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Discussion » Statements » Rosie's Corner » I know about the scientific method. Is there an engineering method? What do I mean by that?
RosieG

I know about the scientific method. Is there an engineering method? What do I mean by that?

I think some folks have "engineer brains". They EXPECT things to work at optimum levels and cannot tolerate anything less than that. So is there such a thing as an ENGINEER BRAIN? Always looking for the weakness or defect or problem? Can you be a good engineer if your brain isn't wired like that? Any engineers out there?

Posted - July 12, 2019
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Responses


  • 6023
    I could generalize and say that "scientists" are more concerned with theoretical solutions, and "engineers" are more concerned with actual solutions.

    Usually, the two work together.

    Example:
    Scientists can come up with the formulas for a rocket launch ... but Engineers have to build the actual rocket.
    The two have to work together along the way, as the rocket design changes ... and take into account weight, aerodynamics, etc, etc.
      July 12, 2019 8:00 AM MDT
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  • 113301
    Architect designs. Construction workers make it happen. Various engineers are brought in to figure out how best and safest to make it happen.

    My point is this. Engineers always look first for the flaw/weakness/weed. I think scientists sometimes or often see the beauty of the possibility first and then try to find a way to substantiate their findings. They theorize and then try to put those theories into a valid framework that can be replicated. They test and if it is successful others team elsewhere do the same tests  to see if they come up with the same results. That prevents faking it or occasional anomalies. I don't think engineers fall in love with the theory first and then try to make it workable. But I do not know since I am not either one and certainly don't have the brain wiring at that same level Walt. Thank you for your reply. I worked for an Architect. We had a Chief Designer. We also worked with electrical mechanical structural engineers who worked with geologists and builders. It was everyone on board bringing his/her expertise to the project.  Thank you for your reply! :)
      July 12, 2019 8:13 AM MDT
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  • 6023
    Yes ... between the "scientist" and "engineer", there's usually someone who designs the {thing}.

    Some architects have engineering degrees ... so they can design with an understanding of loads and tolerances and whatnot.
    Other architects just draw what they (and the client) want the final outcome to look like, and it's up to the engineer to figure out how to work it.

    I think Engineers are probably the "most grounded" scientists, as they have to understand how things work "in the real world".
      July 12, 2019 8:36 AM MDT
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  • 113301
    Mebbe so. In fact I think that's probably true. I never thought of engineers as "scientists" but I think the way you describe it makes a lot of sense. "Most grounded". Very good. Thank you for your thoughtful reply Walt! :)
      July 13, 2019 2:27 AM MDT
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  • No.  There is no engineering method.

    Engineers don't make discoveries.  Scientist do. An engineers job isn't in science, it is technology.  Applying the the science. 

    Scientists aren't concerned with applying discoveries.  Creating things isn't their job nor their focus.   Their job and specialty is to experiment in order to find new discoveries and prove theories.   That's it.  They then hand those off to the engineers who apply the new concepts in a  practical manner.  There is no set method of engineering.  

    Engineers and scientist are two completely different specialist in two entirely different fields but they work together and have some overlap in knowledge and training.
      July 12, 2019 8:43 AM MDT
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  • 113301
    Thank you for your reply and Happy Saturday.
      July 13, 2019 2:28 AM MDT
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