Sustainable Engineering Design Research Articles

Adapting engineering design thinking for sustainability

AbstractThe nature of engineering design thinking needs to change drastically to address the climate crisis, as the technologies and activities that damage the environment are generated by engineering design. Current engineering design practices, as well as engineering design education (EE) pedagogies, are driven by formal knowledge structures, such as mathematical models and optimization techniques, that are far removed from concerns about the environment. To adapt engineering design thinking for sustainability, a clear characterization of the thinking roles played by various design components, including the role of formal structures in sustainable engineering design, is needed. As a first step towards developing this characterization, we investigated the way sustainable micro-hydro power systems were designed by two grassroots technology designers. Our analysis indicated that artifact-based imagination (mental simulation of material structure and dynamics), including artifact-based reasoning (manipulation of imagined artifacts), and synthesis (of requirements and constraints) were key to integrating the eco-social context into the design. Formal structures played a supportive role to these core design thinking processes. To examine the validity of this analysis, we studied two engineering design cases from other areas, exploring whether the patterns we identified using the micro-hydro turbine cases extended to these cases. Results suggested that artifact-based imagination and reasoning and synthesis are common threads across different kinds of engineering design. Based on this finding, we suggest that the ongoing redesign of EE—to support ecological sustainability—needs to focus on artifact-based imagination and synthesis of eco-social factors, in addition to formal structures.

High-resolution wave modeling of the Southwestern Nigerian coastal shelf: Implications on geomorphic contrasts between barrier-lagoon and mud coasts

This study characterizes the spatio-temporal wave variability along Southwestern Nigerian coastal and shelf areas in the Gulf of Guinea. This is to provide further insight into the hydrodynamic factors that influence geomorphologic changes on the low-lying coast. Reanalysis wind-field datasets are employed to generate hourly wind forcing for an unstructured WAVEWATCH III model to simulate some bulk wave parameters. The model is validated against data from offshore buoys and satellite altimetry at selected locations near the coast. Results show that the waves have an annual average of significant wave height (Hs), peak period (Tp), and wind speed (u) of ∼0.5 m, 4.1 s, and 3.9 m/s, respectively. They exhibit seasonal spatial variability that is highest in the peak rainy season from July to September (Av. Hs: 0.56–0.79 m; Av. Tp: 4.68–5.18 s; Av. u: 4.30–5.22 m/s) and lowest in the early dry season from November to January (Av. Hs: 0.26–0.34 m; Av. Tp: 3.37–3.80 s; Av. u: 3.25–3.50 m/s). Also, the monthly averaged wave power varies from 0.2 to 2.8 kW/m annually. However, a maximum Hs of 2.2 m that generated power of 9.4 kW/m for 11.1 s was recorded during the peak of the rainy season in August. Overall, waves with relatively low intensity, which can be classified as smooth to moderate, propagate from the southwest direction and decrease towards the coast. The higher Hs and Tp recorded during the peak of rainy and end of dry seasons are attributed to the influence of far-away swells. A comparative assessment indicates that the Barrier-Lagoon coast is highly controlled by waves, while the Mahin mud coast, which witnesses frequent flooding events that degrade its shoreline, has little wave influence. Thus, local subsidence that increases the relative sea level is suggested to be taking place at sections of the muddy coast. This information is crucial for the sustainable engineering design and management of low-lying coasts.

A Starting Point for Building Awareness for Indigenous Ways of Knowing in Engineering Leadership, Sustainability, and Design

The authors of this paper are non-Indigenous educators who desire to introduce Indigenous Ways of Knowing into the engineering curriculum because they believe it can add value to the impact of engineering in society and positively influence approaches to sustainable engineering design. This is challenging as the authors do not have lived Indigenous experience nor deep foundational knowledge. This paper is a documentation and reflection on the authors’ learning journey and experiences in implementing Indigenous Ways of Knowing in learning resources and activities relating to engineering leadership, sustainability and design. The approach starts with the “work before the work” and describes various ways that Indigenous Knowledge was recognized and acknowledged. Outputs included an online learning resource, and virtual experiential learning workshops. The learning journey has increased our understanding of, and our ability to improve, the positive impact that Indigenous Ways of Knowing can have in the engineering curriculum.

