Research Methods for Engineers - Cambridge University Press

1 Research Methods for EngineersLearn how to plan for success with this hands-on guide to con-ducting high-quality engineering and implement your next project for maximum impactStep-by-step instructions that cover every stage in engineeringresearch, from the identification of an appropriate Research topicthrough to the successful presentation of your Research outcomesDiscover essential tools and Methods for producing high-quality,rigorous Research , including statistical analysis, survey design andoptimization with purpose and directionClear explanations, real-world examples and over 50 customizableend-of-chapter exercises, all written with the practical and ethicalconsiderations of engineering in unique engineering perspectiveWritten especially for Engineers , and relevant across all engineer-ing disciplines, this is the ideal book for graduate students, under-graduates, and new academics looking to launch their V.

2 Thielis a Professor and Deputy Head ( Research ), GriffithSchool of engineering , Griffith University , Australia. He has beenteaching engineering Research Methods to students for severalyears, has managed numerous industry Research and developmentcontracts, is the author of over 120 papers published in interna-tional journals and is a Fellow of the Institution of in this web service Cambridge University PressCambridge University Press978-1-107-03488-4 - Research Methods for EngineersDavid V. ThielFrontmatterMore in this web service Cambridge University PressCambridge University Press978-1-107-03488-4 - Research Methods for EngineersDavid V.

3 ThielFrontmatterMore informationResearchMethods forEngineersDavid V. ThielGriffith University , in this web service Cambridge University PressCambridge University Press978-1-107-03488-4 - Research Methods for EngineersDavid V. ThielFrontmatterMore informationUniversity Printing House, Cambridge CB2 8BS, United KingdomCambridge University Press is part of the University of furthers the University s mission by disseminating knowledge in the pursuit ofeducation, learning and Research at the highest international levels of on this title: Cambridge University Press 2014 This publication is in copyright.

4 Subject to statutory exceptionand to the provisions of relevant collective licensing agreements,no reproduction of any part may take place without the writtenpermission of Cambridge University published 2014 Printed in the United Kingdom by Clays, St Ives plcA catalogue record for this publication is available from the British LibraryLibrary of Congress Cataloguing in Publication dataThiel, David V., Methods for Engineers / David V. Thiel, Griffith University , cmIncludes bibliographical references and 978-1-107-03488-4 (hardback) ISBN 978-1-107-61019-4 (paperback)1.

5 engineering Research Methodology. I. 2 dc23 2014007601 ISBN 978-1-107-03488-4 HardbackISBN 978-1-107-61019-4 PaperbackCambridge University Press has no responsibility for the persistence oraccuracy of URLs for external or third-party internet websites referred toin this publication, and does not guarantee that any content on suchwebsites is, or will remain, accurate or in this web service Cambridge University PressCambridge University Press978-1-107-03488-4 - Research Methods for EngineersDavid V.

6 ThielFrontmatterMore informationContentsPrefacepageixAn introductory note for instructorsxii1 Introduction to engineering engineering Research ? step constitutes conclusive proof? take on a Research project? summary23 Exercises23 References252 Literature search and should Engineers be ethical? of of Research in this web service Cambridge University PressCambridge University Press978-1-107-03488-4 - Research Methods for EngineersDavid V. ThielFrontmatterMore informationvi CONTENTS3 Developing a Research a suitable Research elements of a Research for Research summary110 Exercises110 References1124 Statistical of error and hypothesis summary152 Exercises153 References1545 Optimization optimization optimization cost summary189 Exercises189 References1906 Survey Research undertake a survey?

7 And human survey in this web service Cambridge University PressCambridge University Press978-1-107-03488-4 - Research Methods for EngineersDavid V. ThielFrontmatterMore summary226 Exercises227 References2287 Research Research Methods and title and an preparation and summary262 Exercises265 References2668 The path started in assurance (QA) health and glimpse into the future of engineering research281 Exercises282 References283 Appendix A Matlab plot functions285 Appendix B Excel plot in this web service Cambridge University PressCambridge University Press978-1-107-03488-4 - Research Methods for EngineersDavid V.

8 ThielFrontmatterMore in this web service Cambridge University PressCambridge University Press978-1-107-03488-4 - Research Methods for EngineersDavid V. ThielFrontmatterMore informationPrefaceThis book is unashamedly idealistic. It aims first to convey toengineers and engineering undergraduates interested in conduct-ing Research a reminder of the fundamental principles of engineer-ing, and then to explain the requirements of conducting excellent,publishable Research which will benefit humankind. A number ofissues distinguish engineering Research from other forms of scien-tific Research .

9 These issues include the dedication of engineering tothe betterment of humankind, an acknowledgement of the codesof ethics regulating all engineering activities, the use of engineer-ing standards to ensure quality and acceptable Research outcomesand a conviction that sustainability is now a major book is based on a lecture course delivered at Griffith Uni-versity in the engineering school for coursework master s degreestudents both on and off campus. The initial concept for the coursewas developed by Professor Sherif Mohammed at Griffith Univer-sity.

10 This was revised substantially by the author and then furthermodified by other faculty staff involved in delivery of the course has also been substantially improved by the studentsthemselves many of these students have English as a secondor third language. To accommodate this, the book contains manystarting hints particularly aimed at these students, so that stu-dents can rapidly progress without resorting to direct copyingfrom other in this web service Cambridge University PressCambridge University Press978-1-107-03488-4 - Research Methods for EngineersDavid V.