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

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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.

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Wiley: All New Engineering Titles

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  With well over 6,000 pertinent references, this is a practical 'how to do' for either reengineering existing technologies or implementing innovative processes. After an introduction to the development of clean technology concepts, the first part looks at the theory and engineering of membrane processes. Part 2 deals with membranes in such industries as water, textiles, paper, metal plating, pharmaceuticals and food. Read More...
Dictionary of Drives / Wörterbuch Antriebstechnik: Terms from the Fields of Drives and Automation / Begriffe aus der Antriebs- und Automatisierungstechnik. English - German - Chinese / Englisch - Deutsch - Chinesisch
Thomas Antoni Tue, 15 Jul 2008 04:00:00 -0000
  Developed from everyday working practice, this dictionary offers a comprehensive collection of terms from the fields of drives and automation and related fields, completed by entries from business administration, marketing, advertising and technical training. New entries especially come from automation, field bus technology and electrical machines. Altogether the dictionary contains a total of 44,000 keywords with 87,000 translations. Read More...
Physics of Functional Materials
Hasse Fredriksson, Ulla Akerlind Tue, 15 Jul 2008 04:00:00 -0000
  Written by academics with more than 30 years experience teaching physics and material science, this book will act as a one-stop reference on functional materials. Offering a complete coverage of functional materials, this unique book deals with all three states of the material, providing an insightful overview of this subject not before seen in other texts. Read More...
RF Measurements for Cellular Phones and Wireless Data Systems
Allen W. Scott Tue, 15 Jul 2008 04:00:00 -0000
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Plasma Spray Coating: Principles and Applications
Robert B. Heimann Tue, 15 Jul 2008 04:00:00 -0000
  This second edition has 20% more scope, with four completely new chapters and eight existing ones completely revised to include more modeling, more industrial examples, new coating types, and new medical applications. Combining theory and practice from design to application, the monograph continues to provide a state-of-the-art treatise on plasma spray technology, beginning with the principles and techniques. Read More...
Nanotechnology: Volume 3: Information Technology I
Rainer Waser (Editor) Tue, 15 Jul 2008 04:00:00 -0000
  This topic could not be hotter, the new technology drive of the 21st century paired with existing, multibillion dollar markets and fundings. With Nanotechnology everywhere of great importance e.g. biology, medicine, pharmaceuticals, chemistry, materials science and engineering, this authoritative reference addresses IT applications of nanotechnology, specifically computer memory and how the technology can be miniaturised. Read More...

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