NISEE: National Information Service for Earthquake Engineering
http://nisee.berkeley.edu/
The National Information Service for Earthquake Engineering (NISEE) has a huge collection of earthquake data and images for researchers or anyone with a passing interest in these destructive forces. Operated at the University of California, Berkeley, the site has ten "eBooks" that range in topic from introductory earthquake engineering to earthquake risk-reduction measures. A giant database is given on the site with over 100,000 abstracts of research papers and reports. The Structural Engineering Slide Library has many fascinating pictures of notable modern buildings, and the Kozak Historical Image Collection shows artist renderings of many earthquakes that date back over 2,000 years. [CL]
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USC Institute for Creative Technologies: Graphics Lab
http://www.ict.usc.edu/graphics/
The Graphics Lab is part of the University of Southern California's Institute for Creative Technologies. The lab performs research on computer graphics and modeling techniques such as image-based lighting, range scanning, and animation. This is all made possible by a U.S. Army contract "to advance the state of immersive training simulation." The Lab's homepage offers many details on the various projects within each research area; there are several publications that can be downloaded to complement this background material. Some software, such as HDRShop (used for High-Dynamic Range Image Editing), and data are also available on the Lab's Web site. [CL]
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MGNet
http://www.mgnet.org/
MGNet "is a repository for information related to multigrid, multilevel, multiscale, aggregation, defect correction, and domain decomposition methods." In short, the material offered on the site is mainly used to solve partial differential equations. There are many resources given on MGNet, including tutorials, a preprint archive, and information on upcoming conferences. Quite a few software packages can be downloaded from the site; however, they require a specific decompression utility. MGNet also has a link to subscribe to its free newsletter, or you can browse past issues dating back to 1991. [CL]
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Buildingteam.com Codes Database
http://www.buildingteam.com/codes/
Consulting engineers and contractors will find a valuable database of codes at Buildingteam.com. A huge list of all 50 states and hundreds of major cities has information on building, structural, mechanical, electrical, and fire codes, among others. Licensing requirements for each state are also given. A very short, free registration process is required to access the codes database. To learn about non-residential construction projects in the pre-bid phase, Buildingteam.com has a nation-wide project locator (with many search criteria) that will help narrow the results. Anyone considering starting a construction project can use the site's Preliminary Project Cost Data calculator. This handy tool allows the user to input the building type, location, and the approximate square footage; and the total project cost is determined. This site is also reviewed in the March 29, 2002 Scout Report.
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The Experimental Virtual Environment [.pdf]
http://eve.hut.fi/
The Experimental Virtual Environment (EVE) is a project being conducted by the Helsinki University of Technology and the high-performance computing and networking center in Finland. The EVE encloses the user inside three walls and a floor that are rear projection screens, and the user can interact with the environment with a head tracking unit and other sensors. A brief introduction is given on the EVE Web site, followed by examples of applications for the system, its current implementation, and descriptions of past and current projects. A thesis about the EVE implementation goes into much more detail, and there are also several theses and related documents given in the Publications section. [CL]
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ICASE [.pdf]
http://www.icase.edu/
The Institute for Computer Applications in Science and Engineering (ICASE) conducts unclassified research in four main areas: applied and numerical mathematics, fluid mechanics, computer science, and materials. The ICASE Web site has many resources that describe the institute's work, including technical reports dating back to 1991 and some recent semiannual research summaries. Abstracts and slides from various lecture series are given in the Colloquia section. There is also a lot of information about the Coral Project, a large cluster computer system used for ICASE applications. [CL]
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Biomedical Simulations Resource [.pdf]
http://bmsr.usc.edu/About/BMSR.html
The Biomedical Simulations Resource (BMSR) is operated by the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Southern California. The BMSR has four main research areas that focus on developing modeling and simulation techniques "for the advancement of scientific knowledge and improvement of clinical practice." Detailed descriptions and papers of each of the four core projects are given on the site. Additionally, the Publications section has research volumes available for download. The BMSR offers three software packages on its Web site, which are accessible after a short user registration. [CL]
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University of Newcastle upon Tyne: Department of Statistics [.pdf, .ps]
http://www.ncl.ac.uk/statistics/
