Robert Willis and Franz Reuleaux: pioneers in the theory of machines

In this paper, the contributions of two pioneers of kinematics and machine design, Robert Willis FRS (1800-75) of Cambridge University, and Franz Reuleaux (1829-1905) of the Royal Technical University of Berlin, are compared. The process of designing complex machines using mathematical, science-base...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Notes and records of the Royal Society of London 2003-05, Vol.57 (2), p.209-230
Main Author: Moon, F.C
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Contrapuntal motion
Design engineering
Engineering education
Fracture mechanics
Franz Reuleaux
Kinematics
Kinetic theory
Machinery
Machines
Mechanical engineering
Natural satellites
Robert Willis
Teaching models
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Summary:In this paper, the contributions of two pioneers of kinematics and machine design, Robert Willis FRS (1800-75) of Cambridge University, and Franz Reuleaux (1829-1905) of the Royal Technical University of Berlin, are compared. The process of designing complex machines using mathematical, science-based methods is one of the important achievements of the late industrial age and was advanced by Willis and Reuleaux. These new 'engineer-scientists' broke with the workshop tradition of machine construction, incorporating mathematics, new engineering pedagogy, codification of machine practice and scientific principles into machine design that influenced generations of engineers well into the twentieth century.
ISSN:0035-9149
1743-0178
DOI:10.1098/rsnr.2003.0207