Final answer:
CASE tools are practical applications that make use of theoretical foundations to tackle real-world engineering problems. They aid in designing, analyzing, and managing complex systems and are exemplified by software used in diverse fields such as aerospace and automotive industries.
Step-by-step explanation:
Is a CASE (computer-aided software engineering) tool theoretical? A CASE tool, used in computer-aided software engineering, is not purely theoretical but a practical application used by engineers and developers to design, analyze, and manage complex software and systems. While these tools do make use of theoretical foundations, such as algorithms and computation theories, their function is to provide a practical way of applying these theories to real-world problems.
The development of the computer has had a significant impact on engineering, improving efficiency and accuracy in design and analysis. Computer-aided design (CAD) and computer simulators are concrete examples of how computers assist in managing the complexity of modern engineering tasks, from circuit design to structural analysis. NASA's use of software like NASTRAN for stress, vibration, and acoustical analysis demonstrates the real-world applications of these engineering tools.