Chuck Raskin, P.E., is R&D Manager and Principle R&D Engineer for Elk River, Minn.-based Dynetic Systems.
How did you get into engineering or fluid power specifically?
I started out when I was about 11-years old. I was interested in how things worked and my parents supported me. A friend of my folks was a Master Plumber in N.Y. and taught me how to read blueprints when I was about 12. It just went on from there.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing engineers today?
A lack of instructor knowledge. I do not mean to imply that the teachers and professors are not smart, they are . . . but it takes more than ‘book’ knowledge to teach and make students understand and get excited about the subject they are teaching.
What is the biggest misconception about fluid power?
That it is easy to engineer, sense and control fluids and gases. We are currently in the process of developing a unit to run from -60C to +125C without a uP, which takes an understanding of control theory as well as fluid dynamics. That is what is missing . . . a bigger picture than just plumbing fluids or gases through pipes.
What do you think has been the biggest development in fluid power technology over the past five years?
The mechanics, sensory devices and control capability.
Do you think engineers get enough respect in today’s world?
Respect is earned, not deserved . . .
Would you encourage your kids or grandkids to pursue an engineering career?
Only in systems engineering and problem solving which is what I do . . .
If you could no longer be an engineer, what other career path would you follow?
Teach engineering from a systems perspective
What is the coolest project you’ve ever worked on in your career?
There were actually several: High speed date coder, high speed tape applicator for 3M in a paper mill, moon rover, bombsight for the F105 jet during the Vietnam War.
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