MITRE [.pdf]
http://www.mitre.org/
The nonprofit MITRE Corporation "provides systems engineering, research and development, and information technology support to the government." MITRE's Web site contains many sections that highlight the organization's work. The Project Showcase has new and archived articles on a variety of cutting edge projects. Featured work and technical papers can be freely viewed from the Technology section. For more specific information, the work conducted at MITRE is divided into eight categories that can be explored from the main page. MITRE also offers a quarterly newsletter, called The Edge, that examines many issues in a particular area of research. [CL]
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United States Council for Automotive Research
http://www.uscar.org/
The United States Council for Automotive Research (USCAR) is a joint operation between Ford, DaimlerChrysler, and General Motors. The council lets the companies combine their resources to develop better non-competitive technologies, such as safety, fuel efficiency, and emissions. Many new innovations in vehicle design are described on the USCAR Web site. For example, the 21st Century section outlines some major advances that will shape the future of the automobile, while Specific Technologies examines various new manufacturing practices and vehicle components. There are also many articles and technical accomplishments listed on the site, giving some insight into what is currently being done to make driving a better experience. [CL]
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Cornell Theory Center
http://www.tc.cornell.edu/index.asp
The Cornell Theory Center (CTC) is "a high-performance computing and interdisciplinary research center." Projects conducted at the center have a wide range of topics, but the common focus of each is how sophisticated computer systems can analyze and classify data to solve problems. The CTC Web site has extensive information about its five main research programs, and there are several papers and publications scattered throughout the site. A particular source of pride for the center is its Advanced Cluster Computing Consortium, which operates a computer system that was recently ranked as one of the 500 most powerful computers in the world. [CL]
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National Coordination Office for Information Technology Research and Development [.pdf]
http://www.hpcc.gov/
The National Coordination Office for Information Technology Research and Development has a tremendous amount of information and documents about various federal programs. Besides describing each program, there are resources that elaborate on specific research areas and their goals. The President's Information Technology Advisory Committee has many of its reports posted on the site. Also, the Publications section has several items listed, with the Supplement to the President's Budget for FY2002 being particularly noteworthy. It explains some research challenges and how they will be addressed. Congressional information, such as laws and testimonies, are also available. [CL]
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Advanced Multimedia Processing Lab [.pdf]
http://amp.ece.cmu.edu/
The Advanced Multimedia Processing (AMP) Lab is a part of the Electrical and Computer Engineering department at Carnegie Mellon University. Research areas within the lab include biometrics, database retrieval, and graphics and vision, to name a few. AMP's home page has detailed descriptions of the thirteen projects currently being conducted, and there are many journal papers, conference papers, and technical reports -- all free on the site. Some software used in the lab's research can also be downloaded; the face expression database might be particularly useful for people experimenting with face authentication techniques. [CL]
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Space Transportation: Marshall Space Flight Center
http://astp.msfc.nasa.gov/
NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center is the location of an ongoing initiative to make access to space easier and more affordable. The center conducts extensive space propulsion research; four focus areas include advanced chemical propulsion, plasma propulsion, high-powered electrical propulsion, and propellantless propulsion. There is also a lot of information about the Integrated Space Transportation System and the Space Launch Initiative, which mainly deal with reusable launch vehicles (RLV). The space shuttle is the first generation RLV; second and third generation RLVs aim to increase safety while dramatically lowering launch costs. [CL]
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Geometry and Topology: Volume 6 (2002) [.pdf, .ps]
http://www.maths.warwick.ac.uk/gt/gtcontents6.html
Geometry and Topology is a yearly journal published in association with the Mathematics Department of the University of Warwick. The latest volume was recently posted and can be downloaded from this Web site. Each section discusses current research into proofs and algorithms involving geometry and topology. Surface bundles, 3-manifolds, bounded cohomology, and mapping class groups are among the topics for this volume. All five earlier volumes are available from the main page, as well as some research monographs. [CL]
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Alternative Fuels Data Center [.pdf]
http://www.afdc.nrel.gov/
