All the elements come together

Mechanical Engineering Systems is an excellent addition to the Institution of Incorporated Engineers textbook series, which is aimed primarily at students with no background in engineering.

The sections on thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, dynamics and statics are in essence stand-alone and can be tackled in any order. But an introductory chapter notes that a typical practical engineering problem may require elements from all the sections. The best solutions come from an integrated approach.

Each chapter contains many fully worked real-world examples, case studies and student activities. Readers are not assumed to have any more than a basic knowledge of mathematics. Any necessary procedures are introduced in context, through side notes and "maths in action" features. The summary sections at the start of each chapter are useful, as are the clearly stated lists of objectives.

With their lively text, the authors have striven to arouse an enthusiasm for sound analysis and design based on an understanding of basic engineering concepts and principles.

David Reid is senior lecturer in civil engineering, Napier University.