Monthly Archives: September 2012

The Design History and Modern Designs of a Submarine

The original conception of the submarine began in 1578. William Borne proposed an enclosed wooden boat bound by waterproof leather.  The design only made it to the drafting table though.  In 1776, David Bushnell built the Turtle submarine.  This device … Continue reading

Posted in Design Interests | Leave a comment

The Product Life Cycle

The life cycle of a product begins with the materials needed to make it.  Since iron and other materials do not just mine or manufacture themselves, material extraction is the first step in the life cycle.  After they are mined, … Continue reading

Posted in Design Topics | Leave a comment

Human Variability

How many times have you used the handicap button next to a door in order to open it?  While you could have just pushed or pulled on the door to make it open, you decided to use the button next … Continue reading

Posted in Design Topics | Leave a comment

The Design Process

The first step in design is quite simple really; in order to make something efficient and worthwhile, the product must be able to overcome certain problems or flaws in previous designs.  In other words, in order to begin the design … Continue reading

Posted in Design Topics | Leave a comment

Nuclear Fusion Reactors

At one point nuclear fission was absolutely unheard of.  After scientists discovered the properties of uranium 235, the concept of dividing atoms to produce heat and energy became plausible.  Today the growing scientific design is focused not on fission; nuclear … Continue reading

Posted in Design Interests | 1 Comment

Pressurized Water Reactors

Nuclear power is a topic of great controversy around the world. Many people argue that nuclear power is unnecessary.   People fear the nuclear reactor, but this is partially due to a lack of understanding.   The main type of fission reactor … Continue reading

Posted in Design Interests | 1 Comment