Engineering is a mysterious field to many people, but as an engineer, you may think that you know a lot about the industry in which you work. However, we bet there are a few surprising facts about this industry that you don’t know! Austin Nichols is here to share ten facts about engineering that you probably don’t know.
1. Snowboards
Engineers have developed all kinds of fun and unique products throughout the years, but did you know that engineers are responsible for the creation of snowboards? Serman Poppen created the snowboard as a toy for his daughter. The first “snowboard” was two skis tied together with a rope at one end. The prototype eventually morphed into the modern snowboard. The invention of the snowboard has even led to advancements in ski manufacturing to allow for better turning in that sport.
2. Thomas Edison
Thomas Edison currently holds the records for the most U.S. patents. In fact, he received 1,093 U.S. patents over the course of his life and 2,332 worldwide. Some of his most prominent patents include the electrographic vote-recorder, printing telegraphs, type-writing machines, and electric lights.
3. Water Slides
The slippery part of the water slide was designed by a civil engineer. The engineer created the pumping system that circulates just the right amount of water to the flume. Civil engineers are also responsible for these rides being able to withstand the weight of the water and the people on it, in addition to the wind that might be blowing in the area.
4. Ferris Wheels
Ferris wheels are incredibly complicated rides. In fact, they are considered to be one of the greatest wonders of engineering. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania engineer George W. Ferris created the first Ferris wheel in 1893. The original Ferris wheel was supported by two 140-foot steel towers that were connected by a 45-foot axle, making it the largest single piece of forged steel ever at the time.
5. Theme Parks
Theme parks wouldn’t be possible without engineers. Not only do engineers design rides, but they also have a hand in designing the layout of the park, lighting, building, and crowd flow in theme parks all over the world. In fact, roller coasters are built and designed by people who are highly specialized to design roller coasters. Engineers are also looking into the future to see what kinds of rides and activities could be placed into theme parks in the future.
6. Virtual Reality
We would have virtual reality (VR) technology without engineers. Using computer simulation and visualization, engineers found a way to create all kinds of virtual reality experiences that have started making their way into public use.
7. Animation
A lot of the animation and special effects in some of our favorite movies wouldn’t be possible without the help of engineers. Working with animators, engineers have provided special effects for movies like “Jurassic Park” and “Interview with the Vampire.” Using advanced technology, images can be digitally mastered to look more realistic on the screen.
8. Diamonds
Engineers discovered that diamonds couldn’t be dissolved in acid. Instead, they discovered that diamonds could only be destroyed by intense heat.
9. Big Brutus
Big Brutus is the second largest electric shovel in the world; it was created in 1963 and took more than one year to build. At 160 feet tall, Big Brutus took more than 150 railroad cars to get built. This massive shovel operates with 15,000 horsepower. In 1974, Big Brutus was shut down because the cost of operation was twice the value of the coal it dug up.
10. Panama Canal
The Panama Canal links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans to allow for easier trade access between continents. However, the building of the canal is one of the most challenging engineering tasks ever completed. Construction began in 1881 with France but was stopped due to engineering problems and worker deaths. In 1904, the United States restarted the project, and the canal officially opened in August of 1914. It is believed that more than 25,000 died during the construction of the canal. The canal is 51 miles long and greatly reduces the travel time for ships passing between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
If you are an engineer looking for a job, Austin Nichols is a technical recruiting firm in the Kansas City Metro area with access to hundreds of employers and jobs. Speak to one of our expert recruiters today at 816-471-5575. We would be happy to help you find job openings that you are interested in. Our staff can also aid you in creating a quality resume and reaching out to potential employers.
