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Foundations of Engineering & Technology
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
surface features on planets. This is an example of
technology transfer, or a technology that migrates r r
from one fi eld to another to solve a different type of fi
problem, Figure 2-9.
Engineers must determine the best ways to
achieve their goals while meeting the different
objectives and concerns important to various
groups. For example, suppose a company is devel-
oping a new natural gas-powered automobile.
The primary goal in creating the automobile is to
transport people. The automobile might also be an
opportunity for the company to make money. Local
government leaders might be concerned about the
car’s potential impact on economic growth in their
city. The federal government might examine the
automobile in terms of whether or not it will help
reaffi national technological leadership. The firm
general public might consider whether or not this
automobile is a good alternative to other fossil fuel-
powered vehicles. Workers might wonder if devel-
opment of the automobile will improve job security.
Natural gas companies and oil companies might
examine it with regard to whether it will increase
or decrease their markets. Environmental groups
might comment on how the car affects the environ-
ment. Note the variety and number of different
goals and concerns highlighted here.
As the threat of world war grew in the late 1930s, A th th t f ld i
various countries realized that their radar devices were
not reliable. Knowing that keeping track of an enemy’s air
and sea movements would be critical in a war, engineers
were asked to improve radar technology. American and
British researchers worked with each other to improve it.
Their problem was increasing the reliability and accuracy of
radar. With the problem defined, they developed and refined
solutions using the engineering design process. For example,
the British developed an improved vacuum tube that had
enough microwave energy to be used in radar systems.
Using that breakthrough, the Americans then developed units
small enough for airplanes and boats. This improved radar became a key element in
the Allies’ eventual victory. In the past 75 years, researchers have further developed
the capabilities of radar using the engineering design process. In what areas is radar
used today?
Academic Connection:
History
The Origin of Radar
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Figure 2-9. Radar technology can be used to track and
predict weather.