What is Design: Definition and 1000 Discussions

A design is a plan or specification for the construction of an object or system or for the implementation of an activity or process, or the result of that plan or specification in the form of a prototype, product or process. The verb to design expresses the process of developing a design. In some cases, the direct construction of an object without an explicit prior plan (such as in craftwork, some engineering, coding, and graphic design) may also be considered to be a design activity. The design usually has to satisfy certain goals and constraints, may take into account aesthetic, functional, economic, or socio-political considerations, and is expected to interact with a certain environment. Major examples of designs include architectural blueprints, engineering drawings, business processes, circuit diagrams, and sewing patterns.The person who produces a design is called a designer, which is a term generally used for people who work professionally in one of the various design areas—usually specifying which area is being dealt with (such as a fashion designer, product designer, web designer or interior designer), but also others such as architects and engineers. A designer's sequence of activities is called a design process, possibly using design methods. The process of creating a design can be brief (a quick sketch) or lengthy and complicated, involving considerable research, negotiation, reflection, modeling, interactive adjustment and re-design.

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  1. A

    Design a Single Supply Difference Amplifer

    Hi, I was wondering if anyone knew how to design a single supply difference amplifier... I don't want a comparator or a difference amplifier chip. I need something that will output an AC wave. The inputs of the amplifier are AC sine waves which have slight difference in amplitudes. I designed...
  2. A

    How can I design a linear generator for a wave energy converter?

    Hi, I am trying to design a Synchronous PM linear machine but do not know from where to start. The only known parameters are the required power and the maximum distance that the translator can move. Can anyone guide me on how to proceed please? Thanks Annalise
  3. F

    Quadrupole electromagnet pole design

    Hi, This is my first post, and if this is the wrong area, I apologize. I was wondering if anyone knows of a software package that will design the pole faces for a quadrupol or hexapole electromagnetic beam focusing magnet given the beam parameters and electromagnetic magnetic field strength...
  4. B

    What Are Affordable Actuator Technologies for Developing a Knee Exoskeleton?

    Hey All, I've been a long time viewer of these forums but only just joined because I'd like to get some other viewpoints. For one of my biomechatronics assignments, I was asked to design an active knee exoskeleton for assembly and use in the developing world. I've already conducted a...
  5. L

    Design pattern i have found on an old artifact.

    Hi everyone, Recently i went to visited my grandfather and he brought me to his room where he pulled out an old artifact that he got from his father that got it from his father. He says it is from Egypt. it like a circle container and has a symbol on it. The symbol really intrigued me so...
  6. V

    Struggling with Inline Heater Design

    I'm designing an inline heater for a coffee brewing project. My plan is to use an aluminum tube with Nichrome heater wire wrapped around it to heat the water flow. For brewing I need to dispense somewhere around 16 fl-oz per minute at a temperature of 205 F. I would like to determine...
  7. C

    Design Process of Weapon-engineering?

    I know that in collage, you need to take a mechanical/electrical engineering courses, but what is the design process for weapon making? As in, the thought process of creating it?
  8. J

    Design Project Help: Get Guidance for Your Final Year Project

    Hello folks I am about to start on my final year project and I am not sure how to go about it ,, as in what I need to write about and what calculations I should do relative to my design, its bascailly a system that apply s plastic hanging tabs to a product ,basically it will be a motor that...
  9. L

    Help Requested: Reverse Engineering PCB Layout to Circuit Design

    Dear All I have been recently started to work with Reverse Engineering technology and I would now like to determine a circuit layout diagram of a charge controller from its PCB Layout. Can anyone please help me with this one. I have uploaded the PCB design for your reference. Please...
  10. S

    Step on design gearbox for speed reducer

    Anyone can guide me how to design gearbox on speed reducer? If I using spur gear on my design which type of spur gear has better lifetime and lower cost? 1) Brass Spur Gears 2) Steel Spur Gears 3) Stainless Steel Spur Gears 4) Ground Spur Gears If Steady-state input speed 1000 rpm and...
  11. S

    A Simple Ohmmeter - Design Dillema

    I've been design a simple ohm-meter which can measure resistances in the range 0.001 to 100 Ohms. I am aiming for an accuracy of 3%. Here's the circuit (so far): The circuit is basically a programmable current source which can source a current of 100, 10 or 1 mA. At junctions Va and Vb...
  12. D

    How to Define Lattice Properties for Octagonal PCF in OptiFDTD 8?