Comparative life cycle assessment study for erosion control application with conventional shotcrete and geomat solutions

Geosynthetic products are used more frequently in civil and environmental engineering applications due to their technological, commercial, and sustainable advantages. However, a quantitative analysis of the sustainability benefits of geosynthetics compared to traditional solutions is rarely conducted in real projects. Traditional engineering design primarily considers function, cost, and safety, while sustainable engineering design also takes into account the impact the design will have on society and the environment. To ensure sustainability in engineering, designers need quantitative tools to evaluate the metrics that can be applied in the design process. One such tool is life cycle assessment (LCA) for evaluating sustainability in engineering designs. The use of polymeric materials in construction projects may not immediately appear to have environmental benefits. However, geosynthetics can significantly reduce the use of other natural construction materials, which more than compensates for any negative impact. Additionally, geosynthetic solutions can reduce global warming potential due to their reduced carbon emissions. Although this topic is less widely discussed outside the geosynthetics industry, it is important for any construction project. Geosynthetic applications reduce carbon emissions and lower non-renewable energy consumption, ozone layer depletion, acidification, and eutrophication. This paper presents the results of a detailed comparative LCA study between a geomat and a traditional shotcrete-based erosion control solution.

AI large models bring great opportunities to reusable design of cad software

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), large models have achieved significant breakthroughs in general-purpose domains. However, their application in computer-aided design (CAD) software is still in its early stages. Reusable design is crucial for improving efficiency and innovation in CAD systems. This paper reviews progress in rule-based reasoning (RBR) and case-based reasoning (CBR), two prevailing techniques for reusable design. RBR represents expert knowledge as rules but lacks self-learning capabilities. CBR draws on prior cases to solve new problems but relies heavily on surface empirical knowledge. Recent advances in large AI models provide new opportunities to enhance reusable design, thanks to superior language and reasoning abilities. However, adapting large models to effectively leverage CAD-specific design knowledge presents open challenges. To advance progress in this area, this paper analyzes the potential impacts of large models on improving knowledge acquisition, case retrieval, rule representation, and reasoning explain ability for hybrid CBR-RBR systems, and proposes a reusable design framework combing large language models, knowledge graphs, and databases to realize more intelligent and interpretable reuse. This review synthesizes key developments in RBR, CBR, and large AI models, highlighting promising directions for advancing reusable design in CAD software. The integration of reasoning techniques with large models, opening promising new directions for computer-aided engineering enhanced by artificial intelligence, as well as lays the foundation for more efficient, innovative, and sustainable engineering design.

Design Hormones: Nature-Inspired Generative Design Methodology for Additive Manufacturing

To meet sustainable goals in various engineering sectors, we urgently need innovative design strategies. This work presents a nature-inspired generative design methodology to support innovation-driven sustainable engineering design. It allows designers to create unpredicted but valuable components that can be directly integrated by modern manufacturing methods such as additive manufacturing. In this approach, the design of components is redefined as a series of elemental design instructions and emergence mechanisms that react to the design environment to generate innovative designs. Inspired by plant growth and development from nature, a set of “Design Hormones” is proposed which influence “design growth and development” through analogues of biological mechanisms. The design grows and develops from the actions of the hormones and genes, which do not know anything about the emergent shape or form of the design, they simply respond to the environment. The hormones are encoded with genes in a design seed, and different designs can emerge from the same seed in response to different environments based on their influence on the seed. A practical algorithm is then presented to implement the emergence of design from a simple seed. A range of examples are tested to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. This work contributes foundational nature-inspired generative design theory and processes to promote innovative design for manufacturing in a sustainable future towards the next industrial revolution.

Augmented Reality in A Sustainable Engineering Design Context: Understanding Students’ Collaboration and Negotiation Practices

This study reports on the use of augmented reality (AR) within the context of sustainable engineering design education. The objective of this study is to understand students’ collaboration and negotiation practices in a sustainable engineering design context using AR. The technology used in this study includes MERGE Cube (a physical cube that acts as a digital canvas for AR) and CoSpaces Edu (an online platform for students to build 3D creations and animate them with code). There have been 48 instances of student participation from upper elementary to middle school in four iterations of this study since February 2022. The research was conducted based on a design-based research methodology, and the data was collected through qualitative methods and analyzed using the intra-action analysis method. This study’s outcome revealed that interactions among participant dyads and with the technology shed light on distinct dynamics within collaborative sustainability-oriented learning and design processes. These diverse interactions collectively emphasize the multifaceted nature of collaborative design, where individual experiences, communication styles, and technological proficiency all play integral roles in shaping the collaborative process. In addition, the results of our research showed that the complexities inherent in negotiating ownership and collaboration dynamics are influenced by individual attitudes, timing of involvement, and previous experiences. Given the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainability-oriented goals, these findings are relevant to the field of sustainable engineering education, especially when working with younger children.

