[lloeki]

> this prof's ideas about engineering mechanical systems revolved around restricting the degrees of freedom as much as possible. A three legged table cannot wobble, but a four legged table can and usually does because it is overdetermined. In mechanical systems (for instance sensitive optical mechanics) reducing "wobble" is key. And the best way to reduce wobble is to make sure it cannot occur.

This is how I was taught mechanical engineering (France, 2000-2005) and not a Dutch in sight.

[kieckerjan]

Fair enough. But I am talking about 50 years ago or so.

[lloeki]

Ah. I was looking for a time reference but the only one I could find was that Philips thing, which I failed to relate to a specific time period through a cursory search.