Almost the Real Thing: Simulation in Your High-Tech World

The real thing is too expensive, dangerous, or speculative? Simulate it--as the Wright brothers did when they tested airfoil shapes in a small wind tunnel. From the early 20's, many pilots first ``flew'' in a Link trainer solidly linked to the earth; NASA uses both a swimming pool and a cargo plane at the top of a steep climb to simulate weightlessness. The newest and most exciting (or frightening) simulations use computers to re-create reality-- or to create one that never was. With helmets, gloves, earphones, and several million dollars' worth of computer hardware and software, you can be or do almost anything. Cyberpunks, here we come! The first simulation may or may not have been cave paintings that led prehistoric people into the spirit world (as the author suggests at the end), but simulations abound today. Skurzynski provides a solid review of their history, requirements, and potential for the future. Several dozen attractive, well- captioned color photos from NASA, aerospace vendors, computer manufacturers, etc. provide an excellent supplement to the text. Glossary, index. (Nonfiction. 10+) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Grade 5-8-- From weightlessness to molecular structures to computer animation, this book describes how engineers and scientists simulate real and fanciful events. It's a wonderful concept, covered with clarity and intelligence. For instance, the section on wind tunnels includes a history of the subject, a discussion of current facilities and their limitations, and examples of how wind tunnels can also be used for studying pollution and improving sports equipment. Other topics include astronaut and pilot training, crash and earthquake testing, and computer modeling. High-quality, full-color photographs and computer-generated graphics illustrate the six chapters. An excellent and lively book on an offbeat topic. --Alan Newman, American Chemical Society, Washington, DC
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.