The Department of Statistics at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne has an impressive Web site with a lot of good research information. The Research section of the site is divided into five different group areas, consisting of applied statistics, applied probability, medical statistics, Bayesian statistics, and bioinformatics. Each of these has a statement of the work performed and a list of recent publications. The Postgraduate Study section discusses a number of research projects currently underway in the department. Faculty have several pre-prints that can be found in the Publications section of the site. [CL]
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Vectorland: An Introduction to 3D Vector Analysis
http://members.tripod.com/~Paul_Kirby/vector/VectorLand.html
Vectors are a very important mathematical concept and are often used in basic engineering science courses such as statics and dynamics. Paul Kirby is the creator of Vectorland, an online course that explains three dimensional vector analysis. The material presented on the site covers many topics, like dot and cross products, vector equations of lines and planes, shortest distance calculations, and parametric curves. After completing all the lessons, there are four challenges to test your knowledge. These include a few Java applets that are very difficult to use; fortunately, they are not required for the challenges. [CL]
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PLCS.net: Your Personal PLC Tutor Site
http://www.plcs.net/
A programmable logic controller (PLC) is an instrument used for many types of machine control. Instead of having to design complex circuitry, a PLC can be configured with software to do the job more efficiently. PLCS.net is a site with loads of useful tutorials and instructions that make the programming required to use these gadgets much easier. Many of the sections have animations that further illustrate the concepts. In addition to the online tutorials, there is also a very active forum where beginners can ask questions or experienced users can answer them. [CL]
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World's Largest Math Event
http://nctm.org/wlme/
April is Mathematics Education Month, and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics will celebrate with the eighth annual World's Largest Math Event (WLME). The WLME Web site has activities from all eight of the events, which are suitable for grade school teachers to introduce in their classes. This year's WLME theme is Entertaining Mathematics; previous years' themes include Animals As Our Companions, The Power of Nature, and Math Olympics. The activities given on the site use mathematics to address various aspects of everyday life. This lets students realize the importance of good math skills by demonstrating connections to real-world issues. [CL]
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FunBrain.com: Kids Center
http://funbrain.com/numbers.html
Seventeen fun, Web-based educational games are on Funbrain.com's Numbers site. The games cover basic arithmetic, fractions, graphs, algebra, and many other topics. Math Baseball is the most popular game on the site, which awards singles, doubles, or triples depending on the difficulty of the question. All of the games have varying levels of difficulty, ranging from easy to "Super Brain." There is even an activity where the user spells the words of a number written on a check (but you might want to hide this one until your child gets a little older). Sections for parents and teachers are also on the site; so, there are plenty of resources for everyone. [CL]
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Wolfram Research's Mathematical Functions
http://functions.wolfram.com/
Wolfram Research, the maker of the popular software Mathematica, recently added a comprehensive database of mathematical functions to its Web site. Currently, there are over 37,000 formulas that can be browsed alphabetically or divided into fourteen categories. Documents explaining general identities and notations used on the site are also available; however, users must sign the guestbook before they can be viewed. Wolfram Research hopes eventually to add a history section for many of the functions, explaining their origins and significance. Although the list is huge, it is constantly growing. Contributions from the math community are welcomed and encouraged. [CL]
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Project INTERMATH [.pdf]
http://www.projectintermath.org/
Project INTERMATH is an effort to reform undergraduate mathematics and related disciplines through the "use of Interdisciplinary Lively Applications Projects." This involves changing the traditional way that math is taught by moving to a more integrated and applied science. The material presented on the project's Web site reflects this approach. Of particular interest are the Products and Topics sections. The Products section has many specific scenarios that cover multiple areas of mathematics and relate to diverse fields, from economics to aerospace engineering. These are essentially small projects for undergraduate students that can all be freely downloaded. The Topics section has multiple activities that cover certain areas of mathematics, and these are also free. [CL]
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The GIS Files
http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/gis/
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are software packages that analyze and classify data for a particular geographical location. This technology has many applications, "from predicting houses in danger of flooding to analysing crime patterns." The GIS Files, operated by Britain's national mapping agency, is a site that gives a good introduction to the basic concepts of GIS. A sequence of seven tutorials explain how the technology came about and how it works. The last chapter provides insight into what might be possible in the future. After looking over the GIS Files, readers should have a reasonable understanding of computer mapping processes and its benefits. [CL]
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Introduction to Matlab
