Best of
Engineering

1994

Skunk Works: A Personal Memoir of My Years at Lockheed


Ben R. Rich - 1994
    As recounted by Ben Rich, the operation's brilliant boss for nearly two decades, the chronicle of Lockheed's legendary Skunk Works is a drama of cold war confrontations and Gulf War air combat, of extraordinary feats of engineering & achievement against fantastic odds. Here are up-close portraits of the maverick band of scientists & engineers who made the Skunk Works so renowned. Filled with telling personal anecdotes & high adventure, with narratives from the CIA & from Air Force pilots who flew the many classified, risky missions, this book is a portrait of the most spectacular aviation triumphs of the 20th century.

Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos: With Applications to Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and Engineering


Steven H. Strogatz - 1994
    The presentation stresses analytical methods, concrete examples, and geometric intuition. A unique feature of the book is its emphasis on applications. These include mechanical vibrations, lasers, biological rhythms, superconducting circuits, insect outbreaks, chemical oscillators, genetic control systems, chaotic waterwheels, and even a technique for using chaos to send secret messages. In each case, the scientific background is explained at an elementary level and closely integrated with mathematical theory.About the Author:Steven Strogatz is in the Center for Applied Mathematics and the Department of Theoretical and Applied Mathematics at Cornell University. Since receiving his Ph.D. from Harvard university in 1986, Professor Strogatz has been honored with several awards, including the E.M. Baker Award for Excellence, the highest teaching award given by MIT.

Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software


Erich Gamma - 1994
    Previously undocumented, these 23 patterns allow designers to create more flexible, elegant, and ultimately reusable designs without having to rediscover the design solutions themselves.The authors begin by describing what patterns are and how they can help you design object-oriented software. They then go on to systematically name, explain, evaluate, and catalog recurring designs in object-oriented systems. With Design Patterns as your guide, you will learn how these important patterns fit into the software development process, and how you can leverage them to solve your own design problems most efficiently. Each pattern describes the circumstances in which it is applicable, when it can be applied in view of other design constraints, and the consequences and trade-offs of using the pattern within a larger design. All patterns are compiled from real systems and are based on real-world examples. Each pattern also includes code that demonstrates how it may be implemented in object-oriented programming languages like C++ or Smalltalk.

The Perfect Machine: Building the Palomar Telescope


Ronald Florence - 1994
    As huge as the Pantheon of Rome and as heavy as the Statue of Liberty, this magnificent instrument is so precisely built that its seventeen-foot mirror was hand-polished to a tolerance of 2/1,000,000 of an inch. The telescope's construction drove some to the brink of madness, made others fearful that mortals might glimpse heaven, and transfixed an entire nation. Ronald Florence weaves into his account of the creation of "the perfect machine" a stirring chronicle of the birth of Big Science and a poignant rendering of an America mired in the depression yet reaching for the stars.

Race Car Vehicle Dynamics


William F. Milliken - 1994
    Written for the engineer as well as the race car enthusiast, the authors, who developed many of the original vehicle dynamics theories and principles covered in this book, including the Moment Method, pair analysis and lap time simulation, include much information that is not available in any other vehicle dynamics text.

The Untouchables: Mission Accomplished


Brian Shul - 1994
    

Mechanical Engineering Reference Manual for the PE Exam


Michael R. Lindeburg - 1994
    Dozens of key charts, tables, and graphs, including updated steam tables and two new charts of LMTD heat exchanger correction factors, make it possible to work most exam problems using the Reference Manual alone. A complete, easy-to-use index saves you valuable time during the exam as it helps you quickly locate important information needed to solve problems._____________________________Since 1975 more than 2 million people preparing for their engineering, surveying, architecture, LEED®, interior design, and landscape architecture exams have entrusted their exam prep to PPI. For more information, visit us at www.ppi2pass.com.

