Examples

What might contextualized

engineering problems look like?

The paragraph will authentically introduce the human and social context in which engineering problems arise, acknowledging that simplifications are being made to make the situation well-posed.

Next, the problem* will be presented, much as it is usually done.

Finally, a few simple questions will prompt students to consider the impact of the result—who, what, why, and how questions.

*Every effort has been made to ensure these problems are not taken from any textbook or other copyrighted material. If you think something was missed, please report it.

Click on the problem image to download a .docx file that you can edit.

Statics and Mechanics of Materials problems

2D particle equilibrium and strength of fishing line

A contextualized particle equilibrium problem asks students to go beyond the numerical answer and consider the role of engineers in communicating danger to the public.

This example addresses particle equilibrium from early in a typical statics course. This topic is often familiar to students from their physics classes. The struggle is to get students to use the engineering approach and correct vector math in a problem where the scalar versions of the equations are easy to see.

The context and reflection for this problem address the challenge of anticipating how a customer might misunderstand the way they use a product and accidentally endanger themselves or others. Directly contested is the view that absolves engineers from responsibility because the technical capability of the product was correctly stated.

Equilibrium of a guitar stand

The user of a guitar stand trusts that their guitar will be safely stored. How stable is this kind of three-point stand?

While this problem can be solved using a 2D approach, the reflection questions encourage the student to consider the impact of the three-dimensionality on the stability.

Sailboat

The total wind force on a sail can be significant if the sail has a large area.

Bookshelf loading

The designers of shelving systems work from the worst-case expected loads, which influence how the shelves must be anchored.

Climbing camming device

Devices that use friction to perform their tasks are sensitive to changes in the surface-- particularly the presence of ice or water that reduces the friction coefficient.

Back exercise at home

Bike rack

Baby crib slat height

Cat in tree

Modified torque wrench

Snowboard grind

Suspended flower pot

Ballet partner lift

Heavy luggage

Microphone stand

Pushcart forces

Snowboarding on a rail

Speedskater turn

Tipping chair

Airplane cargo hold

Camera stand

Friction on skis

Piggyback ride

Slip vs. Tip (friction) and furniture safety

A contextualized slip/tip problem asks students to go beyond the numerical answer and consider the reasoning for common practices.

This example addresses slip and tip of rigid bodies. This topic challenges students because of the physical reasoning required and because they must essentially solve the problem twice.

The statics analysis used here can explain some common practices (the need to anchor bookshelves) but leaves unanswered other aspects (why a high center of mass affects stability). In doing so, the fact that one engineering idea does not necessarily explain everything is highlighted. Students might begin to perceive the limitations of their own engineering knowledge.

Food tray balance

The location of a heavy tray influences the effort a server must exert to keep it horizontal.

Keyboard stand

Pinned legs are commonly used to support items at waist height. Statics can predict the loads placed on the legs.

Backpack center of mass

The location of the center of mass influences the feeling of stability in a backpack.

Cantilever sign

A cantilever arm requires a strong connection at the base.

Submerged car hydrostatic force

Hydrostatic pressure is important for underwater pumps, gates, etc. but also applies to life-threatening situations like escape from a submerged car.

Applying stucco

Tent guy wire

Christmas light ladder

Fencing forces

Roof truss snow load

Towing a boat

Car soccer

Dresser stability

Piano lid

Pushup analysis

Sailboat stability

Stuffed animal net

TV wall mounting

Vending machine stability

Curtain rod supports

Lending a hand

Wall-sit forces

Distributed loads and citizen protest signs

A contextualized distributed load problem presents statics students as agents of civil discourse and social engagement.

This example addresses distributed loading. This topic uses the mathematical idea of a centroid as a tool in modeling a system to find support reactions.

The noun “citizen” is consciously used here instead of “protester” to emphasize that social engagement is a fundamental part of citizenship. Furthermore, engineering approaches are presented as tools for more effective social engagement.