ABSTRACT
Over the past three decades, there has been a tremendous increase in the use of computers for engineering problems. This increase has been mainly due to the growing need to optimize systems and processes in order to raise productivity and reduce costs. With increasing worldwide competition, it has become necessary to modernize existing engineering facilities and develop new ones through analysis and design. Consequently, we have seen a considerable improvement in engineering systems, particularly those related to electronic circuitry, materials processing, biotechnology, transportation, and energy generation. The concern with safety, including homeland security, and with our environment has also led to detailed investigations of existing engineering processes and to substantial improvements in many of these to reduce the impact on our environment and to make their use safer.
