equipment and methods.
Support the research, testing and implementation of manufacturing processes and parameters with appropriate work instructions and documentation.
Identify critical process variables and parameters to develop and design experiments accordingly.
Work in R&D lab on designing and/or implementing tests on mechanical and physical properties as well as performance properties on all related raw materials. Raw materials include: polymers, coatings and metal alloys.
Document all testing, results, and other information pertinent to product development.
Responsible for Design of Experiment (DOE)
Collect data.
Set-up test methods.
Take ownership and manage project from beginning to end under the direction of the R&D manager.
Responsible for full product testing.
REQUIREMENTS
Degree in technical field (i.e. mechanical engineering, physics, chemistry, polymer/materials science) and 3–5 years of related work experience OR 6–10 years related work experience with formal technical training/certification.
Strong communication skills with the ability to initiate, establish, and maintain positive relationships with internal and external customers.
Experience in researching, developing and manufacturing plastics, coatings, and metal alloys.
Experience in injection molding plastics.
Experience with forming, casting, injecting, coating and testing metal alloys.
Experience in mechanical and physical testing procedures to apply results to final decision making.
Experience in executing field-testing during product development for ‘real world’ feedback.
Requires minimal direction in executing test, experiments, test parameters, and collection of data and research.
Detail oriented, strong organization skills, time management (timelines), and deadline driven.
Clean, accurate, precise work and documentation.
Self-starter, motivated and proactive.
Natural inclination to think outside the box.
Knowledge of statistics, mathematics, physics, and critical thinking skills.
Major Engineering Societies
Society Society Information
Aerospace Engineering:
http://www.aiaa.org/
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
AIAA is a leading advocate for aerospace among government decision-makers—and a trusted information resource for the media on all subjects relating to aerospace technology. Since 1972, AIAA has contributed extensive technical expertise and policy guidance to Congress and the Executive Branch. We testify before the House and Senate on the full spectrum of aerospace issues.
Agricultural Engineering:
http://www.asabe.org/
American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE)
ASABE is an educational and scientific organization dedicated to the advancement of engineering applicable to agricultural, food, and biological systems. Agricultural, food, and biological engineers develop efficient and environmentally sensitive methods of producing food, fiber, timber, and renewable energy sources for an ever-increasing world population.
Architectural Engineering:
http://content.aeinstitute.org/inside/intro.html
Architectural Engineering Institute (AEI, part of ASCE)
AEI is the home for all professionals in the building industry. They provide a multidisciplinary national forum for members of but not limited to the architectural engineering, structural, mechanical, electrical, and architectural communities. Recognizing the necessity for a place to examine issues and exchange views and information with one another. AEI works to facilitate the crucial communication among members of the building team, both on a technical basis and in the professional arena.
Automotive Engineering:
http://www.sae.org/servlets/index
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
SAE was founded for the purpose of advancing mobility on land, sea, air, and space. Many years ago, SAE noticed that graduating engineers were well versed in textbook knowledge and engineering theory. Surprisingly, however, college engineering curricula provided no ways for students to gain practical experience with manufacturing and production of their designs. Since this type of experience is vital for success on the job, SAE began to organize and sponsor competitions which emphasize a hands-on approach to the engineering.
Biomedical Engineering:
http://www.bmes.org/
Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES)
In response to a manifest need to provide a society that gave equal status to representatives of both biomedical and engineering interests, BMES was incorporated in Illinois on February 1, 1968. The purpose of the Society is to promote the increase of biomedical engineering knowledge and its utilization.
Chemical Engineering:
http://www.aiche.org/
American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)
AIChE is a nonprofit professional association that provides leadership in advancing the chemical engineering profession. Through its many programs and services, AIChE helps its members access and apply the latest and most accurate technical information; offers concise, targeted award-winning technical publications; conducts annual conferences to promote information sharing and the advancement of the field; provides opportunities for its members to gain leadership experience and network with their peers in industry, academia, and government; and offers members attractive and affordable insurance programs.
Civil Engineering:
http://www.asce.org/asce.cfm
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Today’s civil engineer uses every advantage to meet the demands of their profession. That is why ASCE pioneers new programs, policies, educational activities, and professional resources to help them successfully compete in their business. That is why today’s civil engineer has a home at ASCE.
Computer Engineering:
http://www.computer.org/portal/site/ieeecs/index.jsp
IEEE Computer Society
The IEEE Computer Society's vision is to be the leading provider of technical information, community services, and personalized services to the world’s computing professionals. The Society is dedicated to advancing the theory, practice, and application of computer and information processing technology.
Electrical Engineering:
http://www.ieee.org/portal/site
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Through its global membership, the IEEE is a leading authority on areas ranging from aerospace systems, computers and telecommunications to biomedical engineering, electric power, and consumer electronics among others. Members rely on the IEEE as a source of technical and professional information, resources, and services. To foster an interest in the engineering profession, the IEEE also serves student members in colleges and universities around the world.
Environmental Engineering:
http://www.aaee.net/
American Academy of Environmental Engineers (AAEE)
AAEE is dedicated to excellence in the practice of environmental engineering to ensure the public health, safety, and welfare to enable humans to coexist in harmony with nature.
Geological Engineering:
http://rock.geosociety.org/egd/index.html
Geological Society of American, Engineering Geology Division
The Engineering Geology Division promotes education, research, outreach, and application of engineering geologic knowledge toward betterment of human society by adopting sound design of buildings, structures, and facilities that assure public safety and a healthy environment.
