Discover Engineering in Central Texas

Engineering

Applying science to solve problems and create useful things

ingenerare

Root word meaning "to create". Root of "engine" and "ingenious"

From the Encyclopaedia Briticanna

Engineering is an art requiring the judgment necessary to adapt knowledge to practical purposes, the imagination to conceive original solutions to problems, and the ability to predict performance and cost of new devices or process.

History

Imhotep built the famous stepped pyramid near Memphis circa 2650 BC. (Also a physician and architect.)

Stonehenge: 3000 BC - 1000 BC, 30-50 ton stones

Khufu pyramid: 2500 BC - 2 million blocks, each 5 thousand lbs, 481 ft x 700 ft sq. base)

Pharos (lighthouse) Alexandria: 283-246 B.C. Tallest lighthouse: 122 meters high (~40 stories) Guided ships for 1,500 years

Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem

The Colosseum in Rome: 69 AD - brick and concrete, fabric roof

Roman roads (80,000 Kilometers) and aqueducts throughout Europe

Cathedrals and Mosques

Where Engineers Work

Ceramic Engineering:

Windows, seals, heat shields, coatings, structural components, engines

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering:

Petroleum, plastics, chemicals, food, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, paper, water, waste water, genetics, environmental, and agriculture

Electrical and Electronics Engineering:

Computers, power, appliances, radar, controls, and communications

Civil or Architectural Engineering:

Bridges, dams, roads, water supply, buildings, city planning

Mechanical Engineering:

Autos, airplanes, tools, bicycles, mfg. Equip.mfg., construction and farm equipment.

Others:

Agriculture, materials, audio, aerospace, communications, control, geology, marine, nuclear, safety, hydrology, meteorology, systems, control, industrial, ....

Scientists, Engineers, and Technicians

Basic Research: what are the rules of nature

Applied Research: how can the rules of nature be used

Product development: design and specifications

Product fabrication: manufacturing and production

Operation: (pilots, astronauts, plant engineers, process engineers)

Teaching and training (customer service, team leaders)

Skills used by engineers:
problem identification and problem definition,recognition of applicable science and technology, communication skills (specifications and reports for other disciplines, other departments, other companies, government, customers etc.)ÂÂ

Becoming an Engineer

Mathematics: algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and calculus

Science: physics, biology, and chemistry

Develop an insatiable curiosity about everything.

Read and learn about many things because everything is interrelated in some fashion. There is synergism in knowledge and experience:

 The more knowledge you have, the easier it is to conceive of new things and new relationships.

Changing Technology

Technology and society continue to change at an accelerated rate. The basic tools (mathematics, physics, and chemistry) remain the same but the use of these tools changes.  For example:

1864 - James Maxwell: basic equations for radio

1897 - first radio based on spark gap mechanisms

1910 - radios built from electron tubes

1950's (late) - transistors replace tubes

1960's - analog integrated circuits replace transistors

1980's – hybrid integrated circuits replace analog circuits

1990's - radio on a single chip

Learn how to learn!

Engineering is fun and it pays well.