National Aeronautics andSpace Administration

Thoughts on Scientific & Engineer Methods

Dr. Robert F. Hodson Deputy Chief Engineer

NASA Langley Research Center

6/3/2015

The Scientific & Engineering Methods

• Science Question Research Hypothesis Test your hypothesis through experimentation Analyze data and draw a conclusion REPEAT

• Engineering Identify problem Research Develop solutions Select best possible solution Test and verify Redesign if necessary

Trial Result

1 Hypothesis False

2 Hypothesis False…

n Hypothesis False

n+1 Hypothesis True… Success!

6/3/2015

Yes, effective but only part of the process

Challenge

Intuition

Observation

Wonder

Curiosity

Creativity

Passion

Imagination

Inspiration

Scientific and

Engineering Methods

Discovery

Purpose

Direction

Knowledge

Fulfillment

Communication

Collaboration

6/3/2015

A few driving real world examples

Observation

ImaginationPassion

WonderCuriosity

6/3/2015

NASA Challenge: Radiation

Radiation from the sun and galactic cosmic rays can increase cancer risk in astronauts and upset or damage electronics and

other systems.

6/3/2015

Challenge: Gravity (or lack of)

Micro-gravity can cause bone loss (~1%/month) and impacts muscle strength, cardiac function, balance, vision, blood

volume etc.

6/3/2015

Challenge: Propulsion

45,000 kg Payload toTrans Lunar Injection

TLI Payload to rocket mass = 1.6%

5809 kg payload return to Earth

Return mass to rocket mass = 0.2%

2.8 million kg

Overcoming Earth’s gravity is not trivial.We take long trips and there are no gas stations along the way. We need better gas mileage.

6/3/2015

Challenge: Power

Power generation and storage are needed for life support systems, electric propulsion, processing, and communication.

Orion with solar arrays deployed Electric propulsion

6/3/2015

Challenges: Logistics, Supply

Perishables perish, parts wear out, comm to Earth is delayed. Even sea travelers can fish and get water from rain.

6/3/2015

We need to “Open the Trade Space”

Where many engineers feel comfortable…

Thinking inside the Box

Clearly this picture was not done by an engineer

6/3/2015

Solutions start with the

Creative Process

6/3/2015

Innovative Solutions

Mars Tumbleweed Concept

6/3/2015

Innovative Solutions

R5 disaster response robotR2 – currently on ISS

13

Exoskeleton for health monitoring and assist

6/3/2015

Innovative Solutions

6/3/2015

Challenging Solutions = STEM + Arts