Introduction

Abstract

All engineering is based on science, as academic establishments quite rightly emphasise. However, it is essential that the science which is taught is relevant to current practice and technology in engineering. If this is not so, the student comes to industry armed with a set of scientific principles, and corresponding mathematical techniques, which are inappropriate to his work as a designer and which lead to disillusionment with science in general. Worse still, the diligent application of inappropriate techniques may lead to bad design, often with disastrous consequences.