Genetic engineering, nanotechnology, astrophysics, particle
physics: we live in an engineered world, one where the distinctions
between science and engineering, technology and research, are fast
disappearing. This book shows how, at the dawn of the 21st Century,
the goals of natural scientists - to discover what was not known -
and that of engineers - to create what did not exist - are
undergoing an unprecedented convergence.
Once natural scientists sought to discover what was not known and engineers tried to create what did not exist: Engineering--An Endless Frontier charts the drawing together of the two disciplines, showing that modem engineering has drawn on par with science in its emerging technologies and achievements. Bookwatch 20041101 As we wrestle today with the now traditional disparities between disciplines, it is refreshing to read an account that places the natural and engineering sciences as mutually interdependent intellectual peers, which is just as it should be. -- Peter Williams Physics World 20050301 [Auyang's] book is a concise yet comprehensive overview of how modern engineers in various fields have conducted scientific research, designed products, and managed enterprises. Indeed, we can learn a lot from her careful and detailed investigations of engineering practice, which, from my point of view, has been considerably understudied. Nevertheless, the more important value of Auyang's book lies not in the information it provides, but in the questions it raises. -- Chen-Pang Yeang IEEE Technology and Society 20050901
Sunny Y. Auyang, who has worked as a research scientist at Hewlett-Packard and at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Inhaltsangabe
Preface 1. Introduction 2 . Technology Takes Off 2.1 From Practical Art to Technology 2.2 Construction Becomes Mathematical 2.3 Experimenting with Machines 2.4 Science and Chemical Industries 2.5 Power and Communication 3. Engineering for Information 3.1 From Microelectronics to Nanotechnology 3.2 Computer Hardware and Software 3.3 Wireless, Satellites, and the Internet 4. Engineering in Society 4.1 Social Ascent and Images of Engineers 4.2 Partnership in Research and Development 4.3 Contributions to Sectors of the Economy 5. Innovation by Design 5.1 Inventive Thinking in Negative Feedback 5.2 Design Processes in Systems Engineering 5.3 "Working Together" in Aircraft Development 5.4 From Onboard Computers to Door Hinges 6. Sciences of Useful Systems 6.1 Mathematics in Engineering and Science 6.2 Information and Control Theories 6.3 Wind Tunnels and Internet Simulation 6.4 Integrative Materials Engineering 6.5 Biological Engineering Frontiers 7. Leaders Who Are Engineers 7.1 Business Leaders in the Car Industry 7.2 Public Policies and Nuclear Power 7.3 Managing Technological Risks Appendix A. Statistical Profiles of Engineers Appendix B. U.S. Research and Development Notes Index
