Equations of Motion: Adventure, Risk and Innovation

by William F. Milliken

From his teens to his 90s, William F. “Bill” Milliken has played a pioneering role in the key technical achievements of the American Century — the development of airplanes and automobiles for maximum stability and control.Inspired as a teenager by Lindbergh’s epic flight, Milliken designed, built and flew his own airplane by age 22. Graduating from MIT, he entered an aircraft industry gearing up for war. A daring airman himself, Milliken worked at great personal risk to push the B-17 bomber’s operating ceiling above the flak, and to prove the B-29 airworthy. After the war, at the Cornell Aeronautical Laboratories (CAL), Milliken spearheaded a fundamental change in how aircraft are designed.Ever ready for adventure, automobile racing became Milliken’s major hobby. As a guiding force of the infant Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), competition led Milliken to recognize the applicability of his aeronautical research to the automobile’s safety and performance. The new discipline of vehicle dynamics — Milliken’s second fundamental contribution to human transportation — has earned him the highest engineering honors. At 95, major auto racing teams still seek his consultation. His technical texts are required reading for today’s automotive engineers and students.The sign for Milliken’s Corner along the old Watkins Glen Grand Prix course alerts drivers to slow down, but even today, Bill steps on it. The only thing he is certain will happen is that he’ll learn something.

Genres: History

683 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Angie R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm an English major geek who read this for fun! That may say something about me, but the point is that it says something about the book. I learned so much and had so much fun reading that I ended up striking up an email conversation with the author, who, surprise surprise, shared my favorite pedagogical theorist! I treasure this book and its author for the learning brought to life within the pages.

[Daryn Huang · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating book detailing some of the most important aspects and developments in Bill Milliken's life. A bit of a long read compared to most books, infused with some technical bits for those coming from an aerospace and automotive background.