Introduction to Continuum Mechanics--Solutions Manual


W. Michael Lai - 1994
    

Pumping Away: And Other Really Cool Piping Options for Hydronic Systems


Dan Holohan - 1994
    It's been one of my best-selling books for years. I kept the drawings simple. Even if you've never worked with hydronics before, you'll be able to follow these drawings. The first part deals with boiler-room piping and explains how you can put the discoveries of the late, great Gil Carlson to work for you. If you pipe Gil's way, you'll save time, money and never again have to bleed radiators. Thousands of installers have reported great success by following the principles in the first part of this book. I wish I could take credit but the genius was Gil Carlson's. I just did my best to tell his story in plain English. The second half of the book takes the "Pumping Away" boiler-room piping design and applies it to a delicious menu of piping options. This is a book that you'll refer to again and again. It will save you time and money. And I guarantee that. - Dan Holohan

Behind Human Error


David D. Woods - 1994
    The result is a widespread perception of a 'human error problem', and solutions are thought to lie in changing the people or their role in the system. For example, we should reduce the human role with more automation, or regiment human behavior by stricter monitoring, rules or procedures. But in practice, things have proved not to be this simple. The label 'human error' is prejudicial and hides much more than it reveals about how a system functions or malfunctions. This book takes you behind the human error label. Divided into five parts, it begins by summarising the most significant research results. Part 2 explores how systems thinking has radically changed our understanding of how accidents occur. Part 3 explains the role of cognitive system factors - bringing knowledge to bear, changing mindset as situations and priorities change, and managing goal conflicts - in operating safely at the sharp end of systems. Part 4 studies how the clumsy use of computer technology can increase the potential for erroneous actions and assessments in many different fields of practice. And Part 5 tells how the hindsight bias always enters into attributions of error, so that what we label human error actually is the result of a social and psychological judgment process by stakeholders in the system in question to focus on only a facet of a set of interacting contributors. If you think you have a human error problem, recognize that the label itself is no explanation and no guide to countermeasures. The potential for constructive change, for progress on safety, lies behind the human error label.

Physical Hydrology


S. Lawrence Dingman - 1994
    Calculus and calculus-based physics are prerequisites. Physical Hydrology provides a comprehensive modern scientific treatment of hydrology. It combines a qualitative, conceptual understanding of hydrologic processes, an introduction to the quantitative representation of those processes and an understanding of approaches to hydrological measurements and the uncertainties involved in those measurements. Numerous worked examples and exercises are included throughout to help assimilate concepts, consider implications of relations developed in the text, and apply concepts to local conditions. Physical Hydrologys organization and coverage are intended to make it suitable as a reference work for scientists already working in the field, as well as an introduction to hydrology for scientists in related fields.

Product Design for Manufacture and Assembly (Manufacturing Engineering and Materials Processing)


Geoffrey Boothroyd - 1994
    Presents up-to-date tools to analyze injection molding, sheet metalworking, die casting, and powder metal processing costs--with NEW chapters onsand and investment casting and hot forging.

Investment Under Uncertainty


Avinash K. Dixit - 1994
    In so doing, they answer important questions about investment decisions and the behavior of investment spending.This new approach to investment recognizes the option value of waiting for better (but never complete) information. It exploits an analogy with the theory of options in financial markets, which permits a much richer dynamic framework than was possible with the traditional theory of investment. The authors present the new theory in a clear and systematic way, and consolidate, synthesize, and extend the various strands of research that have come out of the theory. Their book shows the importance of the theory for understanding investment behavior of firms; develops the implications of this theory for industry dynamics and for government policy concerning investment; and shows how the theory can be applied to specific industries and to a wide variety of business problems.

Handbook of Solid Waste Management


George Tchobanoglous - 1994
     Handbook of Solid Waste Management, 2/e offers a solution. This handbook offers an integrated approach to the planning, design, and management of economical and environmentally responsible solid waste disposal system. Let twenty industry and government experts provide you with the tools to design a solid waste management system capable of disposing of waste in a cost-efficient and environmentally responsible manner. Focusing on the six primary functions of an integrated system--source reduction, toxicity reduction, recycling and reuse, composting, waste- to-energy combustion, and landfilling--they explore each technology and examine its problems, costs, and legal and social ramifications.

A Mathematical Introduction to Robotic Manipulation


Richard M. Murray - 1994
    It uses an elegant set of mathematical tools that emphasizes the geometry of robot motion and allows a large class of robotic manipulation problems to be analyzed within a unified framework.The foundation of the book is a derivation of robot kinematics using the product of the exponentials formula. The authors explore the kinematics of open-chain manipulators and multifingered robot hands, present an analysis of the dynamics and control of robot systems, discuss the specification and control of internal forces and internal motions, and address the implications of the nonholonomic nature of rolling contact are addressed, as well.The wealth of information, numerous examples, and exercises make A Mathematical Introduction to Robotic Manipulation valuable as both a reference for robotics researchers and a text for students in advanced robotics courses.