    Need on urgent basis as to design supercell lattice of pcf
  13. K

    Engineering Intro EE - Voltage Divider Design circuit

    The link is an image with the question and circuit representation: http://i49.tinypic.com/2mmwg8l.png Here are the equations I used: V_out/V_in = R_2/(R_1 + R_2) {using the node method} R_thevenin (R_th) = R_2*R_1/(R_1+R_2) And given the conditions => 10 < R_th < 30...
  14. R

    EE Senior Design Projects

    Hi all, I'm curious about what you guys did for a senior year project. Even though I'm still far from graduating, I'm already thinking about senior design. Anyone have any ideas for an EE project that involves mechanical engineering as well? Maybe that wouldn't be feasible since as an EE...
  15. StevieTNZ

    Windows Software for Experimental Set-up Design

    Perhaps someone may be able to suggest (Windows) software that I could use that allows me to draw experimental set-up schemes on my computer (i.e. include images such as beam splitters, wave plates, PBS’s) without much hassle? Anything that is open-source, perhaps? And easy to use? Otherwise...
  16. C

    Engineering Design a circuit diagram

    Homework Statement Given = 5 - light bulbs Light bulbs 1 and 2 each dissipate 180 mW at 12 V Light bulbs 3, 4, and 5 each dissipate 45 mW at 9V. 1 - 12 V supply 2 - Resistors (Range 10-1000 Ω) 5- switches The design must meet the criteria: Each light bulb can be independently...
  17. H

    Engineering Design a circuit w/1 Ohm impedance

    Homework Statement Design a suitable combination of resistors, capacitors, and/or inductors which has an equivalent impedance at ω=100 rad/s of 1Ω using at least one inductor. Homework Equations Zeq=ZR+ZL+ZC ZR=R ZL=jωL ZC=-j/ωC The Attempt at a Solution I really am not sure how to start. I...
  18. I

    How can I design of a Corner Reflector antenna?

    Hello every body! Last weak I decided to make a corner reflector antenna for reciving TV signal.Now I need design and construction theory about it with total idea.I also need circuit diagram.Please share with me if anybody knows. sorry for my bad English. Thanks
  19. A

    Introduction to digital logic design Video Lectures

    Hi, Can anybody recommend me a good video lecture series on Introduction to digital logic design? I want to watch these videos before going to class.
  20. T

    Software/database for simple crystal structure design?

    Hello, Does anyone know any (free) software for generating simple crystal structures like forms of SiO2 or TiO2? It must be a really common problem. My current strategy is to search the web for hours until I get lucky. There are online databases which have really complicated structures from...
  21. A

    Design a Stirling Engine: Gamma vs. Beta

    I am thinking of building a Stirling engine and am debating between a gamma type and beta type. Any advice on which type I should go for, and what the advantages/disadvantages to each is? Thanks
  22. G

    What are the best software options for pipe work design?

