Automobile Quarterly - Fourth Quarter 2006

Review of Equations of Motion from Automobile Quarterly - Fourth Quarter 2006

Equations of Motion" Adventure, Risk and Innovation

By William F. Milliken

Tagged as Bill Milliken"s "engineering autobiography," one initially suspects this book, exceeding 650 pages, would read as a technical treatise on vehicular dynamics and the science of speed. But readers will find a comforting surprise in the easily digestible, personal approach that Milliken takes - it"s a true autobiography, engineering prowess notwithstanding.

Aeronautic and automotive pioneer Milliken, now well into his 90s, practically invented the science of automobile handling. His work has made cars safer, more efficient, and most importantly from his perspective, a lot more fun. His automotive innovations have earned him the highest engineering honors, and his technical books are required reading for automotive engineers and students. But what really makes Milliken"s life special is his lifelong adventure of making rollicking play of challenging work. After MIT, Milliken helped perfect some of World War II"s most memorable combat aircraft. At the Cornell Aeronautical Laboratories research hotbed, he spearheaded a new methodology that fundamentally changed how aircraft are designed.

Milliken"s hobbies have been his inspiration: The solo, open-cockpit flights from Seattle to Maine, and the 100-plus postwar sports car races. The math: Two upside-down airplanes plus two upside-down race cars times always giving your all equals unparalleled understanding of how vehicles move, and how to make them do it better.

"Equations of Motion" is an engaging portrayal of doing one"s best, following one"s dreams and taking the adventurous route to solving real challenges.

Review of Equations of Motion from Automobile Quarterly - Fourth Quarter 2006