Error Control Systems for Digital Communication and Storage


Stephen B. Wicker - 1994
    It features discussion of punctured convolutional codes; performance analysis of block codes; system implementation issues for the Viterbi Decoder and the various decoders for ReedSolomon and BCH codes; the theory of finite fields; error control for channels with feedback; trellis coded modulation; and historical background and up-to-date applications. This text is intended for use by introductory postgraduate courses in coding for telecommunications engineering, and digital communications.

The Storm


Anne Rockwell - 1994
    How a family who lives by the sea prepares for an October storm is vividly depicted in this dramatic story told from a child's perspective and rendered all the more affecting by striking full-color paintings.

History of Technology (Fontana History of Science)


Donald Cardwell - 1994
    

Thermodynamics of Materials, Volume 1


David V. Ragone - 1994
    Volume 1 covers the statistical and classical thermodynamics of solids, including enthalpy, entropy, energy exchange, and more. In-depth examination of property relationships includes chemical potentials, heat capacity, compressibility, magnetism, and others, while further exploration of equilibrium states and electrochemistry provide the essential information necessary to work with solid materials in theoretical and practical applications. Extensive appendices provide essential formulas and reference lists for current, volume, pressure, energy, and more.

Engineering Vibration


Daniel J. Inman - 1994
    This allows solution of difficult problems, provides training in the use of codes commonly used in industry, encourages students to experiment with equations of vibration by allowing easy "what if" solutions. This also allows students to make precision response plots, computation of frequencies, damping ratios, and mode shapes. This encourages students to learn vibration in an interactive way, to solidify the design components of vibration and to integrate nonlinear vibration problems earlier in the text. The text explicitly addresses design by grouping design related topics into a single chapter and using optimization, and it connects the computation of natural frequencies and mode shapes to the standard eigenvalue problem, providing efficient and expert computation of the modal properties of a system. In addition, the text covers modal testing methods, which are typically not discussed in competing texts. Highlights of the Second Edition Integration of computational software to include Mathematica and MathCAD as well as MATLAB in each chapter, updated Engineering Vibration Toolbox and web site. Integration of the numerical simulation and computing into each topic by chapter Nonlinear considerations added at the end of each early chapter through simulation Additional problems and examples Updated solutions manual available on CD for use in teaching Uses "windows" to remindthe reader of relevant facts outside the flow of the text development Introduces modal analysis (both theoretical and experimental) Introduces dynamic finite element analysis Separate chapter on design and special sections to emphasize design in vibration

Increasing Returns and Path Dependence in the Economy


W. Brian Arthur - 1994
    After a decade of resistance from economists, these ideas are now being widely discussed and adopted, as Kenneth Arrow recounts in his foreword. In fundamental ways they are changing our views of the working economy.

ASM Handbook, Volume 05: Surface Engineering


ASM International - 1994
    Contents include: Surface Cleaning, Finishing Methods, Plating and Electroplating, Dip, Barrier, and Chemical Conversion Coatings, Vacuum and Controlled-Atmosphere Coating and Surface Modification Processes, Testing and Characterization of Coatings and Thin Films, Surface Engineering of Irons and Steels, Surface Engineering of Nonferrous Metals, Surface Engineering of Selected Nonmetallic Materials, Environmental Protection Issues, Glossary of Terms.

Molecular Gas Dynamics and the Direct Simulation of Gas Flows


G.A. Bird - 1994
    The method is a direct physical simulation of the motion of representative molecules, rather than a numerical solution of the equations that provide a mathematical model of the flow. The computations are no longer expensive and the period since the original 1976 publication of this work has seen enormous improvements in the molecular models, the procedures, and the implementation strategies. This greatly expanded new version of the author's seminal Molecular Gas Dynamics will be considered the definitive text on the subject. It includes all the refinements and research since the earlier book. The molecular theory of gas flows is developed from first principles and is extended to cover new models and procedures. The method and typical applications are illustrated through 13 demonstration programs that are listed in FORTRAN source code on a companion website. All numerical results in the book have been obtained from these programs. The applications range from verification cases for simple homogeneous gases to complex multidimensional flows of gas mixtures and chemically reacting flows.