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory operates the Alternative Fuels Data Center, a Web site with vast amounts of information on alternative fuels and the vehicles that use them. A general table of fuel properties gives a quick comparison of gasoline to several alternatives, while sections devoted to eight different fuels go into much greater depth. There are several documents that examine new alternative fuel vehicles, including performance tests, fact sheets, statistics, and case studies. The site also has common questions and answers about converting a gasoline vehicle to one that uses alternative fuels. [CL]
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Trimble: All About GPS [Shockwave]
http://www.trimble.com/gps/
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a very popular and useful tool, whether you're navigating on a long hike or just driving through an unfamiliar town. A good tutorial that introduces the basics of the technology is found on the Web site of a leading GPS company, Trimble. It starts by describing the underlying concepts of GPS and how it compares to other positioning systems. Then, the principle of satellite triangulation is explained with as little technical jargon as possible. A large section of the tutorial covers differential GPS, a developing technology with profound implications. Lastly, some applications that use GPS are mentioned, and a glossary clarifies a few special terms. [CL]
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The Mathematical Atlas
http://www.math-atlas.org/
Originally started by Professor Dave Rusin of Northern Illinois University, the Mathematical Atlas is now a very large "collection of articles about aspects of mathematics at and above the university level, but (usually) not at the level of current research." The amount of material is immense; fortunately, there are multiple ways of browsing the site. Subjects are mainly geared toward modern mathematics, and there are currently 97 different areas covered. Each article gives a basic introduction to the subject, applications and related fields, and selected topics. There are also many references to resources, both books and online, that discuss the topic in greater detail. [CL]
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Steiner Surfaces
http://www.ipfw.edu/math/Coffman/steinersurface.html
Dr. Adam Coffman, a mathematics professor at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, is the author of an excellent overview of Steiner surfaces. The material presented on his Web site is certainly not for anyone, but will mainly be of interest to people with strong, advanced math skills. Coffman begins with some necessary background information and then discusses all the geometric types of Steiner surfaces. For each item, he shows the relevant equations and graphics. POV-Ray software was used to create the graphics (that can be obtained from a link on the site), and he includes his own POV code. There are also some Steiner surface animations and links to a few academic papers on the subject. [CL]
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Maths Online
http://www.univie.ac.at/future.media/moe/
Maths Online is a site operated at the University of Vienna in Austria. Its purpose is to provide an interactive multimedia learning environment for high school and college level mathematics students and teachers. Its main section is the Gallery. Here, users can choose from a large selection of over twenty topics; each one has Java applets or other activities that demonstrate the associated principles. Interactive tests are also given that cover areas such as sets, functions, limiting processes, differentiation, and integration. The material presented on this site can be downloaded for offline use. [CL]
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Elements of Abstract and Linear Algebra [.pdf, .dvi, .ps, .gz]
http://www.math.miami.edu/~ec/book/
Elements of Abstract and Linear Algebra is a new book written by Dr. Edwin Connell, a professor emeritus in the math department at the University of Miami. Published in December 2001, it can be obtained free of charge from this Web site. Dr. Connell even encourages printing and distributing the book as an inexpensive resource for college students. The text is divided into sections that can be downloaded separately or as a whole. There are many theorems, proofs, and exercises throughout the book that illustrate the underlying concepts. The book is offered in four formats; so, most computers should be able to view it with no problems. [CL]
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Cprogramming.com: Your Resource for C/C++
http://www.cprogramming.com/index.html
Cprogramming.com is an excellent site to visit if you are learning to program in the C or C++ languages. One of the best sections of the Web site is Programming Tutorials. This contains many lessons about regular C++ and graphics programming, discussions about the standard template library, and various programming articles. Some of the lessons include short quizzes to complement the presented material. Other sections of the Web site have source code examples, compiler information, and even a biweekly programming newsletter. All of the resources on the site are free; however, there are some advertisements. [CL]
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Engineering Magic [QuickTime, Flash, .pdf]
http://www.asme.org/education/precollege/magic/
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers offers a fascinating Web site that examines the engineering principles behind some common magic tricks. There are six educational modules given on the site, consisting of Disappearing Milk, Piercing a Balloon, Floating Dollar, Milk Pitcher, Playing Card, and Egg in a Bottle. Each one shows the "magic" as it is performed and then explains how it actually works. There are instructions and materials available to teach the user how to do each trick. Teachers interested in demonstrating the material in class can find lesson plans and handouts for all of the modules. [CL]
