PART I

AN INTRODUCTION
TO MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Engineering can be quantified into various classifications at length. Among them is

mechanical engineering, which is perhaps the oldest and the most influential of all
the engineering disciplines known to mankind. For a very mundane perspective,
mechanical engineering is defined as the branch of engineering related to machines
or a mechanism or belonging to the science of mechanics. Mechanical engineering
encompasses more than just conventional mechanics and machines. This field has
grown into one of the largest and most vital of all engineering classifications used in
every discipline regarding human life and technology. Since machines are involved
in literally all aspects of human life right from very basic domestic machines to
complicated automated machines in big industries, it is not surprising that there are
several arms of mechanical engineering which deal with different perspectives of
the same as listed below.

Power Plant Engineering – Every process requires power and energy and this is
generated in power plants which could be different in their modes of production
such as thermal, nuclear, hydro etc. This branch of mechanical engineering mainly
utilizes the principles of thermodynamics and uses equipment like alternators,
boilers etc.

Marine Engineering – This branch of mechanical engineering relates to the

operation and maintenance of propulsion and other machines on board ships.
The machinery on a ship ranges from main propulsion plant, auxiliary generators,
boilers, purifiers, pumps and so forth.

Aerospace Engineering – Like the previous branch which deals with floating
vessels, this branch deals with flying machines. In fact this has been further
subdivided into two main parts – aeronautical and astronautical engineering which
deal with airplanes and spacecrafts respectively.

Automotive Engineering – This specialized branch of mechanical engineering

deals with vehicles that ply on roads rather than sea or air. Again it could involve
several sub-parameters which in turn require specialized skills of their own such as
safety engineer, design engineer and so on, who take care of different aspects of
automotive engineering during its design, manufacturing or maintenance.

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 VAC Engineering – Climate and weather are natural phenomenon, but we can
still control the elements at least within a finite space and that is all what HVAC
engineering is all about. It stands for Heating, Ventilation & Air-Conditioning
engineering and includes principles of thermodynamics, fluid transfer etc.

Computer Aided Engineering – Known more popularly as CAE and used in

combination with CAD (Computer Aided Design) and CAM (Computer Aided
Manufacturing), it is mainly refers to the use of computers and relevant software
for carrying out design, analysis, simulation of various machines and procedures.
It is used in various disciplines such as automobile design, naval architecture etc.
to name a few.

Mechatronics – Mechatronics is a recent addition to the mechanical engineering

branch and refers to a combination of mechanical, computer and electronics
engineering. Hence it can said to be a hybrid branch which cover several fields at
the same time.

It must also be noted at this stage that although several branches have been
listed above, they are not stand alone disciplines in their own right. Technology has
become so interwoven and complicated today that most of these branches are
a mixture of not only other branches of mechanical engineering but also other
disciplines of engineering as well, such as electronics and computers.

(Adapted from http://www.articlesplatform.com)

Read the introduction of mechanical engineering and find the correct terms for the definitions
below:

1. The branch of engineering that deals with machines and mechanics

2. The branch of mechanical engineering that mainly utilizes the principles of
thermodynamics
3. It deals with Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning
4. The new branch that combines mechanical, computer and electronics
engineering
5. The sub-branch of Aerospace Engineering that deals with space-crafts
6. The branch that mainly refers to the use of computers and relevant
software for carrying out design, analysis, simulation of various machines
and procedures
7. The branch that relates to the operation and maintenance of propulsion and
other machines on board ships
8. The branch that deals with the operation and maintenance of vehicle
travelling on the road rather than sea or air

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 Unit 1
ENGINEERING DESIGN

GETTING READY

Task 1: Watch the video about “THE 5 STEPS IN DESIGN THINKING” and then compare the 5
steps with those presented in the diagram about Engineering Design process below.

Figure 1.1.

(https://www.pinterest.com/pin/8022105560763079/)

Answer the following questions

1. Are there any similarities or differences between them?

2. Look at the diagram again and tell your partner your opinions:

a. Which is the first step? Why?

b. Which step is the most significant? Why?

c. Which step requires the most efforts? Why?

d. Which step requires the most creativeness and inventiveness? Why?

e. Which step is the most time-consuming? Why?

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 f. Which step is the most capital-consuming? Why?

g. Which step can be omitted? Why?

h. Would you like to add any steps?

Task 2: Draw a diagram showing the engineering design process mentioned in the text and then
compare it with the one in GETTING READY.

READING

Read the following text about THE DESIGN PROCESS and do the following tasks.

The design process

We frequently talk about designing “a system”. By a system, we mean

the entire combination of hardware, information and people necessary
to accomplish some specified mission. A system may be an electric power
distribution network for a region of the nation, a procedure for detecting flaws
in welded pressure vessels, or a combination of production steps to produce
automobile parts. A large system usually is divided into subsystems, which
in turn are made up of components. There is no universally acclaimed
sequence of steps that leads to a workable design. However, let us more
or less arbitrarily consider the process to consist of the following steps:

Recognition of a need

Definition of a problem

Gathering information

Conceptualization

Evaluation

Communication of the design

The design process generally proceeds from top to bottom in the list, but it must be
understood that in practice some of the steps will be carried out in parallel and that
feedback leading to iteration is a common fact of design.

Recognition of a need

Needs usually arise from dissatisfaction with the existing situation. They maybe
to reduce cost, increase reliability, or just change because the public has become
bored with the product.

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Definition of a problem

Probably the most critical step in the design process is the definition of the problem.
The problem is not always what it seems to be at first glance. Because this step
requires such a small part of the total time to create the final design, its importance
is often overlooked.

It is advantageous to define the problem as broadly as possible. If the definition

is broad, you will be less likely to overlook unusual or unconventional solutions.
Broad treatment of problems that previously were attacked in piecemeal fashion
can have a big payoff. However, you should realize that the degree to which you can
pursue a board problem formulation toward a final design will depend on factors often
outside your control. In most cases, the extent to which you are able to follow a
broad problem formulation will depend on the importance of the problem, the limits
on time and money that have been placed on the problem and your own position in
the organization.

One approach that you should not take is to consider the existing solution to the
problem to be the problem itself. That approach immediately submerges you in the
trees of the forest, and you will find yourself generating solutions to a problem you
have failed to define.

The definition of a problem should include writing down a formal problem statement,
which should express as specifically as possible what the design is intended to
accomplish. It should include objectives and goals, definitions of any special
technical terns, the constraints placed upon the design, and the criteria that will be
used to evaluate the design.

Perhaps the best way to proceed is to develop a problem statement at the initial
problem definition step and then, in the second iteration after much information has
been gathered, develop a much more detailed problem statement that is usually
called the problem analysis.

Gathering information

Perhaps the greatest frustration you will encounter when you embark on your first
design problem will be due to the dearth or plethora of information. No longer will
your responsibility stop with the knowledge contained in a few chapters of a text.
Your assigned problem may be in a technical area in which you have no previous
background and you will not even have a single basic reference on the subject. At
the other extreme you may be presented with a mountain of reports of previous work
and your task will be to keep from drowning in paper. Whatever the situation, the
immediate task is to identify the needed pieces of information and find or develop that
information.

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As proposed by the project sponsor As specified in the project request As designed by the senior designer

As produced by manufacturing As installed at the user’s site What the user wanted

Figure 1.2. How the design depends on the individual who defines the problem

Conceptualization

The conceptualization step is to determine the elements, mechanisms,

processes or configurations that in some combination or other result in
design that satisfies the need. It is the key step for employing inventiveness
and creativity.

Very often the conceptualization step involves the formulation of a model

which may be either of the two general types: analyzed and experimental.
A vital aspect of the conceptualization process is synthesis. Synthesis is the
process of taking elements of the concept and arranging them in the proper
order, sized and dimensioned in the proper way. Synthesis is a creative
process and is present in every design.

Design is very individualized. There are no ironclad rules for teaching

successful design, and unfortunately very little has been written about the
conceptualization step that is at the heart of the design process.

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Evaluation

The evaluation step involves a thorough analysis of the design. The term evaluation
is used more in the sense of weighing and judging than in the sense of grading.
Typically, the evaluation step may involve detailed calculation, often computer
calculation, of the performance of the design by using an analytical model. In
other cases, the evaluation may involve extensive simulated service testing of an
experimental model or perhaps a full-sized prototype.

Communication of the design

It must always be kept in mind that the purpose of the design is to satisfy
the needs of a client or customer. Therefore, the finalized design must be
properly communicated or it may lose much of its impact or significance. The
communication is usually by oral presentation to the sponsor as well as by a
written design report. Detailed engineering drawings, computer programs and
working models are frequently part of the “deliverables” to the customer. It hardly
needs to be emphasized that communication is not a one-time thing to be carried
out at the end of the project. In a well-run design project, there is continual oral and
written dialog between the project manager and the customer.

(G. Dieter. (1983). Engineering Design, pp 32-34. New York: McGraw-Hill.)

Task 3: Read the text again and decide if the following statements True (T), False (F) or Not
Given (NG)?

No. Statement T F NG

1. A system is the result of a design process.

2. The sequence of the steps must be strictly followed for

effectiveness.

3. A need for a new design can arise when the existing

design has been in use for so long.

4. Although a broad definition of the problem is advisable,

it is sometimes impractical.

5. The objectives of the design should be clearly mentioned

in the problem statement.

