Wind and water -- two essential elements ship designers think about when creating the blueprint for a new vessel.
Mechanical engineer Susan Brewton considers these factors -- and others -- every day at NAVSEA Carderock in Bethesda, Md., as she helps design ships for the U.S. Navy. Using sophisticated computer programs, Brewton analyzes the physics of how fluids interact with the surfaces of a potential new cruiser, aircraft carrier, or submarine, always seeking the best performance and highest efficiency.
Brewton finds this responsibility challenging -- and fun. "In high school and middle school I was always very interested in science," she says. She eventually decided upon the field that would make her happy 24 hours a day -- "and it's the science."