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Kids Design Network
http://www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org/kdn/
Offered by the DuPage Children's Museum, the Kids Design Network (KDN) is a free program that gives elementary school students an opportunity to solve real-life engineering problems. A quick registration is required, which should be done by a teacher or parent. The student(s) can then choose which of the six challenges is most intriguing. Once they pick a challenge, they can draw their design solution on the KDN drawing board (it will be saved in the account). If the student(s) need help, they can sign up to talk with a KDN engineer through online chat. After the design is finished, they gather materials and assemble the working product. This is a fun, educational way to pique children's interest in engineering and teach them valuable problem-solving skills. [CL]
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Anti-Piracy
http://www.spa.org/piracy/default.asp
A hot topic in the software industry is piracy, which means illegal copying or distribution of programs. Each year, billions of dollars are lost due to this problem. The Software and Information Industry Association (SIIA) has an excellent Web site about anti-piracy. A brief list of frequently asked questions addresses some general concerns, while the Copyright and Related Issues section gives much more specific information. Anti-piracy policies and initiatives are also discussed, including recommended practices for universities and corporate users. Confidential piracy report forms are available on the SIIA site for anyone willing to help with anti-piracy efforts. [CL]
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Voice Browser Activity
http://www.w3.org/Voice/
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) plays an important role in the development of the Web by creating standards and protocols for universal use and interoperability. The W3C Voice Browser working group is developing revolutionary markup languages similar to HTML that, instead of focusing on a visual interface, will cover "dialog, speech synthesis, speech recognition, call control and other aspects of interactive voice response applications." New specifications, such as VoiceXML and Call Control XML, are thoroughly covered on the group's site. Updates and news items about the work are posted often. With so much information, the site is somewhat cluttered, but is still relatively easy to navigate. This site is also reviewed in the April 12, 2002 Scout Report. [CL]
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The Burr Puzzles Site
http://www.research.ibm.com/BurrPuzzles/
IBM Research hosts this site about burr puzzles. Simply put, a burr is "an interlocking geometrical puzzle with a high degree of external symmetry which is composed of notched, connected, rods." For beginners, the Web site offers a section with background information, including history, definitions, three and six piece burrs, and a bibliography. In the Explore section, users can see Java applets that show solutions of some precalculated burrs. The last section lets users calculate their own original burrs with the same Java applet. Illustrated instructions for operating the applet are also given. Anyone with a puzzle hobby will likely find this a very interesting and informative site. [CL]
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The Calculator Reference
http://www.vcalc.net/
If you remember the days when calculators were as big as today's laptops, then you'll definitely feel nostalgic when you visit the Calculator Reference. Operated by an avid collector of vintage calculators, the site covers Texas Instruments and Hewlett-Packard brands, as well as the pioneering Curta. Several other models are included in the Desktop Calculators section. Even some interesting trivia is given on the site, like why calculator key pads are numbered in a different order than telephone key pads. There are many links to other sites and articles related to classic calculator technology. [CL]
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NOVA Online: Why the Towers Fell [Flash]
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/wtc/
Why the Towers Fell is a special episode of NOVA scheduled for broadcast on PBS on April 30, 2002. This online material complements the television program by assessing the exact cause of the disaster from an engineer's standpoint. One section of the Web site is an interview with a materials engineering professor from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In the dialog, he describes the most probable reasons for the towers' collapse and some building safety improvements that can be made in the future. There are two multimedia features on the site: one explores the structure of metal while the other looks at firefighter equipment. A particularly moving account of the Trade Center collapse comprises another section, from one of only four people who escaped from above the floors where either plane hit. [CL]
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Material Selection and Processing
http://www-materials.eng.cam.ac.uk/mpsite/
The University of Cambridge Department of Engineering operates a very informative site on material selection and processing. Its purpose is "to aid good practice in the selection of materials for product design." Of the many features offered on the site, a particularly valuable section is the Process Encyclopedia. This has a long list of manufacturing processes with detailed descriptions and illustrations. Extensive information about common materials and properties are also given. Interactive material selection charts show the relationship between various physical parameters. Product analysis case studies, tutorials, and many more items make this a very comprehensive resource. [CL]
