Invention and Evolution: Design in Nature and Engineering / Edition 2

by Michael French

Overview

This textbook provides an introduction to design for function, using many examples of manufactured artifacts and living organisms to demonstrate common themes and fundamental principles. Examples forcefully illustrate the importance of the basic design principles related to material properties, physical principles, and energy expenditure. The author also discusses the relation of aesthetic and functional design, the crucial connection of design to production in artifacts, and reproduction in organisms. The author has thoroughly updated this second edition with more examples and a new chapter with actual design case studies to illustrate key ideas. In addition, the text contains many new exercises that reinforce important points in the text.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521469111
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	09/15/1994
Edition description:	Revised
Pages:	388
Product dimensions:	6.89(w) x 9.80(h) x 0.79(d)

Table of Contents

'Preface to the second edition; Preface to the first edition; Acknowledgements; 1. The designed world; 2. Energy; 3. Materials; 4. Mechanism; 5. Structures; 6. Systems; 7. The practice, principles and philosophy of design; 8. Economy, form and beauty; 9. Production, reproduction, evolution and design; 10. Designing and inventing; 11. Some case studies; Questions; Answers; Suggestions for further reading; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"...the book succeeds admirably...gives a sufficiently broad treatment of design principles to be recommended for use far beyond the shores of Great Britain. Coverage is both fresh and nontrivial." R. J. Foster, Applied Mechanics Review

"A successful effort, it is recommended for collections serving undergraduates in engineering or science." G. E. Johnson, Choice

"...the book is really fun to read if you have enough background...Professor French is sharing the wisdom accumulated during a long and productive professional life, and doing this in an interestinf and provocative manner." Appllied Mechanics Review

From reviews of the First Edition...

From the Publisher