Engineering Wonders of the 21st Century

Humans have been building bridges for centuries. They have opened up new areas to exploration and commerce. Although the basic function of bridges has not changed, the materials and methods of construction have undergone amazing transformations over the years. These continue to advance, which will allow engineers to make bridges that are even longer and sturdier than the ones that exist today. Informative sidebars enhance the engaging main text, giving readers an in-depth look at the history and science of bridge construction. A glossary of new terms gives readers a better grasp of the subject matter, and a list of websites gives a starting point for further research.

People have been using ships to sail the world's oceans for thousands of years, but after the Industrial Revolution, they were able to make ships much bigger and faster. Today, cargo ships carry goods all around the world, cruise ships sail international waters at a leisurely pace, and military ships patrol their country's borders. This volume explores the science that goes into designing various kinds of ships as well as their environmental impact. Graphic organizers help readers visual complex topics, and a list of questions at the end of each chapter encourages them to think through the reasons behind certain design choices.

Launching a spaceship, monitoring it in orbit, and bringing it back down to Earth-and doing it all while keeping the crew safe-is a huge undertaking. Engineers and physicists have to carefully design each component. For example, a space shuttle has a blunt nose because this helps keep the worst of the heat of atmospheric reentry away from the body of the shuttle. This volume examines the science behind the design choices of rockets, shuttles, space stations, and other spaceships. Informative sidebars and full-color photographs augment the engaging text to help readers understand why each design element is crucial.

The Wright brothers are well known for building the first successful airplane. However, they were neither the first nor the last to design an aircraft. Early designs looked very different than the planes we have today, but engineers from 1903 onward have generally tried to improve on the existing plane design rather than reinventing it. This volume looks at the successes and failures of airplane design, from the ancient Egyptian Saqqara bird to the hypersonic planes of the future. Engaging sidebars augment the informative main text, and graphic organizers help visual learners understand the mechanics of flight.

Car manufacturers have learned to be versatile over the years. Some cars are designed for safety and comfort. Others are designed for speed. Car enthusiasts can spend hours hotly debating the best designs. Environmental concerns also affect a car's design, especially when it comes to the engine. This volume looks at some of the most iconic and interesting cars from the inside out. A glossary of new terms gives readers a better grasp of the subject matter, and full-color photographs chronicle the history of car design, from simple motorized carts to sleek racing cars.

Trains have been a crucial part of the world's transportation infrastructure since the 1800s. They made travel so much easier, faster, and cheaper that vacations, which had previously been accessible only to the very wealthy, suddenly became feasible for lower-class families. Although cars and airplanes replaced the majority of train travel over time, trains are once again becoming competitive as tracks are upgraded to accommodate incredibly fast locomotives. Engaging sidebars and full-color photographs augment the informative text, and detailed graphic organizers illustrate complex concepts for visual learners. A list of websites also provides a jumping-off point for further individual research into the fascinating world of trains.