riddler 0 #26 May 22, 2003 Quotejust on a sidenote, usually, russian engineering is much better than any western designs, its the maintenance (and consumer experience) they lack... I could argue all day on this one. Better is a hard word to define. We worked with Russian engines at LockMart and found them to be very good *for their technology*. But their technology was often 40 years behind ours. If Americans kept the same level of technology with minor improvements over 40 years, we would have good 40 year old technology too. Americans have money and desire for major improvements in design and concept, so we do it. We use solid rockets, because they are generally better (and a little more unsafe). The Russians continued to use Kerosene (basically) and became the best makers of liquid engines because they dedicated a lot of time to older technology. But back to skydiving, and speaking of older technology - did you notice on one of the pics that everyone was jumping rounds? Old photo?Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
falxori 0 #27 May 23, 2003 Quote I could argue all day on this one. i can also argue with myself about that their problem is/was is that they didnt evolve as a consumer market. modern engineering takes consumer UI as one of the most important factors, which leads to better customer experience which leads to a bigger market which leads to more money which as you said, allow better R&D budget. speaking of technology, one of the US major mistakes was allowing countries like Japan and germany to copy their inventions, and create better products. a very good example is the car industry. O "Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheAnvil 0 #28 May 23, 2003 That depends on what aspect of engineering you are talking about. In some areas that's correct, in others, not a chance. Really really a broad statement to make - can't agree with you there dude. Vinny the Anvil Post Traumatic Didn't Make The Lakers Syndrome is REAL JACKASS POWER!!!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nacmacfeegle 0 #29 May 23, 2003 "one of the US major mistakes was allowing countries like Japan and germany to copy their inventions, and create better products. a very good example is the car industry." I'm not picking on you Falxori, but again, I can't let this one go either. The modern automibile was not invented by an American, Carl Benz invented the modern automobile. He was granted a patent for his three-wheeled, gasoline engine-powered car on January 29, 1886. The same year Gottlieb Daimler produced the first four-wheeled car powered by a gasoline engine. By 1894, Benz’s company was producing hundreds of cars a year and had even introduced an “economy” car called the Velo. By 1900, it was the largest automobile company in the world. The following year, Ransom Olds became the first American to use assembly line techniques to build his 1901 Oldsmobile. It is true that Henry Ford took these inventions and applied them in a successful way, but he didn't invent them. The source of this is here..... http://www.promotex.ca/articles/cawthon/2001/10-15-2001_article.html-------------------- He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me. Thomas Jefferson Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
falxori 0 #30 May 23, 2003 ok that what happens when i write one sentence, take a break and then finish the rest what i meant to say was that in a modern engineering way the design of the final product is as important (if not more) than the technology behind it. by "design" i'm not just talking about how it looks, but mainly on ease of use, minimal downtime and "overall customer experience" the US is working in that direction too but it got onboard later than other countries (not that it wont catch up...) P.S you can pick on me as much as you want, i'm in class and bored anyway ... "Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nacmacfeegle 0 #31 May 23, 2003 Hehe, its all good amigo. Most scientists and engineers will agree that a lot of good work will go before their 'discovery' or 'invention'. Even the great grand daddy of modern engineers, Isaac Newton said, "If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." Also on his own humility... "I do not know what I may appear to the world; but to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore, and diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me." And finally from Newton.... "Tact is the knack of making a point without making an enemy." Cya, have cool friday. -------------------- He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me. Thomas Jefferson Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
falxori 0 #32 May 23, 2003 as i said , i'm in class and bored... whats your excuse for being a smartass so early in the morning ??? O "Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nacmacfeegle 0 #33 May 23, 2003 I'm in work and bored.Its not that early, I've been in for about 2 3/4 hours, I have a short attention span on a Friday. Where are you at school? -------------------- He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me. Thomas Jefferson Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
falxori 0 #34 May 23, 2003 ok thats a good excuse... i'm working on my masters in systems engineering. usually we dont work here on fridays so as an act of protest i refuse to listen in friday classes O "Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
