Nature is termed the best teacher. This is not only because our existence depends on striking concord or at least a compromise with it but because in studying it we find the fundamental inter-connectedness between us and the world we flourish in. And out of all academic disciplines it is engineering that shows us how.
Prima facie nothing could seem more distanced from the human condition than engineering which is concerned with how to devise design build run and maintain structures machines materials devices processes and so on by skillfully applying science and mathematics.
And then it needs years of intense study involving mastery over abstract concepts difficult mathematical calculations and specialised knowledge of at least two basic sciences (physics and chemistry) and maths. But if we leave our preconceptions of engineering as highly technical subject we will be surprised with the points of resemblance.
Force (or influence in human terms) pressure stress support problem-solving creative thinking and so on are as important to human life as engineering as experienced civil engineer and instructor John Kuprenas shows us in this lucid introduction to the principles of engineering and the mindset its practitioners need.
"Engineers view their profession as fascinating creative and full of interesting challenges. Those outside it often regard it as repetitive mechanical and frustrating " he observes but notes that common to both views is that it is indeed complex.
Kuprenas who lectures on the subject at the University of South California and California State University Long Beach and is Senior Vice President of the STV Group s Construction Management Division however recalls from his own experience that the intense grounding in mathematics physics and chemistry in the initial years of the engineering course does not provide much "real-world context".
It is this context he seeks to present in this engaging and insightful book of a 100-odd facts principles and examples which seeks to introduce engineering through its real-wold moorings "by emphasising the common sense behind some of its fundamental concepts the themes intertwined among its many specialities and the simple abstract principles that can be derived from real-world circumstances".
Say understanding the difference between accuracy and precision what happens when force acts on an object why there is always a trade-off why some get stronger by doing more work or when perfect reliability may not always be desirable -- all these can well be applicable to the human condition too.
Then there are the some more "mysterious scientific" issues such as why buildings want to float and cars want to fly or why keeping one hand in your pocket while touching an electric appliance may save you from a major shock why some parts are designed to fail and why soldiers should not march on a bridge -- as some non-science readers might remember from their obligatory physics classes.
Interspersed are some examples of the success or failure of various structures mostly bridges or products (largely US-centric though) which also provides a more tangible example of how engineering works -- or doesn t. Also offered along with some splendidly evocative illustrations to all the 101 entries are some interesting historical nuggets and some random hypotheses.
While Kuprenas mostly focusses on his field of civil engineering -- which we learn is the oldest branch -- with occasional forays into other branches such as mechanical chemical or engineering he lays the discipline s basic thrust which is that "the heart of engineering isn t calculation; it s problem-solving".
Also that while all engineers calculate good engineers also communicate -- and very cogently and persuasively.
With this and more examples beyond the ones cited above he goes on to show that engineering is not only meant to benefit humanity in its basic and other comforts but closely approximates their own life in both structure influence and performance to make the compelling case that "engineering events are human events".
While this book may help engineering aspirants to understand what the field entails and even some engineers might learn a thing or do it is the curious lay reader it is directed at -- and will prove to be a rewarding read in showing how things in our world are intertwined.
(Vikas Datta can be contacted at vikas.d@ians.in
--IANS vd/sac