http://www.maths.uq.edu.au/~gac/mlb/mlb.html
If you work in engineering or a related field, chances are you have used the Matlab software package. It is a very powerful tool for computing and visualization, but can also be very intimidating to new users. A good introduction to Matlab is given through a math department Web site at the University of Queensland. The tutorial starts by explaining basic functions, such as arithmetic and complex number calculations. Then, it progresses to two and three dimensional plots and matrix notations. The site presents the material very well; a table of contents allows readers to quickly jump between sections for easy reference. The introduction can also be downloaded in postscript or Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format to view offline. [CL]
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Waterjet Web Reference
http://www.waterjets.org/
According to the Waterjet Web Reference, "abrasive waterjets are the fastest growing segment of the machine tool industry." This is not surprising when considering how quickly and precisely a tool can be made by using the technology. The site offers a thorough introduction to waterjets, describing how they work and what they can do. Comparisons are made to conventional machining processes, and the advantages of waterjets are outlined. Other sections of the site include an Engineer's Guide, a video gallery of waterjets in action, free software related to abrasive-jet machining, and frequently asked questions. [CL]
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Smart Card Standards and Interoperability [Flash]
http://egov.gov/smartgov/smart_card.htm
Simply put, a smart card is a credit card sized piece of plastic with an embedded computer chip. It can store personal data or be used for countless other applications, and the technology is growing at a tremendous rate. Smart Card Standards and Interoperability is a site operated by the Office of Electronic Government. The Smart Card Tutorial given on the site is a great introduction to the technology and its applications. In the What's New section, there are several updates and downloadable reports about the industry. SmartData has details on many government projects that implement smart card technology. [CL]
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Structurae
http://www.structurae.de/
Structurae is the International Database and Gallery of Structures. The information contained on the site is primarily aimed at civil engineers and architects; however, anyone with an interest in modern or historical structures should definitely review it. More than 3,000 structures are listed in the database, including facts about materials used in construction, size, date started, and date completed. Many of the entries also have photographs of the location. You can sort the structures by type, function, construction method, geographical location, or alphabetically; or you can browse a 2,500 year timeline. There are also separate databases of large-scale projects and notable engineers and architects. [CL]
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Datasheet Locator
http://www.datasheetlocator.com/
With so many electronic components on the market today, it is often difficult to find datasheets with specifications and properties for a particular part. Rather than scouring the Internet for manufacturer's Web sites, Datasheet Locator has links to all the information you will need in one centralized location. The list of manufacturers currently numbers over 700. By directly connecting to the manufacturer's Web site, the information will always be up-to-date. Many of the companies allow searching by part numbers, while others take you to a general list of product series. In the unlikely event that you cannot find a certain manufacturer, Datasheet Locator accepts suggestions to make their list as comprehensive as possible. [CL]
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jRoundup
http://www.jRoundup.com/
Whether you are looking for programming help or just browsing for applications, jRoundup has Java resources for everyone. The site offers special weekly features chosen from the best material on the Net. For Java applets and utilities, check the grab it section, which has links to hundreds of useful tools in a wide range of categories. If you are a Java novice, the learn it section lists many tutorials and guides to suit your needs. jRoundup hosts discussion forums for several topics to promote exchanging ideas within the Java community. You can also submit any Java material or links that you find valuable. [CL]
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NASA Tech Briefs: Engineering Solutions for Design and Manufacturing [.pdf]
http://www.nasatech.com/
NASA Tech Briefs is a monthly magazine that summarizes technologies developed through NASA research and their commercial applications. Free of charge, the magazine's Web site has much of the information that is published in print, while also offering an easy-to-navigate interface. The Tech Brief Library is an archive that dates back four years in twelve different categories, ranging from mechanics to software. The Technical Support Packages have even more detailed information in downloadable Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) files. If you want a subscription to the magazine or electronic newsletter, there is a link to the fee-based subscription services. [CL]
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IEEE History Center
http://www.ieee.org/organizations/history_center/
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) History Center functions "to preserve, research and promote the history of information and electrical technologies." There are many resources on the center's Web site that provide an excellent perspective into some of the original breakthroughs in electrical design and the more recent advancements in computer technology. Historical articles and list of frequently asked questions are given on the site, as well as many transcripts of interviews with influential people of the industry. A Milestones section highlights 45 of the most groundbreaking achievements around the world. Every day, a new electrical engineering-related anniversary is presented on the homepage. [CL]
