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The Wayback Machine - https://web.archive.org/web/20081004222415/http://science.howstuffworks.com:80/engineering-channel.htm

what's inside: engineering

Engineering is the discipline of design and construction of mechanical devices, equipment, structures and public works systems. Topics include aircraft technologies, buildings, bridges, robotics and heavy machinery.

Aviation

Aviation

Aviation engineering is the science of making planes and other airborne machines. Learn about topics from hypersonic planes to hot air balloons and explore the future of travel, including personal air vehicles. See more »

Explore These Categories:

Buildings & Structures

Buildings & Structures

Engineers, architects, scientists and others are always striving for better, stronger buildings and structures. Learn more about subjects like skyscrapers, intelligent highways and floating cities. See more »

Devices

Devices

Ever wondered how that thing works? Explore the inner workings of many common devices and inventions, as well as those that aren't so common, such as compasses, gyroscopes and bug zappers. See more »

Internal Combustion

Internal Combustion

Have you ever wondered how an engine or generator works? Explore various engine and generator systems in this section. See more »

Materials Science

Materials Science

Explore how the use of natural and manmade materials further technology. Read articles on subjects such as nanotechnology, iron steel and reverse osmosis. See more »

Robotics

Robotics

Robotics is the science of creating artificial intelligence. From the simplest of automated machines to the most complex “real” transformers, robots are more ubiquitious than you might imagine. See more »

Transportation Infrastructure

Transportation Infrastructure

As populations swell, the movement of people and goods from one locale to another can have major impact on economics. Learn about roads, bridges and highway systems and the technology behind them. See more »

featured articles

FPO

What if I were on a roller coaster and the safety harness broke?

Roller coasters are getting bigger and bigger, and scarier and scarier. What would happen to you if your safety harness broke on one of these giant, speedy rides? Maybe nothing.

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FPO

How Hypersonic Planes Work

Higher, farther, faster: NASA's X-43A plane is destined to set new speed records. What sets the X-43A apart from other rocket-powered aircraft is that it is powered by a scramjet engine. Learn all about it.

FPO

How Personal Air Vehicles Work

Move over Orville and Wilbur, there�s a new flying machine in town! And this time it�s made for personal use. Imagine a flying version of the Segway and you�re on the right track . . . Check out the Springtail EFV-4B, not yet available but perhaps just around the corner . . .