Engineering Problem Solving: A Classical Perspective

This book fills in many of the gaps in engineering education by showing students and professionals the historical background of problem solving. By revisiting Galileo Galilei's classic text, "Dialogues Concerning Two New Sciences", the author discusses the roles played by experimentation and analysis. He provides a thorough treatment of similitude, dimensional analysis, and computers as problem solving tools.

Ambitious, comprehensive, and full of wisdom, this book revisits the development of engineering as a problem-solving profession, beginning from its origins in the classic text: Dialogues Concerning Two New Sciences, by Galileo Galilei, originally published in 1638. In-depth discussions of passages from the Galileo text emphasize the roles played by experimentation and dialog in engineering analysis and creativity; that is, the "mind" set of engineering.

The book traces the development of modern-day problem solving tools in all the core areas of engineering: solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, aerodynamics, electrical engineering, materials science, materials engineering, energy conversion, and design. Chapters on engineering economics, statistics, and computers also are included.

Among those who will find this book particularly useful are engineers first working in cross-discip1inary capacities, such as mechanical engineers working with electrical engineering concepts or polymeric materials, engineers preparing for professional engineering exams, mid-career engineers looking to broaden their problem-solving skills, students looking for a book to help them grow their skills throughout their engineering school experience.