Type of Document	Master's Thesis
Author	Hu, Minghui
URN	etd-06082009-170731
Title	Maintaining NASTRAN :the politics and technics of aerospace computing
Degree	Master of Science
Department	Science and Technology Studies
Advisory Committee	Advisor Name Title Downey, Gary L. Committee Chair Burian, Richard M. Committee Member Ceruzzi, Paul E. Committee Member Fuhrman, Ellsworth R. Committee Member
Keywords	computer programs
Date of Defense	1995-02-05
Availability	restricted
Abstract This thesis describes a process of how NASA maintained the NASTRAN (NASA Structural Analysis) computer program. Chapter one addresses my theoretical concern and suggests to learn from both critical theorists and social constructivists. Chapters Two and Three tell the story of NASA and NASTRAN, a computer program developed by NASA for solving problems of airframes and space structures. The story of NASA and NASTRAN demonstrates a structural imbalance between social groups of NASTRAN and results in the revision of NASTRAN in favor of aerospace users. Chapter Four recounts Feynman's concerns regarding the conflicts between managerial and engineering expertise. I discuss these issues in light of the story of NASA and NASTRAN.
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