    What are some usefull softwares to use for pipe work design? Are there any softwares where you can select material? Can design to specific standards?
  23. Saladsamurai

    References for Design Engineers (Must Haves)

    Hello all, I was wondering what kind of references design engineers like to have handy? So far, I have Shigley's Mechanical Engineering Design and Roark's Formulas for Stress and Strain What other references do you like to have on your bookshelf? Thanks :smile:
  24. W

    Design Shear Pin for Gate Valve at 763 N.m Torque

    Background: To prevent too much torque having to be transmitted through the gearbox on a gate valve, a shear pin is to be fitted between the hand wheel and the gearbox spindle. When a certain torque is reached the pin should rupture and no torque transmitted. See attachment for reference...
  25. D

    The Mathematics of Airfoil Design

    My question is kind of simple, does the calculus of variations find its way into the design of the shape of an airfoil? I'm interested in what kind of mathematics gets used in basic airfoil design. I suspect the calculus of variations must be involved, but I know nothing about deriving the...
  26. U

    Help with Flywheel design

    I am designing a flywheel for my own system. I don't know what are the input I should consider to design my flywheel and need to find what is mass & speed of flywheel should I use for my system to avoid fluctuation and uniform motion. I have attached the system picture and I have mention the...
  27. H

    Senior Design Project Ideas

    I'm starting my undergrad senior design course and I'm having a bit of trouble coming up with a good project idea. The team consists of 2 EE's and 2 CpE's. Our project is supposed to take 2 semesters ( design / build and test ). I want to do something challenging and fun. Please share some...
  28. A

    What Background is Needed for a Career in Design Engineering?

    I have a quick question regarding graduate school. One of my dream's has always been to design aircraft - hence, I would like to focus my career on engineering design. The problem is that I have no idea what type of background a student would need to enter into this type of field. Currently I am...
  29. S

    Third year project - CFD nozzle design

    Hi, for my third year project i have got to design a nozzle to fit a fire extinguisher. However firstly i must analyse fluid flow within said nozzle, but i have no idea how to use GAMBIT/FLUENT and finding it difficult to find relevant user guides on the internet. Anyone care to offer some...
  30. H

    Pulse transformer/DC reactor design.

    Hi everyone, I am trying to understand the basic design requirements and rules for designing a pulse transformer which includes two secondary coils, one of which acts as a DC reactor. Does anyone know of any papers or software or have any experience with such a design?
  31. C

    Mechanical design engineering hanbook site

    Hello all, Maybe it will be a silly idea, but I fink about design engineering database-handbook site creation. In this site will be published something like: material standards, fitting element standards, short guides about some elements design key elements creation, or advantages -...
  32. C

    Help me in design calculation for hybrid car

    Hye everyone... My project is regarding with hybrid car.can someone show me the calculation and the formula used to proved this value.taking example honda insight: for engine: Engine Type: In-Line 4-Cylinder Displacement (cc): 1339 Horsepower @ rpm (Combined: engine (SAE net) + electric...
  33. J

    Different type of solenoid design help

    Hi my name is Juan Motta and i´m new in this forum, I`m a total begginer in physics. I´m planning to build a solenoid (air coil or iron coil, i don´t know) with different form, like this: http://www.divshare.com/img/thumb/19310413-b22.jpg And i have some cuestions about, because i...
  34. S

    Electricity generation - simple bike dynamo - can anyone explain this design?

    http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/9523/dynamos.jpg I understand that when the rotating magnet spins, current should be induced in the coils which powers the lights. So what is the point of the soft iron core? The rotating magnet should magnetise it because it is near it, and it should...
  35. J

    Aerospace design software

    Hello all... I'm new to Physics Forums so I'm not sure if I'm posting this in the correct area but here goes anyway... I'm interesed in designing a high performance composite GA (general avaiation) aircraft but need some assistance with selecting a good design software. I'm primarily...
  36. T

    Automotive Improving Exhaust Performance with Crossover Pipes in 4 Cylinder Headers

    Currently this engine uses a 4-2-1 Setup with a crossover a few inches away from the exhaust port on the header primaries, only on cylinders 2 and 3(which is well before the first collector) This Engines Firing Order is 1-2-4-3The Crossover linking Cylinders 2 and 3 confuse me since are not...
  37. S

    Designing Bellows in Cryogenic Pipes: Advice Needed

    Any pro here know how to design bellows in a pipe? especially cryogenic pipes, which have a -196 degree celcius of liquid nitrogen flowing inside.. i m out of idea and info... limited resources online.. Kindly give some advices... million thanks
  38. M

