mechanical

Much of the engineering curriculum is devoted to analytical techniques for solving particular problems, often derived mathematically from first principles. However, without grounding results within the physical realm, solutions may neglect factors that do not neatly fit into the assumptions used. Thus, measurement of phenomena are needed. But what constitutes a valid measurement? Holman provides an excellent introduction to this area in _Experimental_Methods_for_Engineers_, often an otherwise neglected field of study. Few parameters can be measured directly, and those that can must be compared to a standard that is ubiquitously available and repeatable. So Holman begins with standards and units. Analysis of measured data covers sources of error and uncertainty -- without these, the measurement cannot be used with confidence for the application intended.

Subsequently, Holman introduces sensors in separate chapters for discrete physical phenomena. The first of these includes electrical sensors using known physical laws governing electro-magnetism. The next chapters cover displacement, pressure and fluid flowrate, followed by temperature and heat flux. Then forces, vibration, nuclear radiation and chemical traces are covered. _Experimental_Methods_ concludes with data acquisition and report writing descriptions. The treatment in each chapter is geared to the level of a competent engineering student. Although replete with equations, the terms are explained (unlike so many textbooks) and associated with quantified examples. Holman presents a useful overview of the instrumentation types and their limitations, together with how quantities may be derived from the values measured. A valuable addition in any technical library.

I have reviewed several books in engineering experimentation to adopt one of them to my course. Among them, this book is most complete and provides lots of useful information nicely organized. One of the strengthes this book provides is the "recipe" for various enigneering experiments with excellent summary.