Engineering is the application of scientific and technical knowledge to solve human problems. Engineers use imagination, judgment and reasoning to apply science, technology, mathematics, and practical experience. The result is the design, production, and operation of useful objects or processes.

Methodology

---

The crucial and unique task of the engineer is to identify, understand, and integrate the constraints on a design in order to produce a successful result. It is usually not enough to build a technically successful product; it must also meet further requirements. Constraints may include available resources, physical or technical limitations, flexibility for future modifications and additions, and other factors, such as requirements for cost, marketability, producibility, and serviceability. By understanding the constraints, engineers derive specifications for the limits within which a viable object or system may be produced and operated.

Problem solving

Engineers use their knowledge of science, mathematics, and appropriate experience to find suitable solutions to a problem. Creating an appropriate mathematical model of a problem allows them to analyze it (sometimes definitively), and to test potential solutions. Usually multiple reasonable solutions exist, so engineers must evaluate the different design choices on their merits and choose the solution that best meets their requirements. Genrich Altshuller, after gathering statistics on a large number of patents, suggested that compromises are at the heart of "low-level" engineering designs, while at a higher level the best design is one which eliminates the core contradiction causing the problem.

More on [ Engineering ]

ServiceMagic Media Articles


The Journal of Light Construction

Backfill: Still Grinding After 200 Years (JLC August 2008)
Still grinding after 200 years.
Business: Working the High-Rise Niche (JLC August 2008)
Working the high-rise niche
21st-Century Greek Revival (JLC August 2008)
Use PVC trim to create a durable version of this classic cornice.
Adding Under (Continued) (JLC August 2008)
Further details on how Danny Feig-Sandoval and his crew transformed a dirt crawlspace into new living space without disturbing the home's brick foundation.
JLC Extra Q&A: Compressing Fiberglass Batts (JLC August 2008)
Q: I've heard that if you use 5 1/2-inch-thick fiberglass batts in a 2x4 wall, the insulation will have a higher R-value than standard 3 1/2-inch batts provide. But some people say that compressing fiberglass batts lowers the R-value. What's the story?
Simple Sill Pans (Continued) (JLC August 2008)
Bill Robinson demonstrates how to fabricate a vinyl sill pan in this video supplement to his August article, "Simple Sill Pans."

Subscribe to Construction_and_Maintenance RSS feed