Transforming Instruction to Chemical Product Design

This paper describes the progress of our efforts to lead the CACHE (Computer Aids for Chemical Engineering Education) Task Force in transforming from chemical process design toward chemical product design. Through CACHE, we are coordinating the development of a library of product-design case studies. Beginning with preliminary product designs created previously over several semesters, we are arranging for faculty experts, knowledgeable in the underlying technology platforms, to work with student groups to enrich the product designs. Over a 3-year period, a collection of approximately 25 case studies is being prepared. This article describes the research envisioned as innovative product designs are created, both regarding applications of new technologies, and product design evolution/evaluation; and in advancing strategies for teaching product design. The anticipated use of these case studies in departments worldwide for design courses taught by similar technology experts, just a few in each department, is discussed. These will align with the expertise of the faculty members, who will help undergraduate student design groups gain the technology skills to carry out specific design projects.