How Round Is Your Circle?: Where Engineering and Mathematics Meet

John Bryant and Chris Sangwin

In a surprising turn of events, my journey into the world of mechanical engineering took me to a place I never imagined. Working on innovative automotive pushrods brought me face-to-face with the complexities of geometry and the importance of precision in design. Little did I know, measuring roundness and concentricity can be extremely challenging without sacrificing the pushrods themselves!

While “How Round Is Your Circle?: Where Engineering and Mathematics Meet” may not directly address this dilemma, it certainly delves into intriguing related questions. How does one draw a straight line? How can you verify the roundness of a circle? Surprisingly, these seemingly trivial problems play a vital role in engineering design. In How Round Is Your Circle, the authors aim to show mathematicians the significance of practical engineering problems and how small changes can have a big impact.

The authors’ fascination with analog scientific instruments is evident throughout the book. They include a range of physical models and provide instructions on how to make and use them. From hatchet planimeters crafted from coat hangers and washers to ingenious linkages, these models offer a hands-on exploration of mathematical concepts.

While How Round Is Your Circle? lacks a cohesive storyline, it is a treasure trove of captivating content for those who share the authors’ passion. It covers geometry, trigonometry, and elementary calculus, offering valuable examples and applications that can be applied in educational settings. However, it falls short of truly exploring the vast intersection of engineering and mathematics.

In “How Round Is Your Circle?“, the authors offer a glimpse into an intriguing world where precision and innovative thinking collide. While it may not fully live up to its title, it certainly sparks curiosity and offers a thought-provoking exploration of the meeting point between two fascinating fields.