Engineering Problem Solving Method/Approach (EPSM or

EPSA)
Based on the engineering method as discussed in MEC400 Introduction
to Engineering and Problem Solving, we may introduce the systematic way
of problem organization and presentation that may help students
developing the essential skills in engineering problem solving. The
following format of EPSM is recommended (or to be adopted) in all
homework and quizzes submitted by students in the mechanical
engineering program.
Problem Statement: A brief statement (often a summary) of the
original problem with all essential information only.
Students must rephrase the given problem in their own
sentences.
Find:

State or list down in a proper order what to be

determined/ found preferably in the form of
statements as well as symbols.

Data & Diagram:

List down all given data and related information in
numeric and symbolic forms with appropriate units.
Draw diagram(s) to describe the problem. Show all
dimensions with symbolic quantities and labels.
Theory:

Show the principles, laws, and equations needed to

solve the problem. If the theory must be developed,
modified, or derived, it may be presented here.

Assumption(s): List down all simplifying assumptions that make the

solutions viable, or within the acceptable range of
engineering tolerance. Explain your assumptions clearly
so that others will have no difficulty in understanding
your thought.
Solution:

Demonstrate all important steps taken to arrive at the

solutions line by line. Use equation numbers when
necessary. Leave out the steps that are not critical in the
understanding. Highlight the final answers with boxes or
double underline.

Comment:

Make a brief conclusion, discussion or remark of the

solution just obtained. When possible, suggest an
alternative way(s) to get or to improve the solution.

Note that for some problems, the diagram and the assumption may not be
necessary. Solving mathematical equations, for example, often does not

require a diagram and/or assumption(s). Figure 2.1 illustrates how the

EPSM is generally applied.

Problem
identification

Page #

Course code

Due date

Full Name

MEC100
Problem 2.4

11/09/13

Zamri
AbdulRahman

Problems statement

1/3

Total page

Problem Statement: Hollow spheres of different materials with

0.05 m thickness are to be manufactured.
Find: Determine the manufacturing cost for each sphere?
Data & Diagram:

cost per kg (c) density ()

RM31.50 /kg
2710

aluminum,

kg/m3

steel,

kg/m3

Standard data
With symbols

outer radius, r = 0.2 m;

RM9.25 /kg

Diagram(s)
with labels

ri
ro

7850

Given data with

Symbols and units

Formula(s)

V
Theory:

volume of hollow sphere,

4 ( ro3 ri3 )
3

(1)
where
radius.

ro = outer radius and

mass, m = V

ri = inner
(2)

cost of manufacturing, C = cm
(3)
Assumptions:
to 2 d.ps)

is approximately equal to 3.14 (accurate

Necessary assumption(s)

Solution:

Step-by-step procedures

Using eq.(1),

V=

4(3.14)
(0.2 3 0.153 )
3

= 0.0019363 m3
25 mm

From eq.(2),

Equation #

mass of aluminum sphere m = 2710(0.0019363) kg

= 52.47 kg
mass of steel sphere

m = 7850(0.0019363)

25 mm

kg
= 152.00 kg
About 25 mm from the edgeMEC100
11/09/13
of the paper
Problem 2.4

Using eq.(3),
cost of aluminum sphere
cost of steel sphere

(continued)
Zamri
AbdulRahman

2/2

C = 31.50(52.47)
= RM1652.81
Highlight the answers

C = 9.25(152.00)
with proper unit
= RM1406.00

The manufacturing costs for the hollow sphere made up of

aluminum and steel are RM1652.81 and RM1406.00
Answer in sentences for
respectively.

clarity and conclusiveness

Comment: The manufacturing cost is given up to two

decimal places only (to the nearest cents).
The cost is valid only at the time when the cost of material per
kilogram is as given. It will change if there is a price
fluctuation.
Comment to help
understanding and developing
insights

Figure 2.1: EPSM for Engineering problem presentation and organization.

Note that the above example serves as a general or standard guide in the
engineering problem solving only. There are some engineering problems
which may not require certain sections such as the data and diagrams, the
assumption, and etc. These depend on the nature of the problems itself.