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Vision Engineer
http://www.visionengineer.com/vision/main.shtml
Vision Engineer is a great resource for students who want to learn more about the engineering profession and its practical applications. The site has many articles that span nearly every engineering discipline, and there are new features added on a regular basis. Topics such as robotics, supersonic flight, and audio compression are covered without much technical jargon, and visitors to the site can share their thoughts on these subjects through a discussion forum. Besides the articles, there are also reference materials that include engineering constants, equations, material information, and a resistor color code. [CL]
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National Cryptologic Museum
http://www.nsa.gov/museum/index.html
The National Cryptologic Museum, operated by the National Security Agency (NSA), highlights many historically significant events, devices, and people in the world of cryptology. This Web site gives brief descriptions of many exhibits showcased at the museum. Some of the most intriguing exhibits include the Civil War, the "Big" Machines, the Codetalkers, the VENONA Project, and the Hall of Honor. There is also a good deal of information about cryptology used to enforce (and violate) prohibition, otherwise known as the Rum War. Aside from the exhibits section, a separate area devoted to NSA's cryptologic history has several interesting features. These range in topic from how slaves escaped to freedom in the mid-1800's to archives from the Cuban Missile Crisis. [CL]
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Quantum Computers
1. Liquid Logic
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/9.09/quantum_pr.html
2. Centre for Quantum Computation
http://www.qubit.org/
3. Magiq Technologies
http://www.magiqtech.com/
4. Quantum Logic and Coherent Control
http://www.bldrdoc.gov/timefreq/ion/qucomp/intro.htm
5. IQI: Institute for Quantum Information [.pdf, .ps]
http://www.iqi.caltech.edu/
6. QuCalc
http://crypto.cs.mcgill.ca/QuCalc/en/
7. Quantum Leap: Seize the Light
http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,49448,00.html
8. Researchers Demo Secure Storage of Quantum Data
http://www.eetimes.com/printableArticle?doc_id=OEG20020401S0032
Moore's Law is a famous rule of thumb that says transistor density, and hence microprocessor performance, doubles approximately every eighteen months. While this trend has stood the test of time, many experts believe it will eventually grind to a halt when physical limitations prevent further miniaturization. Although this will likely not happen for twenty years or more, researchers are already looking at a potential solution.
The concept of quantum computing has been around since the 1970's, but the science is still in its infancy. To learn about its profound implications, Liquid Logic (1) is a solid article with some remarkable insights into the technology. One of the most comprehensive sources on the Web is at the Centre for Quantum Computation (2) (last mentioned in the June 24, 1998 Scout Report). This has lots of introductory materials and tutorials that explain many of the basic concepts of quantum computing. The Centre's research efforts are also detailed on the site. Another good site for people new to the subject is the home page of Magiq Technologies (3). A very informative section about quantum information processing looks at some of the history of its development and its applications for the future. The company addresses some key issues in the frequently asked questions section, such as why research in this area could be so important. The Quantum Logic and Coherent Control Project Web site (4) presents extensive advanced theory about several experiments conducted with an rf (Paul) ion trap. The discussions are replete with equations and graphs, probably most suited for post graduate research. The Institute for Quantum Information (5) offers over 30 of its publications online, most of which are very recent. Because it is located at the California Institute of Technology, there are links to course home pages with lecture notes and solutions to problems. Users of the popular Mathematica software can add a powerful library of quantum computation functions with the free QuCalc package (6). The download site has documentation for the software and a few examples that include Mathematica code. Quantum Leap: Seize the Light (7) is an insightful article that discusses two recently published papers that address two promising methods of harnessing qubits (the fundamental unit of storage for quantum computation). This is necessary for the advancement of the technology, because the current methods are quite limited. EE Times hosts another article (8) about one of the newest breakthroughs in quantum information processing. Researchers at Harvard University have successfully transferred quantum information from a laser beam into and out of the spin state of rubidium atoms. The article considers the accomplishment and looks at what the group is planning next. [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.
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From The NSDL Scout Report for Math, Engineering, & Technology, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2002. http://scout.cs.wisc.edu/
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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.
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