The Handy Engineering Answer Book

By DeLean Tolbert Smith, Ph.D., Aishwary Pawar, Nicole P. Pitterson, Ph.D. and Debra-Ann C. Butler, Ph.D.

“This latest “Handy Answer Book” … provides essential facts about engineering in a convenient question-and-answer format. … This well-organized, comprehensive reference book may inspire readers to explore engineering as a career. Recommended for anyone who wishes to learn more or to brush up on their knowledge about engineering.” —Library Journal

“… a resource on the fundamental facts about engineering for both engineers and non-engineers alike, whether readers are exploring engineering for the first time, already have a strong background, or fall anywhere in between. …” —SirReadALot

“The authors answer about 1,000 questions about engineering in relation to key people, the history of the field, engineering tools, and facts related to electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, civil and architectural, industrial, bioengineering and biomedical, computer and software, aerospace, chemical, and interdisciplinary engineering.” —Book News

A handy resource on the fundamental facts about engineering for both engineers and non-engineers alike, whether you are exploring engineering for the first time, already have a strong background, or fall anywhere in between.

Engineering impacts every aspect of our lives. Bridges, buildings, buses, electrical grids, computers, televisions, refrigerators, vacuum cleaners, and virtually any everyday household item needs to be engineered to function properly. Fundamentally, engineering is about identifying a need and developing solutions that meet that need. Throughout history, engineering ideas and innovative feats have provided solutions to many challenges faced by civilizations. From the Great Wall of China to NASA’s space program, The Handy Engineering Answer Book covers the history of the field, details the lives of key figures, introduces the tools engineers use to solve problems, and provides fun facts and answers to a thousand important and interesting questions, such as …

  • What is the difference between science and engineering?
  • What are some famous engineering mistakes or failures?
  • What is reverse engineering?
  • What is a prototype?
  • How does a car battery work?
  • What are the major job responsibilities of a HVAC engineer?
  • What is a Powertrain?
  • What is Bernoulli’s principle?
  • What are the Laws of Thermodynamics?
  • What’s the difference between 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines?
  • What is stress and strain?
  • What is the difference between torque and power?
  • What is automation?
  • What are the types of road construction that are both durable and cost-effective?
  • Which materials are used to build a cruise ship?
  • What are some design elements that help structures withstand earthquakes?
  • Who was W. Edwards Deming?
  • What is ergonomics?
  • Who is Grace Hopper?
  • What is debugging?
  • What is the difference between a web developer and a website designer?
  • Was Leonardo da Vinci an aerospace engineer?
  • How much energy does the world use?
  • What are the required skills for fire engineers?
  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of nanotechnology?

With more than 140 photos and graphics, this fascinating tome is richly illustrated. Its helpful bibliography and extensive index add to its usefulness. Whether using science and math or building prototypes for testing or the development of various subdisciplines, The Handy Engineering Answer Book looks at how fundamental engineering is to modern life and society!

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Quick Facts:

ISBN: 9781578597703
Ebook ISBN: 9781578596126
Hardback ISBN: 9781578598021

488 Pages
140 Photos and Illustrations
7.5″ x 9.25″
Trade Paperback Price: $29.95
eBook Price: $19.99
Hardbound Price: $74.95

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About the Author:

DeLean Tolbert Smith, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering department at the University of Michigan–Dearborn. She earned her Ph.D. in engineering education from Purdue University, and her research led to a National Science Foundation CAREER award. She is a Detroit native and resides there with her husband.
Aishwary Pawar, Ph.D., is a Statistician in the University Decision Support office at Southern Methodist University, where his work focuses on applying advanced data analytics and predictive modeling to improve student retention, success, and institutional outcomes. He holds a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering with a specialization in Operations Research and Engineering Education. Aishwary has co-authored The Handy Engineering Answer Book and is the author of Your First Code: Python Basics for Absolute Beginners. His research interests include predictive analytics, student success modeling, and ethical data use in higher education. He also teaches courses in data science and Python programming as an adjunct faculty member. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring global food cultures, collecting sneakers, and mentoring students in data-driven careers. He resides just outside Dallas.
Nicole P. Pitterson, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the Department of Engineering Education at Virginia Tech. She has a Ph.D. in engineering education from Purdue University. She researches how curriculum design, testing, and teaching can boost students’ understanding. She currently resides in Christiansburg, Virginia.
Debra-Ann C. Butler, Ph.D., received her bachelor of arts from the University of Miami and her Ph.D. in educational policy, planning, and leadership with a focus on higher education from William and Mary. Dr. Butler's career span over 20 years in higher education working in student services, academic affairs, and program administration. She currently resides in Michigan with her husband and two beautiful daughters.