Strategy of Experimentation
What is meant by the strategy of experimentation?
A systematic approach to planning, conducting, and analyzing experiments to achieve reliable and optimized outcomes.
How does experimentation contribute to scientific advancement?
It validates theories, generates new knowledge, and enables technological development.
Mention one field in chemical engineering where experimental design is commonly applied.
Process optimization or reaction engineering.
What is replication in experimental design?
Repeating an experiment to estimate variability and improve reliability of results.
What is the first step in designing an experiment?
Defining the problem or objective.
Name one benefit of using a structured strategy in experimentation.
It reduces trial-and-error, saves time and resources, and improves accuracy.
Give one historical example where experimentation led to a major scientific discovery.
Rutherford’s gold foil experiment, which led to the discovery of the atomic nucleus.
What is the primary purpose of applying experimental design in industry?
To improve product quality, reduce cost, and enhance process efficiency.
Why is randomization considered a core principle in DOE?
It reduces bias and ensures results are statistically valid.
Why is problem definition crucial in experimentation?
It ensures clarity of purpose and guides the experimental plan effectively.
Differentiate between sequential and non-sequential experimentation strategies.
Sequential strategies involve step-by-step modifications based on prior results; non-sequential strategies plan all experiments at once.
What is the role of hypothesis testing in scientific progress?
It helps verify or refute assumptions, guiding further research directions.
Describe how experimental design can optimize a chemical process.
By identifying key variables and their interactions to achieve desired outcomes with minimal trials.
What is meant by control of variables in experimental design?
Keeping non-tested variables constant to isolate the effect of the independent variable.
What is the role of data analysis in the experimental process?
It helps interpret results, draw conclusions, and verify hypotheses.
Why is randomization important in experimental strategy?
It minimizes the effects of uncontrolled variables and bias
Discuss how reproducibility is linked with experimental quality.
Reproducibility ensures that results are consistent and reliable, strengthening scientific credibility.
Give an example of a real-world problem solved using design of experiments (DOE).
Optimizing catalyst concentration and temperature for maximum yield in a reactor.
Explain the principle of blocking and give an example.
Blocking groups similar experimental units to reduce variability; e.g., grouping by time of day in a temperature experiment.
Describe the importance of model validation in experimental studies.
It ensures the model accurately represents the real system and can be used for prediction.
Explain how factorial design fits into the strategy of experimentation.
It allows the study of multiple variables and their interactions in fewer experiments compared to one-variable-at-a-time methods.
Explain how experimental design influences the rate of scientific progress in chemical engineering.
Good design minimizes experimental errors, identifies optimal conditions quickly, and accelerates innovation.
Explain the significance of interaction effects in chemical process optimization.
Interaction effects show how variables influence each other, leading to better control and understanding of complex systems.
List and explain the three main principles of design of experiments proposed by R.A. Fisher.
Replication (accuracy), Randomization (eliminating bias), Blocking (controlling variability).
Give the complete sequence of steps followed in a standard experimental design process.
Problem definition → Planning/design → Experimentation → Data collection → Analysis → Interpretation → Validation → Reporting.