Wind Turbine Technology


David A. Spera - 1994
    You get technical expertise on a wide range of material, including advances in aerodynamics, structural dynamics and fatigue, wind characteristics, acoustic and electromagnetic emissions, commercial wind power applications, and utility power systems. Packed with applications-oriented advice -- and including numerous graphics and numerical examples -- this authoritative volume provides uniform terminology, nomenclature, and graphic style, as well as widespread cross-referencing. Covering design concepts and philosophies, research and demonstration projects, and the integration of wind power plants into electrical utility systems, Wind Turbine Technology is both a practical reference and a classroom text.

Finite Element Modeling for Stress Analysis


Robert Davis Cook - 1994
    In the past this was necessary, but today's software packages make FE accessible to users who knows nothing to the theory or of how FE works. People are now using FE software packages as black boxes', without knowing the dangers of poor modeling, the need to verify that results are reasonable, or that worthless results can be convincingly displayed. Therefore, it is important to understand the physics of the problem, how elements behave, the assumptions and restrictions of FE implementations, and the need to assess the correctness of computed results.

Fundamentals of Stack Gas Dispersion


Milton R. Beychok - 1994
    Topics covered in the book include: classifying atmospheric stability; determining of buoyant pollution plume rise; Gaussian dispersion calculations and modeling; developing windspeed profiles; trapped pollution plumes; fumigated plumes; flare stack plumes; meteorological parameters; and much more. Every equation is completely derived step-by-step and every constraint or assumption is fully explained. A set of self-study exercises, with detailed answers, is included with each book. The book has a soft cover and is 8.5 inches wide by 11 inches long with 201 pages.

Design of Brushless Permanent-Magnet Motors


J.R. Hendershot - 1994
    The sixteen chapters cover all aspects of design, simulation andbrushless controllers for both square wave and sinusoidal designs. Thebasic design choices are discussed, along with the magnetic design and theelectrical design. Such related topics as Kt/Ke, core losses, electroniccommutation, performance testing, computer-aided design, example handcalculations, control systems, cooling and magnetic materials are covered ingreat detail. The book is profusely illustrated with detailed informationunknown to be available from other sources.This book is a must for all serious students, designers, and users ofbrushless DC motors and drives. Certain chapters can be used by thoseinterested in hands-on practical brushless motor design which include all ofthe real world details required for the actual production of a motor. Otherchapters provide the in depth and rigorous analysis of the magnetic andelectric circuits for a detailed academic understanding of brushless DCmotors.About the Author James R. Hendershot Jr. is the president of MOTORSOFTwhich owns Magna Physics Publishing. He has 30 years experience inpractical hands-on permanent magnet motor design and development. He hasdesigned hundreds of brushless motors for computer disc drives, servosystems and high speed machine tools spindles.TJE Miller is Lucas Professor of power electronics and the director of theSPEED Consortium at the University of Glasgow U.K. He has 20 yearsexperience in the U.K. and General Electric Research in Schenectady, NewYork plus teaching/research at the University of Glasgow.

Programmable Logic Controllers: Principles and Applications


John W. Webb - 1994
    It combines comprehensive, accessible coverage with a wealth of industry examples that make intangible concepts come to life offering users a broad-based foundation that will serve them well on the job. The volume examines every aspect of controller usage in an easy-to-understand, jargon-free narrative. Beginning with a basic layout the book goes right into programming techniques, it progresses through fundamental, intermediate, and advanced functions and concludes with chapters on related topics. Applications are discussed for each PLC function, and vast arrays of examples and problems help users achieve an understanding of PLCs, and the experience needed to use them. For programmers and others working with PLCs. "

Foundations of Engineering Geology


Tony Waltham - 1994
    Comprehensively updated, and with four new sections, Foundations of Engineering Geology covers the entire spectrum of topics of interest to both student and practitioner.

Plastic Part Design for Injection Molding: An Introduction


Robert A. Malloy - 1994
    Since injection molding is the most widely used manufacturing process for the production of plastic parts, a full understanding of the integrated design process presented is essential to achieving economic and functional design goals. This book features over 425 drawings and photographs.