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Coatings Guide
http://cage.rti.org/
The Coatings Guide is a comprehensive source of information and utilities regarding low-pollution coating technologies. The Guide is maintained by the Research Triangle Institute in cooperation with government environmental agencies. Coatings for plastic and metal substrates are currently the focus of the site; however, an architectural section is under development that will include wood and concrete coatings. An Expert System tool recommends coating alternatives, while a cost tool determines the approximate price of switching from the current coating system. Each of these tools accounts for many variables to give accurate results. Besides giving detailed information about all the recommended coatings, there is also an Applications Equipment section that reviews various methods of applying them. [CL]
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Hydroelectric Dams
1. United States Society on Dams
http://www.ussdams.org/
2. Hydropower Program: U.S. Department of Energy [.pdf]
http://hydropower.inel.gov/
3. Geoguide: Dams!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/resources/ngo/education/geoguide/dams/index.html
4. Hydroelectric Design Center
https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/hdc/welcome.htm
5. Hoover Dam
http://www.hooverdam.usbr.gov/
6. Great Wall Across the Yangtze
http://www.pbs.org/greatwall/
7. Three Gorges: The Biggest Dam in the World
http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/programs/threegorges/
8. Nam Theun 2 Electricity Consortium
http://www.namtheun2.com/indexnet.htm
Although hydroelectric power represents a relatively small portion of the world's energy resources, it is still an important commodity with great potential. To harness hydropower, civil engineers must design dams that convert the kinetic energy of water into electricity.
The fundamentals of general-use dams are discussed on the home page of the US Society on Dams (1). Besides providing brief background information, there are a few examples of the benefits of dams to society. For a much more technical perspective, check out the Hydropower Program of the US Department of Energy (2). This site examines (among other things) research and development and turbine systems used in hydropower operations. There are several reports available for download, many of which deal with improved technology that minimizes environmental hazards. A good place for grade school students to learn about dams is at National Geographic's Geoguide Web site (3). On the main page, the user can learn about different stages of development in dam construction. A section for classroom and family activities suggests many fun, educational projects that are suitable for kindergarten through high school. The Hydroelectric Design Center (see #4 above for URL) is part of the Army Corps of Engineers. The center's home page has a lot of information about hydropower projects with which it is involved, as well as descriptions of processes and components of a hydropower plant. Possibly the most famous dam in North America is the Hoover Dam (5). History, articles, functional descriptions, pictures, and other media are on the Hoover Dam Web site. A sharp contrast to the glory of the Hoover Dam is the Three Gorges Dam project in China (6). If it is completed, it will be the biggest dam on Earth; however, environmental concerns plague the project with controversy. This Web site outlines the enormous scale of the project and explains the possible benefits and disastrous consequences that may result. The Three Gorges Dam is the subject of a great activity for middle school students at DiscoverySchool.com (7). The activity is set up as a detailed lesson plan that lets teachers introduce the problems and benefits of the dam; additionally, basic engineering concepts are discussed. Hydropower could mean more than just electricity for the Lao People's Democratic Republic, a small country in Indochina where poverty is widespread. The Nam Theun 2 hydroelectric project (8) could bring substantial revenues from exported electricity. [CL]
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Below are the copyright statements to be included when reproducing annotations from The NSDL Scout Report for Math, Engineering, and Technology.
The single phrase below is the copyright notice to be used when reproducing any portion of this report, in any format:
From The NSDL Scout Report for Math, Engineering, & Technology, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2002. http://scout.cs.wisc.edu/
The paragraph below is the copyright notice to be used when reproducing the entire report, in any format:
Copyright Susan Calcari and the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, 1994-2002. The Internet Scout Project (http://scout.cs.wisc.edu/), located in the Computer Sciences Department of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, provides information about the Internet to the U.S. research and education community under a grant from the National Science Foundation, number NCR-9712163. The Government has certain rights in this material. Permission is granted to make and distribute verbatim copies of the entire Scout Report provided this paragraph, including the copyright notice, are preserved on all copies.
Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, or the National Science Foundation.
For information on additional contributors, see the Internet Scout Project staff page:
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