On Fri, 16 Dec 2005 22:39:00 GMT, "John R. Carroll"
wrote:

You will also learn a
lot about how a machine tool works structurally.

There are books on machine design too.
Engineering textbooks as well.
A branch of Physics called Mechanics applies (hi, BB g)
(Suggest at least three terms of Calculus first.)

Analog computers used to be used for "solving" some classes
of such (practical applied) problems. I wonder if they still are.
--
Cliff