Marks Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers by Eugene A. Avallone

PREFACE

On the event of the publication of the tenth version of Marks’ Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers, we be aware that that is additionally the eightieth anniversary of the publication of the primary version. The Editors and writer proffer this transient dedication to all those that have been instrumental within the realization of the targets set forth by Lionel S. Marks within the preface to the primary version. First, we honor the reminiscence of the deceased Editors, Lionel S. Marks and Theodore Baumeister.

Lionel S. Marks’ idea of a Mechanical Engineers’ Handbook got here to fruition with the publication of the primary version in 1916; Theodore Baumeister adopted as Editor with the publication of the sixth version in 1958. Second, we’re indebted to previous and current contributors, who so willingly mined their experience to collect materials for inclusion within the Handbook, thereby sharing it with others, far and broad.

Third, we acknowledge our broad circle of readers—engineers and others—who’ve used the Handbook within the conduct of their work and, infrequently, have offered cogent commentary, ideas, and expressions of loyalty. Within the preparation of the tenth version of ‘‘Marks,’’ the Editors had two main persevering with targets. First, to modernize and replace the contents as required, and second, to carry to the excessive commonplace maintained for eighty years by the earlier Editors, Lionel S. Marks and Theodore Baumeister.

The Editors have discovered it instructive to leaf via Marks’ Handbook’s primary version and peruse its contents. Some subjects nonetheless have forex as we method the tip of the 20 th century; others are of historic curiosity solely. Definitely, the passage of 80 years because the publication of the primary version sends a transparent message that ‘‘issues change’’! The alternative of the U.S. Customary System (USCS) of models by the Worldwide System (SI) continues to be removed from full, and proceeds at completely different charges not solely within the engineering professions, but in addition in our society typically.

Accordingly, duality of models has been retained, as applicable. Established apply mixed with new ideas and developments are the underpinnings of our career. Among the many most important and far-reaching modifications are the incorporation of microprocessors into many instruments and units, each new and previous. An ever-increasing variety of manufacturing processes are automated, with robots performing boring or harmful jobs. Workstations consisting of private computer systems and a choice of software program seemingly with out limits are virtually common.

Not solely does the engineer have highly effective computational and analytical instruments at hand, but in addition those self same instruments have been utilized in various areas which seem to don’t have any bounds. A contemporary enterprise or manufacturing entity with no keyboard and a display is an anomaly. The Editors are cognizant of the competing necessities to supply the person a broad spectrum of data that has been the hallmark of the Marks’ Handbook since its inception, and but to maintain the dimensions of the one quantity inside motive.