Engineering

Engineering

Introduction to Mechatronic Systems

Published in Bogdan M. Wilamowski, J. David Irwin, Control and Mechatronics, 2018

Electrical and electronic engineering is the field of engineering that deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. The field first became an identifiable occupation in the late nineteenth century after commercialization of the electric telegraph and electrical power supply. It now covers an extensive range of areas including power, electronics, control systems, signal processing, smart sensors, and telecommunications.

Maintenance and Repair Work

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Journal Information

Published in Engineering Studies, 2019

Dominique Vinck

The last chapter of this section presents Christophe Lejeune’s participant observation study, ‘Interruptions, Lunch Talks, and Support Circles: An Ethnography of Collective Repair in Steam Locomotive Restoration’, of a network of steam engine restoration enthusiasts. It examines the living and extensive nature of the social network involved in deliberations on the causes of failures and mutual assistance in devising solutions. Remote specialists, working in firms, also involve themselves to support these passionate fans of old machines. Steam engines are, however, not an exception; preserving and keeping alive old computers, software, video games, cars, and other machines also occupy technologists. They present interesting challenges for engineering regarding maintaining functional technologies while materials, components, and infrastructures are constantly evolving. Thus, the notion of inquiry would reveal an interesting variety of activities regarding such different extensive sociotechnical assemblages.

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Maintenance and Repair Work