Real Goods Solar Living Source Book: Your Complete Guide to Renewable Energy Technologies and Sustainable Living (Real Goods Solar Living Sourcebook)


John Schaeffer - 1994
    Clean technologies such as solar power, wind power, and biodiesel fuel are soaring in popularity. Real Goods Solar Living Source Book—Special 30th Anniversary Edition is the ultimate guide to renewable energy, sustainable living, green building, homesteading, off-the-grid living, and alternative transportation, written by experts with decades of experience and a passion for sharing their knowledge. This fully updated edition includes brand-new sections on Peak Oil, climate change, relocalization, natural burial, biodynamics, and permaculture. It also boasts the latest product listings and completely rewritten and expanded chapters on: Land and shelter Natural building Passive solar Biofuels Sustainable transportation Grid-tied photovoltaics Solar hot water systems Plus, over 150 pages of maps, wiring diagrams, formulae, charts, solar sizing worksheets, and much more Whether you’re a layperson or a professional, novice or longtime aficionado, the new sourcebook puts the latest research and products at your fingertips—all the information you need to make sustainable living a reality. John Schaeffer is the president and founder of Real Goods, the oldest and largest catalog company devoted to the sale and service of renewable-energy products. Now merged with Gaiam, Real Goods has converted over sixty thousand homes to solar energy since 1978, when it sold the very first photovoltaic module in America. Real Goods hosts the annual SolFest at its Solar Living Center headquarters in Hopland, California.

Gas Turbines for Model Aircraft


Kurt Schreckling - 1994
    It explains how to build Kurt Schreckling's turbojet motor, the FD3/64 containing full construction, photographs and working drawings.

Rules of Thumb for Chemical Engineers


Carl R. Branan - 1994
    New material explores the recent trends and updates of gas treating and fractionator computer solutions analysis. Substantial additions to this edition include a new section on gasification that reflects the many new trends and techniques in the field and a treatment on compressible fluid flow.This convenient volume provides engineers with hundreds of common sense techniques, shortcuts, and calculations to quickly and accurately solve day-to-day design, operations, and equipment problems. Here, in a compact, easy-to-use format, are practical tips, handy formulas, correlations, curves, charts, tables, and shortcut methods that will save engineers valuable time and effort.

Reed-Solomon Codes and Their Applications


Stephen B. Wicker - 1994
    --David Forney, Vice President, Motorola Codex Reed-Solomon Codes and Their Applications Edited by Stephen B. Wicker, Georgia Institute of Technology and Vijay K. Bhargava, University of Victoria On the Voyager spacecraft, they were responsible for sending clear pictures of the planets back to earth. They have also played a key role in the digital audio revolution. They are Reed-Solomon error codes: the extremely powerful codes that provide critical error control for many different types of digital communications systems. This outstanding collection of thirteen original articles written by leading researchers in the field provides a uniquely comprehensive overview of the history and practical applications--some never before published--of these important codes. Key features include: * Thirteen original articles from leading researchers in the field, with a historical overview by Reed and Solomon * An explanation of how Reed-Solomon codes were used in the Voyager spacecraft and how they are currently used in the compact disc player * Specific applications for digital audio, data transfer over mobile radio, satellite communications, spread spectrum systems, and more * New techniques for improving the performance of your own communications systems This book will be of interest to design and research engineers in the telecommunications field, particularly those in the aerospace/satellite and mobile radio industries. It is also well-suited for use as an advanced-level textbook on the subject of error control coding. Books of Related Interest from IEEE Press Clauide Elwood Shannon: Collected Papers Edited by N. J. A. Sloane and A. D. Wyner. AT&T Bell Labs The first published collection of papers by Claude E. Shannon, including his seminal article The Mathematical Theory of Communication. 1993 Hardcover 968 pp IEEE Order Number PC0331-9 ISBN 0-7803-0434-9 Multiple Access Communications: Foundations for Emerging Technologies Edited by Norman Abramson, University of Hawaii at Manoa The first book to explain the connection between spread spectrum and ALOHA channels, providing a collection of key developments in the theory and practice of multiple user communications channels. 1993 Hardcover 528pp IEEE Order Number PC0287-3 ISBN 0-87942-292-0