Engineering phenomena are cause-and-effect processes. For example, an electromotive force E causes an electric current I. A temperature difference DT causes a heat flux q. A stress s causes a strain e.
In conventional engineering, contrived parameters are created by dividing the cause-and- effect parameters. For example, electrical resistance R is contrived by dividing E by I; heat transfer coefficient h is contrived by dividing q by DT.
Contrived parameters such as R and h complicate the solution of problems by making it necessary to solve problems with the variables combined. If the relationship between cause-and-effect parameters is proportional, contrived parameters such as R and h do not greatly complicate the solution of problems. But if the relationship between cause-and-effect parameters is nonlinear, contrived parameters such as R and h greatly complicate the solution of problems.
Note that if R is used in the solution of a problem, the problem must be solved with E and I combined because E and I are combined in R, the symbol for E/I. Similarly, if h is used in the solution of a problem, the problem must be solved with q and DT combined because q and DT are combined in h, the symbol for q/DT.
In summary, the new engineering is conceptually simpler than conventional engineering because fewer parameters are used. The new engineering is mathematically simpler because abandoning the contrived parameters makes it possible to solve problems with the variables separated.
The New Engineering presents the new engineering science, and demonstrates its application to the solution of proportional and nonlinear problems that concern electricity, heat transfer, strength of materials, and fluid flow.