Document Type
Thesis
Date of Award
5-31-1990
Degree Name
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering - (M.S.)
Department
Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
First Advisor
R. S. Sodhi
Second Advisor
Avraham Harnoy
Third Advisor
E. S. Geskin
Abstract
Many authors on the subject of design state that it cannot be taught, it must be learned through experience. This thesis offers a method in which design can be taught to senior mechanical engineering students. The axiomatic approach to design, authored by Dr. Nam P. Suh of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, states that all good designs follow two axioms, the independence axiom and the information axiom. By teaching students to use these axioms, and the corollaries and theorems derived from the axioms, educators can teach students the basic concepts of good design.
To show how this approach can be used to teach design, a background into the axiomatic approach will be given. This background will include an explanation of the two axioms, as well as the corollaries and theorems that can be developed from the axioms. In addition, the mathematics necessary to understand the axiomatic approach will be developed. Finally, an example of how the axiomatic approach can be applied in the classroom will also be given.
Recommended Citation
Hailey, Lisa E., "Teaching mechanical design using the axiomatic approach" (1990). Theses. 2710.
https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/theses/2710
