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Not long ago, I was talking to a college student who was studying physics. She was lamenting about how difficult it was for her to keep up with the Asian students in her classes at UCLA. We talked about how the tests were set up, how the math was taught and I showed her some engineering drawings I'd produced and explained to her why physics was so important and why it was so important to understand the concepts prior to setting up the mathematical equations and understanding exactly what the problem really was, so that the answers garnered were not only correct but also answers which were relevant. Okay so, let's talk shall we?
Our conversation progressed towards digital design and CAD CAM software, along with aerospace innovations. I discussed some of the challenges with the software, and things which were not known, or the software was not configured for. Nevertheless a good mathematician with a decent understanding of physics could solve the problem in longhand given enough time without ever using the CAD CAM software. Although the equations would become longer and longer as you increase the number of parameters, it is still possible – just knowing this fact, and understanding how it all works helps one to think outside the box without plugging every single component or new prototype design into the CAD CAM software formula.
While it is true that the more you use such design software the better you get, and the things you inherently know before you plug in a new design or change a parameter, this does not negate the fact that by knowing the mathematical formulas and relationships involved that you can complete large amounts of work prior to the posting of any particular design into the software. The great thing about this software is you can make changes as you go, but you are much better off if you understand the math, the formulas, and what the software is doing. That is worth more than good grades in mathematics, engineering, or physics class.
Unfortunately, I think a good number of students never learn these things properly and much of their success in designing is hit or miss. Sure, they might build something that looks statistically correct, or very pretty on the innovation spectrum, but in engineering, it's only good if it will work. This is why I believe you should work hard to study and understand the mathematics of how all of this great technology works, and if need be, be able to solve the problem building your own equations without the software. Please consider all this and think on it.
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Source by Lance Winslow