Sustainable Engineering Design in Education: A Pilot Study of Teaching Right-to-Repair Principles through Project-Based Learning.

Over 60 million tons of E-waste is expected to be generated in 2023, with associated significant impacts on health and the environment. To reduce the number of products sent to landfills, "Right to Repair" (RtR) movements are gaining momentum in many countries, including the UK, USA, and EU member states. While Universities are seen as important stakeholders to drive forward sustainable design practices, there is currently little work looking at training undergraduate design engineers in the principles of designing household products in support of RtR. In particular, the project-based learning (PBL) pedagogy shows promise in engaging and training students with the skills and knowledge required to successfully design products for RtR. In this paper, a pilot-study of teaching engineers is presented to design products compatible with RtR principles, alongside many technical skills, in a first-year PBL course. The key outputs of this paper are the design of the module, which can be used to help inform first-year engineering education, the high engagement of students, with 100% of respondents agreeing that they intend to try to implement sustainable design practices in future, and some of the innovative features that students implement in their projects.

Bridging technical, ecological and social–economic knowledge in engineering design

Sustainable engineering design requires the joint consideration of technical, ecological, economic and social aspects in the provision of societal demands, such as water and energy supply. A growing number of concepts and methods for integrated assessment and sustainable design have been developed in recent decades and pose new challenges to the engineering profession. This paper proposes the use of system design concepts and methods to link engineering design to ecological and social–economic knowledge. This study expands the conventional functional analysis approach from systems engineering with a technical focus towards a more integrated perspective that allows for the joint consideration of technical, ecological and social–economic solutions in engineering design. Participatory systems thinking and system dynamics modelling are used for conceptual and preliminary system design by analysing the hierarchy and flows of functions to meet system requirements. The methodology consists of three steps: requirement analysis (step 1), functional organisation analysis (step 2) and functional flow analysis (step 3). An application of the methodology is provided using sustainable water management in Cyprus as an example. The results demonstrate the synergies and trade-offs between technical, ecological and social solutions in water management that provide important information for the subsequent detailed system design phase.

An Appropriate Model for the Prediction of Rock Mass Deformation Modulus among Various Artificial Intelligence Models

The rock mass deformation modulus (Em) is an essential input parameter in numerical modeling for assessing the rock mass behavior required for the sustainable design of engineering structures. The in situ methods for determining this parameter are costly and time consuming. Their results may not be reliable due to the presence of various natures of joints and following difficult field testing procedures. Therefore, it is imperative to predict the rock mass deformation modulus using alternate methods. In this research, four different predictive models were developed, i.e., one statistical model (Muti Linear Regression (MLR)) and three Artificial Intelligence models (Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Random Forest Regression (RFR), and K-Neighbor Network (KNN)) by employing Rock Mass Rating (RMR89) and Point load index (I50) as appropriate input variables selected through correlation matrix analysis among eight different variables to propose an appropriate model for the prediction of Em. The efficacy of each predictive model was evaluated by using four different performance indicators: performance coefficient R2, Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Squared Error (MSE), and Median Absolute Error (MEAE). The results show that the R2, MAE, MSE, and MEAE for the ANN model are 0.999, 0.2343, 0.2873, and 0.0814, respectively, which are better than MLR, KNN, and RFR. Therefore, the ANN model is proposed as the most appropriate model for the prediction of Em. The findings of this research will provide a better understanding and foundation for the professionals working in fields during the prediction of various engineering parameters, especially Em for sustainable engineering design in the rock engineering field.

Improving CH4/O2 energy ratio of meat processing wastewater treatment systems through micro-sieving

ABSTRACT Micro-sieving is an effective way to prevent organic pollutants enter the main biological process and reduce aeration intensity and sludge production. However, few researchers quantified the effect of micro-sieving on meat processing wastewater treatment. The current study developed Excel-based models to compare the energy consumption and production of historical, conventional and innovative systems. Historical and conventional systems employ activated sludge (AS), nitrification, and denitrification as the main biological processes. Innovative systems are designed by using up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) and partial nitrification/Anammox (PN/A) as the main treatment processes. Results show that the CH4/O2 energy ratios of the innovative treatment system are as high as 10 times of the historical and conventional systems. Therefore, innovative system can achieve electrical self-sufficiency. Micro-sieving reduces 5% of aeration demand. Furthermore, the impact of micro-sieving on the innovative treatment systemis assessed by cost-benefit analysis. System with micro-sieving has the shortest payback time of 2.1 years and reduces cost of the innovative treatment system. An excel-based model was developed to quantify the impact of micro-sieving on energy and cost of innovative treatment system, thereby providing a valuable reference for future sustainable engineering design of meat processing wastewater treatment.