    Philosophy Playing Cards Design: Looking for Feedback

    Hello, everyone! I am new to the forums here, so I will start with a brief introduction. My name is Martin Pulido, and I am philosophy graduate who also happens to love card games (as well as board games). Card games not only illustrate philosophical ideas (War=Determinism), but many are also...
  39. T

    Coil design and magnet orientation in a unique generator

    First, I am not an electrical engineer - I am a hobbyist building a prototype linear-stlye generator based on an idea I had which, for various reasons, cannot be built with magnets that pass completely inside of coil(s) like most of the ones I have seen described for wave energy capture and...
  40. G

    Bridge design conceptual questions

    Homework Statement I'm designing a Pratt Bridge (http://www.garrettsbridges.com/photos/pratt-truss-bridge/attachment/pratt-truss-bridge-2/). It must be able to hold 10,000 lbs at pins every 5 feet and be 40 feet long. 2. Homework Equations / 3. The Attempt at a Solution I know how to...
  41. D

    I want to design electric cars.

    Hey guys, this is my second time writing this first time browser crashed and lost it all I hate it when that happens. Anyways I will make this one shorter. My name is Tom, dropped out of formal school in 7th grade due to family troubles, got my GED recently I am 28. I live in Las Vegas...
  42. B

    Bezier Curves in Mechanical Design

    Hi Folks, Sorry if this has been asked before but I have searched the forums and can't anything to do with this. Also please correct me if I am posting in the wrong forum. I am making an application with functionality similar to a revolution of a sketch within any CAD program. I...
  43. P

    Is This Particle Accelerator Design Effective and Viable?

    I've attached a picture of an ion accelerator design I just though of. The power source can be any constant DC supply; the voltage X would only be limited by the breakdown voltage of the gap at a given pressure. The pairs of plates are close enough together and large enough that the E field...
  44. B

    What knowledge is needed for Electromagnet design?

    guys, I want to design a electromagnet. but i do not know how to start. so could you please tell me what knowledge is needed for electromagnet design? Or you can recommed some data that i can find and buy myself. thanks in advance!
  45. A

    UWB SFCW or FMCW Transceiver design?

    Does anybody know how to design a UWB Stepped-Frequency Continuoud Wave (SFCW) or Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) Transceiver? If you have schematics or you can explain a relevant block diagram in detail, please reply. Regards, Ali
  46. parazit

    COMSOL Multiphysics : Bending -Dipole- Magnet Design

    Hi friends. I am so new with Comsol software to design something but I wonder, if it is possible to desing a bending magnet (dipole) and simulate the motions of electrons ? I really would like to do this. Please give me a hand,help me to handle and try to do one together. Best.
  47. M

    Greater Knowledge = More Evidence for Design?

    Greater Knowledge = More Evidence for Design?? I was studying bacteria. With better technology we have been able to determine that bacteria have an extremely detailed motor that allows for transportation. It is equivalent to a human swimming thru thick grease at 60 miles an hour. It baffled...
  48. E

    Electromagnet Design - Value of inductance L

    Homework Statement Hi all, I am working on an electromagnet design. It is a C-shape with an air gap of 80mm. The number of coil windings is 320 turns. I would like to generate let's say B = 30 mT = 300 gauss in the air gap. Area of air gap Ag = 80mmX80mm = 6.4e-3. Mean length lg of...
  49. M

    Aerospace Engineering Space Systems Design Careers?

    I plan on switching from electrical to aerospace engineering in the winter and aerospace engineering at my university is basically split into 4 parts, the one that seems to interest me the most is the space systems design), but I'm curious if there is any aerospace engineers here who are in that...
  50. E

    Micro wind propeller design

    Hi everyone! I would be so happy if someone could help my little brother and I answer a question for a science project that we have researched ineffectively for hours. We hope to design the most efficient propeller for micro-wind turbine. The purpose of this propeller is to naturally rotate when...
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