Calculating surface area with integration

Here is a video where I explain how to determine the surface area of a 3D shape using integration:

Engineering applications of optimization

First, what is optimization? Optimization is basicaly finding the best result of a problem in different situations. Normally optimization in real life can be to minimize effort required to accomplish tasks, or to maximize benefits.
There are some methods for optimization used in engineering such as the Simplex method or using the Hessian Matrix which uses derivatives to find optimal points of a function in a domain.
Optimization can be applied to solve any type of engineering problem.

In Aerospace: 
-When designing aircraft or spacecraft we use              optimization so their structures have the minimmum    possible weight.
-When launching spacecraft  to find the optimal            trajectories.

In Civil Engineering:
        -When designing structures such as bridges, towers, dams, etc. for a minimum cost.
        -Design of water resources systems to get the maximum possible benefit.

In Mechanical Engineering:
        -Optimal design of cams, gears, machine tools, and other mechanical equipment and components.
        -Optimal design of electrical machines such as motors, generators, etc...

I could keep on going like this for quite a long time, as optimization is a increadible usefull tool in every single type of engineering.
Well, I hope you all know now how important optimization is in the field of engineering.
Thanks!

Interview with Charles A. Abner

Charles A.Aber is the Shuttle Chief Engineer at  NASA's Kenedy Space Centre in Florida. We will proceed with the interview:

Interviewer:"When did you join NASA?"

Abner:"I joined NASA at the KSC in 1967 as an Apollo spacecraft ground system engineer. Then I joined the Air Force in 1968. In 1974 I rejoined the KSC and joined the lauch processing system team, where we build the space shuttle test and checkout hardware and software."

Interviewer: "What was your job back there?"

Abner: "I supervised the teams which where responsible for the development of ground launch software and also ground application software." 

Interviewer:"So, what is your job now in the Space Centre?"

Abner: "I'm responsible for all the engineering aspects which are related to processing flight hardware elements and facility/ground equipment, and also for the integration of technical decisions made by engineering and management personnel before and during launch."

Interviewer: "What kind of decisions do you make?"

Abner: "Well, I make engineering recomendations for final go/no-go lauch decisions. As the launch vehicle processing technical authority, I chair the Shuttle Engineering and Risk Review Boards."

Interviewer: "Last question: In how many missions have you participated since you joined NASA?"

Abner: "I've provided engineering integration to the space shuttle launch team for about 47 missions."

As you can see this was a short interview, but he didn't have time for more...

Well, I hope you like it. See you next time!!

Calculus in Engineering

Calculus is used to examine and analyse changes on a big or small scale, such as zero or infinity. Engineeres use this tool for many types of different tasks in their daily work.


Some engineers prefer to use equations directly, while others use computer 
programs to make the calculations.

In Robotics:

Engineers which dedicate to design and build next-gen robots, for example, need to know how limbs move when a command is given. This nearly allways is true when the limbs have some degree of freedom of motion, where engineers must use calculus to determine the likehood of a limb being at a certain spot and at a specific time. 

  In Systems Design:

Electrical  and computer engineers need to develop new systems for specific needs and tasks, such as gas regulation or heat diffusion. Many of the development of these systems require calculus which is used to determine limits and boundaries of the new systems and how they can dertermine the values of the measurements.

  In Aerospace:

Aerospace engineers use calculus, for example, when porforming flow simulations with computers. In this case, they solve equations called Navier-Stokes equations, which are basically differential equations, which can be used to describe the momentum, density and energy of air flow produced by an aircraft. From these properties, aerospace engineers can derive the same infomation as if they had carried out the tests in a wind tunnel, but at a lower price.

As you can see, calculus is a very important part of any engineering, and mastering it will certainly mean success as an engineer.

I hope you enjoyed. Don't forget to comment, and give your oppinion about calculus in engineering.

See you later!!