Form Finding and Analysis of an Active Bending-Pantographic Bamboo Space Structure

This paper presents the form finding and structural analysis of an active bending-pantographic bamboo space structure that integrates self-stressed active bending arches, tensile pantographic grids and supporting bipods. The structure was designed to roof an open-aired amphitheater in the tropical climate. The structure has a self-supporting behavior and a mobile assembly procedure, applying the hinged flexible connection (HFC) mechanism. The structure was developed initially through small-scale physical models, then, on computer models and full-scale prototypes. Empirical models were used to determine the minimum bending radius of the arches and served to embed data for the computer models. The active bending arch (ABA) applied Phyllostachys aurea bamboo rods subjected to axial loads up to the elastic limit of strain on the beams. Steel cables and diagonal rods were connected to the curved beams, avoiding buckling in the plane of the arches. Modular pantographic grids were deployed over the ABA, generating double curved space frames with free- form geometries. The coupling of active bending arches and pantographic grids resulted in a hybrid structure, with mutual operation of bending-active and form-active structural modules. The developed structure used bio-based materials for a sustainable engineering design, with lightweight techniques and low-carbon footprint.

Preface

Preface

Highly Resolved Rainfall-Runoff Simulation of Retrofitted Green Stormwater Infrastructure at the Micro-Watershed Scale

Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI), a sustainable engineering design approach for managing urban stormwater runoff, has long been recommended as an alternative to conventional conveyance-based stormwater management strategies to mitigate the adverse impact of sprawling urbanization. Hydrological and hydraulic simulations of small-scale GSI measures in densely urbanized micro watersheds require high-resolution spatial databases of urban land use, stormwater structures, and topography. This study presents a highly resolved Storm Water Management Model developed under considerable spatial data constraints. It evaluates the cumulative effect of the implementation of dispersed, retrofitted, small-scale GSI measures in a heavily urbanized micro watershed of Costa Rica. Our methodology includes a high-resolution digital elevation model based on Google Earth information, the accuracy of which was sufficient to determine flow patterns and slopes, as well as to approximate the underground stormwater structures. The model produced satisfactory results in event-based calibration and validation, which ensured the reliability of the data collection procedure. Simulating the implementation of GSI shows that dispersed, retrofitted, small-scale measures could significantly reduce impermeable surface runoff (peak runoff reduction up to 40%) during frequent, less intense storm events and delay peak surface runoff by 5–10 min. The presented approach can benefit stormwater practitioners and modelers conducting small scale hydrological simulation under spatial data constraint.

AN ENGINEERING DESIGN PROJECT TO PROVIDE MULTI-DISCIPLINARY EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

First year engineering students at the University of British Columbia Okanagan, take the Fundamentals of Sustainable Engineering Design course as part of the suite of common courses for all engineering students regardless of discipline. The largest assessment components of the course are the final exam (40%) and the design project (40%). 
 For the design project, teams of 4 – 6 students build a scaled-down prototype of a Well Ventilated yet Energy Efficient Room (WeVeyEER) that must be able to maintain its interior temperature at 10°C above ambient and at the same time continuously exchange stale air from within with fresh air from outside. It also has to meet load-bearing, size and power supply constraints. The energy consumption, rate of air exchange and weight are parameters for comparing performance of the prototypes.
 The majority of teams (55 out of 64) could achieve the requirements. Feedback about the project was mixed, with 57 positive and 56 negative comments.

The Material Indices Method in the Sustainable Engineering Design Process: A Review

The material indices method has its application in both the design of construction materials and products. The method has evolved since the 1960s and has been described in German, Russian, Polish, and English scientific literature. In the 1990s, the method was adapted to Design for the Environment with the inclusion of specific energy consumption indicators for various construction materials. The article cites six principles of Design for the Environment and presents specific energy consumption indicators according to various authors. This data was then used in two sample applications of the material indices method to determine the specific energy consumption of product manufacture: of a support structure of the standing frame and a compression spring design. In the conclusions, the significant limitations of the material indices method are emphasized, which are not extensively discussed in the literature on the subject, such as its high sensitivity to the accuracy of the adopted energy consumption indicators for materials in view of the actual production process; not taking into consideration all the negative aspects of the materials’ impact on the environment, or the difficulties associated with predicting the impact of material production technology on the material indices. On the other hand, their simple functional form makes them ideal for incorporation into modern CAD software and in product optimization at the initial stage of concept design.

