Jonathan P Adams

Problem solving and creativity in engineering: conclusions of a three year project involving reusable learning objects and robots

Abstract The necessity for creative problem solving skills within the sciences and engineering are highlighted in benchmark and policy statements as essential abilities. None of these statements, however, offer any guidance on how these skills might be fostered, let alone assessed. This paper presents findings from the second cycle of an action research project to develop a dedicated creative problem solving module for first year engineering undergraduates. In the module problem based learning (PBL) techniques have been used with Lego Mindstorm NXT robots to develop creative problem solving skills. The focus of the module has been on developing process skills as opposed to the simple methodical solving of routine problems. Process skills have been introduced and mediated by the use of reusable learning objects (RLOs) within a virtual learning environment (VLE). Separate RLOs have also been used to develop skills in using the robots. The action research cycle has been informed by a parallel project involving interviews designed to explore the perceptions of students, academics and professional engineers of creative problem solving. Phenomenography has been used as the main research tool. Student feedback through online questionnaires, focus groups, classroom-based observation and interviews indicates that the module, and its means of delivery, has proven successful in improving creative problem solving skills. It also highlights the value of developing process skills within a practical and motivational environment.

The Modelling and Prediction of the Influence of Building Vibration on the Dynamic Response of Elevator Ropes

A vibration model to investigate the influence of building lateral vibration on the dynamic response of hoist ropes in an elevator system is presented in this paper. This model describes the coupled lateral-longitudinal dynamic response of the ropes in terms of non-linear partial differential equations that accommodate the non-stationary nature of the system. Subsequently, a discrete model with quadratic and cubic non-linear terms describing the modal interactions in the system is derived. It is shown that the building sway results in a distributed inertial load acting upon the hoist ropes which in turn may lead to resonance and modal interactions between the lateral modes and the fundamental longitudinal mode.