Principal engineering design questions

Abstract

The definition of principal questions is key to providing a common direction in the developing field of engineering design research. A general engineering framework can be utilized to identify these principal questions. This general framework rigorously defines variables and indicates relationships among the fundamental engineering variables of geometric form, material form, performance, behavior, environmental constraints, environmental conditions, space, and time. A number of questions arise as to how fundamental variables are defined and how the variables will be given value. Example lists of definition and value questions are presented. The number of questions and variables are tracked and the engineering problem degrees of freedom are measured. Input information from the engineer, in the form of four relationship types, is required for the solution of the engineering problem. The framework is domain independent and can be used to organize engineering design methods, design research, and curricula.