On 05/01/13 00:24, Roger L wrote:
>
>
> It seems that today there is still an advantage for formal
> college-style education but no longer is it a requirement. Not
> with modeling programs that have a tutorial installed that will enable
> most anyone with a basic HS education to sit down and begin to invent
> and innovate. No investment dollars needed, just the urge. And that
> just might be the start of a major change in the world. Certainly
> there are lots of folks in third world countries that think so.
>
Computer modelling is two edged sword. We are in very real danger of
turning out engineers who believe the computer model over reality. This
is starting to be reflected in the real word where production runs of
large expensive machines are undertaken and they have very real serious
defects. (I would call a passenger train that can't stop accurately if
the conditions are not absolutely perfect more than serious!)
The engineers believed their computer models so much they didn't build
prototypes and/or didn't believe/take any notice of adverse reports from
testers. (They must be using it wrong..)
Now in your case, you have years of experience doing it the 'old
fashioned way', the new computer modelling methods are boon to you. But
if the computer modelling turns out something odd, your experience over
the years will pick up on it. The bushy tailed shiny eyed graduate
engineer however will have complete trust in the simulation. They have
no experience otherwise.
The Uni I work for did attempt to teach students the limitations of
modelling, but I understand the subject has been dropped - It kept
getting bad reviews from the students - they didn't like the harsh
marking scheme that valued a physical working prototype over a working
computer model. A disturbing number of students were turning out
wonderful computer simulations that when built for real, didn't work as
expected, they would then challenge the marking scheme's bias towards a
working physical prototype. (Thus completely missing the point of the
exercise).
It's actually difficult to turn out a 'proper' engineer these days -
too many think it's a video game.... Fortunately in every class there
are at least a few who 'get it'.
Of course free/cheap simulation software might mean some one who
didn't get the opportunity to undertake higher education might just find
they 'have the knack', or a career changer might dabble and find they
also have the gift.
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