Main entry:

Petroski, Henry.

Title & Author:

Design paradigms : case histories of error and judgment in engineering / Henry Petroski.

Publication:

Cambridge [England] ; New York, N.Y. : Cambridge University Press, 1994.

Description:

xii, 209 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm

Notes:
Includes bibliographical references (pages 187-200) and index.
Introduction -- Paconius and the pedestal for Apollo : a paradigm of error in conceptual design -- Vitruvius's auger and Galileo's bones : paradigms of limits to size in design -- Galileo and the marble column : a paradigm of a design change for the worse -- Galileo's confirmation of a false hypothesis : a paradigm of logical error in design -- The design and collapse of the Dee Bridge : a paradigm of success masking error -- The Britannia tubular bridge : a paradigm of tunnel vision in design -- Failure as a source of engineering judgment : John Roebling as a paradigmatic designer -- The design climate for the Tacoma Narrows Bridge : a paradigm of the selective use of history -- Historic bridge failures and caveats for future designs -- Conclusion.

Summary:

Case histories of engineering success and failure are presented to enrich understanding of the design process.
From classical temples to twentieth century towers, engineers have learned more about design from failure than from success. The concept of error, according to the author of Design Paradigms, is central to the design process. As a way of explaining the enduring aspects of engineering design, Henry Petroski relates stories of some of the greatest engineering successes and failures of all time. These case studies, drawn from a wide range of times and places, from Ancient Greece and Rome to modern America, serve as paradigms of error and judgment in engineering design. By showing how errors were introduced in the design process and how they might be avoided, the book suggests how better quality and reliability might be achieved in designed devices, structures, and systems of all kinds. Clearly written, with striking illustrations, the book will appeal to engineering students, practicing engineers, historians of science and technology, and all those interested in learning about the process of design. -- Publisher description

Resources:
Table of contents
Table of contents
Publisher description

ISBN:

0521461081
9780521461085
0521466490 (pbk.)
9780521466493 (pbk.)

Subject:

Engineering design Case studies.
System failures (Engineering) Case studies.
Conception technique Études de cas.
Pannes Études de cas.
Engineering design
System failures (Engineering)
Fehlerquelle
Planung
Technik
Techniek.
Ontwerpen.
Fouten.
Structural failures.
Bridges Design and construction.
Conception technique Cas, Études de.
Ingénierie des systèmes Cas, Études de.
Erreurs scientifiques.
Engineering Design

Form/genre:

Case studies.
Études de cas.

Holdings:

Location: Library main 279928
Call No.: BIB 216236
Status: Available