Research Methods

and
Design of Experiments

Need of Research
Technical Research attempts to reinforce
knowledge when it is not enough to
Answer queries
Improve a process
Improve productivity
More efficiently use of natural resources

Stages of Learning

Comprehension
Recognition
Application
Analysis and Synthesis
Evaluation
Research

Starting of Research
Most of the times research starts with the
researchers perception of improvement
through some means
Use of geothermal energy for useful work
Use of Hydrogen as a fuel
Trying with different ideas to reduce restance
of material
Solidification of a casting on a vibrating
platform

Experimentation
Experimentation is required to test if the
researchers perception is actually correct
Try to refine the perception if it leads to
favorable results
Try with new ideas if test results are not
favorable

Test results may be misleading

Experimental results may be very
misleading as it may be considered to be
a small sample from a large universe

A company has four sails men A,B.C.D selling the

same product. Monthly sales are as under

A
B
C
D
780
720
680
620
A Is given a reward and D issued with a
letter of advice to put on more effort
A
B
C
D
800
760
700
610
A
B
C
D
620
750
800
820

Engine Lathe

A Problem
The diameter of a pin on lathe is controlled by a
sensor that controls the position of the cross
slide
A number of pins were rejected because of
diameter out side control limits
A decision was taken to readjust the sensor,
opposite to the actual deviation, by an amount
equal to the deviation from the target.
What will be the effect on the performance

MS Work Sheet Function

X=SQRT(-2*LN(RAND()))*COS(2*3.14*RAND())

X=120+5*X
ROUND(X,0)
ROUND(120+5*SQRT(2*LN(RAND()))*COS(2*3.14*RAND()),0)

Risks in Experimentation
Experimental Results show only a small
sample from the whole population
However decisions have to be based upon
results of experiment
Therefore there is an inherent risk
associated with decisions based upon
experimental results
Research methods attempts to evaluate
risks associated with a decision

A problem
For example a new material metal composite
has been developed. Experiments show that
the new material has a tensile strength of 350
N/mm2. where as the material currently in use
has a tensile strength of 330 N/mm2.
Should you use the new material as a
substitute

Language of Researcher
The researchers attempt to say as under
With a confidence level of 95% it can be
said that the tensile strength of the new
material will exceed that of the current
material by at least 8 N/mm2.

Our Objective
We Will discuss, in this paper how such
claims can be made
We will also discuss how experiments can
be planned so that minimum
experimentation is required. But they
provide maximum information