Utilisation of the conceive-design-implement-operate framework in a mechanical engineering capstone project

The Conceive-Design-Implement-Operate framework was initiated around 20 years ago at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in order to reform engineering education to cope with the latest needs and challenges available in the industry. MIT researchers thought of the set of skills that graduates would need to have upon graduation. Then they developed the framework and syllabus, and then ran it through pilot programmes to monitor and refine its underlying approaches. The framework takes into account students’ ‘Technical Knowledge and Reasoning’, ‘Personal and Professional Skills’, ‘Interpersonal Skills’ and ability to ‘Conceive-Design-Implement and Operate’ engineering system or processes. It is now well established with over 100 universities applying its concepts to enhance engineering education. The framework defines 12 standards, which are implemented to describe the frameworks structure. This framework has been applied to several modules (or courses) within Taylor’s School of Engineering. In particular, the present investigation discusses the application of this framework within the context of a Capstone Project module in the school’s Mechanical Engineering Programme. This module is a yearlong, 3rd year module within a 4-year engineering degree programme where students are tasked to design and build a complex engineering system. This paper discusses how the framework is used to enhance students’ ability to brainstorm and develop suitable and sustainable engineering design solutions for a specified design challenge. The paper will discuss what the students have accomplished in each part of the conceive-design-implement-operate framework stages, as well as how these techniques have enabled them to appropriately design an engineering solution in addition to the rubrics used to assess them in each part of the framework.

Virtual reality for showcasing sustainable engineering design

One of the goals of national parks is to promote sustainable development and environmental education. This paper presents a study to further the goal by demonstrating the value of virtual reality and augmented reality in the construction of a FRP (Fiber Reinforced Polymer or Plastics) pedestrian bridge in Taiwan’s national park. The purposes are three-fold. First, the bridge serves to educate visitors about the infrastructure of the park. Second, it attracts the attention of the public and raises interest in conservation and sustainability. Third, it allows to showcase sustainable engineering design with the latest virtual reality technology. The example described in this paper is based on the same principles of e-learning and mobile learning. The experience is valuable in encouraging and promoting tourism opportunities and sustainable resource use in national parks.

The Application of Detrital Actors in Industrial Systems

Biological systems have evolved to retain and recycle materials via decomposer networks. However, engineered systems are often deficient in the employment of decomposers despite their potential to improve efficiency and sustainability. These systems favor unmitigated growth and exploit natural resources, exporting pollutants to the environment as waste. Reducing this disparity between industrial and natural systems presents the opportunity for greater material and energetic efficiency. This study demonstrates the application of decomposer networks in industrial settings through constructed wetlands and pyrolysis driven biomass upcycling integrated into a steel industry's water network. The results from this study show a 26.64%, 57.87%, and 28.29% reduction of fresh water, effluent, and costs respectively. However, common sustainable design principles at design conception leave these system-level improvements unrealized. As such, this study points to the need for a predictive tool in sustainable engineering design, incorporating time-dependent flow metrics to more effectively leverage the decomposer role.

Report on the Third Workshop on Sustainable Software for Science: Practice and Experiences (WSSSPE3)

This report records and discusses the Third Workshop on Sustainable Software for Science: Practice and Experiences (WSSSPE3). The report includes a description of the keynote presentation of the workshop, which served as an overview of sustainable scientific software. It also summarizes a set of lightning talks in which speakers highlighted to-the-point lessons and challenges pertaining to sustaining scientific software. The final and main contribution of the report is a summary of the discussions, future steps, and future organization for a set of self-organized working groups on topics including developing pathways to funding scientific software; constructing useful common metrics for crediting software stakeholders; identifying principles for sustainable software engineering design; reaching out to research software organizations around the world; and building communities for software sustainability. For each group, we include a point of contact and a landing page that can be used by those who want to join that group's future activities. The main challenge left by the workshop is to see if the groups will execute these activities that they have scheduled, and how the WSSSPE community can encourage this to happen.