Engineering questions!!!?

Question

1. Which engineering feat of the twentieth century do you feel was the most significant and what were some of the underlying principles that finally made it possible?

2. Which areas of current research do you think are going to have the greatest impact in the next en years and how will that research affect current problems?

Answer 1

One engineering feat?  Being a civil guy, I nominate the Interstate Highway System.

Significant principles include the advancements in structural mechanics, materials science and pavement designs.  Plus the magnitude of the project and the speed that is was constructed were truly historic.

I see much promise in nanotechnology, especially in the medical arena.

Answer 2

a) The mobile communication - eg the handphone - has the biggest impact.

b) Nanotechnology.

Answer 3

1)  Man On The Moon.  Advances: Computer Control. Rocket Engine Technology.

2) Electric Cars.  Medical Self Diagnosis & Symptoms Analysis.  

Answer 4

1. Development of computers, nothing else is even close when looking at affect on society.

2. Hopefully alternative energy sources, however that may take more like 20 to 30 years.