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Session 3557

Improving Student Understanding of Design of Experiments by Introducing Simulation and Analysis

Marco E. Sanjuan, Tapas K. Das Universidad del Norte / University of South Florida

Abstract

Design and Analysis of Experiments should be more than a course for engineers. It shall become a tool that will allow the future engineering practitioner to understand, model, predict, and optimize his/her surrounding environment based on scientific procedures. In order to achieve this goal, it is important to move away from the theory-based course design towards a real-situation based course design. Several new resources might have to be used, but the expected outcome is worthy.

This paper discusses issues related to design and tools requirement for two courses, namely ESI 4224 Design of Experiments (Undergraduate Level) and ESI 6247 Statistical Design Models (Graduate Level) at the University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida. These courses focus on getting the students ready to analyze a problem, consider different solution approaches, select the optimum design, and to be able to analyze the results. The challenges faced by the students are theoretical, practical, and computational. Theoretical (statistical) issues are addressed well in class. The computational issues arise primarily due to the inadequacies of the student versions of the software packages. As a result, students are encouraged to develop their own computational aide via EXCEL templates. The practical issues associated with experimental designs are addressed through simulated experiments created using LABVIEW. One such simulated plant has 7 variables and one measure of performance to optimize. As in most real life situations, students are allowed a limited amount of experiments to screen the process, look for significant variables, and create a model for the process response. This course design approach addresses many of the outcomes and assessment criteria outlined in ABET 2000 guidelines.

I. Introduction

Challenges faced by Engineers in the coming years will require more decision-making abilities. Therefore, the connection between theory and practice in any field should be well developed in the students’ mind. Any course on Design of Experiments, if well developed, should provide the

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Das, T. K., & Sanjuan, M. E. (2000, June), Improving Students Understanding Of Design Of Experiments By Introducing Simulation And Analysis Paper presented at 2000 Annual Conference, St. Louis, Missouri. 10.18260/1-2--8444