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 6. One of the difficulties of gather information for a new
design is that you may encounter very controversial
viewpoints.
7. A model is usually developed in the conceptualization step.
8. There is too much literature about the conceptualization
step, which may confuse inexperienced designers.
9. In the evaluation step, if a model is poorly judged, the
whole design process has to be iterated.
10. There should be continual oral and written communication
between the designer and the sponsor or customer.

Task 4: Match the interesting words and phrases in column A, which are in bold in the text, with
appropriate synonyms or explanations in column B.

A B
universally acclaimed repetition
iteration rigid/fixed
overlook critical
piecemeal a scarcity or lack of something
payoff fail to notice something
dearth a thing able to be provided, especially as a product of a
design process
plethora fragmentary or unsystematic
vital a large or excessive amount of something
ironclad worldwide welcomed/acknowledged
deliverable good result

Task 5: Translate the following sentences into Vietnamese.

Figurative expressions

Consider the figurative expressions in italics carefully and decide if they should be
maintained or paraphrased in the target language.

1. One approach that you should not take is to consider the existing solution to
the problem to be the problem itself. That approach immediately submerges
you in the trees of the forest, and you will find yourself generating solutions to a
problem you have failed to define.

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 .............................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................

2. At the other extreme you may be presented with a mountain of reports of

previous work and your task will be to keep from drowning in paper.

.............................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................

LISTENING

Task 6: Listen to the recording on ENGINEERING DESIGN (without watching the video) and
match the names of inventors with their inventions and relevant information about them.

Inventors Inventions Relevant information

1. Alexander a. It took him ages to test

Graham Bell his model.

(Source: www.slideshare.net)

2. Alfred Nobel b. He went to the site on

the very first day when his
design was built.

(Source: www.slideshare.net)

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 3. Gustave Eiffel c. The aim of his design was
to reduce cost.

(Source: www.slideshare.net)

4. Willis Carrier d. His design was aimed at

enhancing user safety.

(Source: www.slideshare.net)

Task 7: Now watch the video and say if the statements below are True (T) or False (F).

1. Alexander Graham Bell developed the telephone from the telegraph.

2. When doing research, engineers are advised to first design a question check-
list and then look for the answers to them.

3. Engineering designers should never look at the existing products for a solution
because it may not solve the real problem.

4. Alfred Nobel invented dynamite  because he was interested in explosions.

5. The operation and appearance of the design are conceptualized in the step
“Develop a solution”.

6. Building a prototype is the most significant step in the design process as it

helps to test the design.

7. A prototype size is always the same as that of the real thing.

8. Sometimes, engineers have to iterate the whole design process again.

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 SPEAKING

Task 8: Organizing a meeting

You are a design team of FORD Vietnam. Your team is tasked with designing a new
car model for Vietnamese market. Three possibilities below are suggested to you:

– a small “green” car (a compact car with no extras and extremely low fuel
consumption).

– a convertible car (for rich and fashionable customers).

– a mini SUV (a car which can run both on-road and off-road.

Organize a meeting to discuss which model should be added to the market.

You are advised to consider such steps in engineering design mentioned in the
reading text as recognition of need, and defining the problem.

You should also assign the roles to the team members: the facilitator, who leads the
meeting, announces the purpose of the meeting, encourages idea contribution and
concludes the meeting and the secretary, who writes the minutes.

Useful expressions:

One great advantage is….

I think the…feature is a big plus point

One point in favor of the…is…

A major drawback/disadvantage is…

I can see problems with the…

The downside is…

WRITING

Task 9: Write the minutes of the meeting in task 8, based on the provided template.

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 Meeting Minutes Template

Meeting/Project
name:

Date of Meeting Time:

Minutes Prepared By: Location:

1. Meeting Objective

2. Attendance at Meeting

Name Department/ E-mail Phone

Division

3. Content (List main ideas contributed)

4. Decisions

5. Next Meeting (if applicable)

Date: Time: Location:

Objective:

(Adapted from: New York University Meeting Template, www.formsbirds.com)

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Notes on minutes writing:

Minutes are a tangible record of the meeting for its participants and a source of
information for members who were unable to attend. In some cases, meeting
minutes can act as a reference point.

You should:

• Include sufficient details:

• Edit to ensure brevity and clarity.

• Be objective.

• Avoid inflammatory or personal observations.

• Write in the same tense throughout.

OVER TO YOU

1. Is there anything you do not agree with the author of the reading text regarding
the engineering design process? Why?

2. What do you think is the common engineering design process in Vietnamese

context? Please draw a diagram here.

REFERENCES

Getting ready: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IISPUTJOz8c

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/8022105560763079/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaEHVpKc-1Q
Reading: G. Dieter. (1983). Engineering Design, pp 32-34. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Listening: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxJWin195kU
Writing: http://www.processindustryforum.com/article/different-types-pumps-centrifu-
gal-pumps

http://www.formsbirds.com/free-project-meeting-minutes-template-new-york-
university

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