Quote
I emphasize that virtually every engineering calculation is ultimately a failure calculation, because without a failure criterion against which to measure the calculated result, it is a meaningless number.
Quote
I emphasize that virtually every engineering calculation is ultimately a failure calculation, because without a failure criterion against which to measure the calculated result, it is a meaningless number.
More from Henry Petroski
“There's so much written about the Titanic, and it's hard to separate what's fact and what's fiction. My understanding is that the way the Titanic was designed, the emphasis was placed on sur...”
0 likes
“The definition of 'safe' is not strictly an engineering term; it's a societal term. Does it mean absolutely no loss of life? Does it mean absolutely no contamination with radiation? What exa...”
0 likes
“We call the fates of the Titanic and the Concordia - as well as those of the space shuttles Challenger and Columbia - 'accidents.' Foreseeing such undesirable events is what engineers are ex...”
0 likes
Discover More
“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe.”
200 likes
“I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me...”
172 likes
“You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching, Love like you'll never be hurt, Sing like there's nobody listening, And live like it's heaven on earth.”
150 likes
“So many books, so little time.”
142 likes
“You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.”
“The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid.”
112 likes