Choice Review

Falk discusses a wide variety of microcomputer software programs for mechanical engineers. He covers different software in specific areas of the mechanical engineering field, including heat transfer, gear design, finite element analysis, simulation, statistics, drafting, and equation solving. Detailed reviews of each software are included. Some of Falk's reviews discuss methods of data handling, software limitations, and some convenient features of programs. For each software program, he gives price, required hardware, and address for purchase. This book is intended not only for mechanical engineers, but for any engineer who is considering adopting microcomputers in his/her office. It should be noted that most of the software programs discussed will become outdated in the future, but overall the book contains a wealth of interesting facts and information and is recommended for the libraries of all engineering schools.-S.N. Amirkhanian, Clemson University