The Multidisciplinary Engineer in the Context of Concurrent Engineering
Abstract
Throughout the evolution of the design of flight vehicles, the role of the individual engineer has also evolved. As aircraft have become more complex and performance envelopes have become ever larger, the role of the technical specialist has diminished in favor of the design team approach. Although the theme of the symposium deals with aerodynamic design and optimization, many comments apply to all technical disciplines. In this paper we review this design evolution very briefly. It is suggested that the evolutionary design process led to independent technical disciplines, technology development along the same lines and finally engineering education in the same engineering sciences. Concurrent engineering is discussed, together with the advantages and disadvantages from the viewpoint of the practicing engineers. It is suggested that the required approach leads to a requirement for engineers with a broader view than the traditional specialists. Next we consider the education process which, for design engineers, has evolved from apprenticeship to curricula that teach the engineering sciences. It is suggested that we may need to consider moving to the science of engineering. Finally, a possible view of future aerospace vehicle design is presented.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADP010501
Entities
People
- David J. Moorhouse
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory