Engineering Materialism and Structural Integrity
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M. Neil James [1]
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[1] University of Plymouth (GB)
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- Localización: Journal of Engineering Design, ISSN 0954-4828, Vol. 9, Nº. 4, 1998, págs. 329-342
- Idioma: inglés
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Resumen
Two prime engineering focuses are concerned with what might be termed 'materialism', and with structural reliability. This paper discusses the interconnections between these in the context of the historical development of engineering capability, highlighting the associated risk in application and use of this capability, and the accrued benefits for mankind. As successful engineering rests on communication skills, as well as analytical skills, the paper starts by considering word power and status as a precursor to defining mechanical engineering and the 'design paradox' associated with innovation. It then considers the mutuality between sound design and effective materials usage, before outlining the advances in materials engineering and design philosophies related to crack growth phenomena. These advances currently allow extremely complex structures to operate with known, and statistically defined, probabilities of failure.
