What is Engineering: Definition and 996 Discussions

Engineering is the use of scientific principles to design and build machines, structures, and other items, including bridges, tunnels, roads, vehicles, and buildings. The discipline of engineering encompasses a broad range of more specialized fields of engineering, each with a more specific emphasis on particular areas of applied mathematics, applied science, and types of application. See glossary of engineering.
The term engineering is derived from the Latin ingenium, meaning "cleverness" and ingeniare, meaning "to contrive, devise".

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  1. J

    Schools University of Zurich Nuclear Engineering

    Hi guys. I am a mechanical engineering student working on finishing my junior year. I have always been interested in nuclear engineering (and slightly regret not doing my undergrad in it) and am looking to obtain a master's in it and go work. I am in the U.S. so there are plenty of really good...
  2. G

    1st, 2nd and mass moment of inertia

    I know most of the formula's but I'm trying to get a conceptual understanding of everything and finding it very hard to get concise information about everything all in one place especially when there are so many names for the same thing. Most resources just rehash the formulas without explaining...
  3. J

    Programs Prospects for Mech/Aero Engineering

    Hello! I'm here today to gather feedback from people in the engineering world and the like asking your opinion on the academic strengths and general mindset needed to not only complete an engineering curriculum but to be successful in the field once graduated. I have been interested in the...
  4. P

    Schools Technical drawing and aerospace engineering?

    I have to choose what to do at the university and I'm considering aerospace engineering, the problem is that I totally hate technical drawing, I can't help it, I don't want to do it, I am currently doing it here at high school and it's like hell, how much technical drawing is there in aerospace...
  5. Z

    Programs Which engineering/science uses this the most?

    So I am currently a very indecisive mechanical engineering student, who can't figure out what to major in. I have found out that I am much more interested in solving problems that deal with a lot of equations, substitution, and differential equations than I am solving statics problems. I like...
  6. terryds

    Studying A good site to download free engineering journals?

    I'd really like to read free journals about tech/engineering, how it works etc. Please recommend one if you know.
  7. Junaid Shahid

    Studying What to do After a BS in Software Engineering?

    I have done Software Engineering and want to study more, but confused what to do next? can you suggest me?
  8. Z

    Programs Mechanical Engineering or CS Degree

    So I was talking to one of my friends who is a huge programmer, and he said that you don't even need a computer science degree to work in software. He said that companies would rather teach a mechanical engineer how to program, than a computer science grad how to problem solve, and that out of...
  9. M

    Courses Studying a nuclear engineering topic without a teacher?

    Hi, is it hard to study Neutron diffusion / nuclear theory from Introduction og nuclear engineering Lamarsh without a teacher ? , noticing that I will be taking Nuclear theory course on the next semester.
  10. Lucas Martins

    Basic mechanical engineering learning

    Where can I learn some basic mechanical engineering, I am thinking of applying for a course on ME and I wanted to know what I am getting into, is there a online course that you guys recommend?. I have a some physics knowledge with basic dynamics but nothing differential. and maths up to basic...
  11. CivilSigma

    Programs Structural/Geotechnical or Water Resource Specialization (Civil Engineering)

    Hello, May I ask any civil engineers on this forum for their input of pros/cons of specializing in structural / water resources engineering? I am having a hard time choosing between the two because I really enjoy both subject. I enjoy both topics and I am afraid that if I choose one over the...
  12. D

    Engineering Career path for particle accelerator engineering?

    I'm currently in year 12 (studying IB with hl physics, maths and chemistry) in the UK and am starting to look at uni courses. For a few years now I have been absolutely fascinated by the particle physics/quantum side of physics. At the movement I would love to work in research in this sort of...
  13. Rabu001

    Courses Particle physics vs engineering (advice is much appreciated)

    Hello there, I have always loved physics and wanted to get a degree in physics, particularly particle physics. But my father told me that if i have a physics degree i won't be able to get a job easily so i should pick an engineering course instead. i looked through engineering types but i...
  14. C

    Help: Physics vs Engineering Physics vs EE / ME

    I'm a final year high school student trying to figure out what he wants to study in university. I have decided on an applied math double major with one of the above. My dilemma is between deciding to purse the passion I have for theoretical/ pure physics or an applied science as I would really...
  15. newjerseyrunner

    Reverse engineering an install on windows

    Hello, I'm in sort of a strange predicament. I need to figure out how to install a bunch of software that we don't have install programs for. They did at one time, but I think they've been lost by the employee before me or even before that. Luckily though, I do have servers with the program...
  16. I

    Other Math and Electrical engineering

    hello all, I am currently a college student studying energy systems engineering, i was just wondering if there are any ways to get into the habit of understanding math it's not my strongest subject. Also just a random thought, where do you think energy/ electrical engineering will be in the...
  17. Z

    Other What are the problem solving skills you gain from.... (Physics vs. Engineering)

    How are the problem solving skills you gain from majoring in Physics and majoring in Engineering different? I have noticed that a lot of people think you get better at problem solving by majoring in Physics when compared to engineering, and I don't understand why. I mean, they both study the...
  18. Z

    Other Which engineering uses the most physics on the job?

    I always hear that mechanical engineers (at least ones without a ton of experience) rarely ever do any math. I really enjoy studying mechanical engineering right now, and I really want to make sure that the stuff I'm studying is what I'll be using on the job. How does a mechanical engineer (or...
  19. Kaura

    Engineering Software for Mechanical Simulations

    I am a first year Mechanical Engineering Major I am wondering if there are any good computer program that I could use to simulate the physics and properties of potential designs The other day I saw something about Da Vinci's famous cryptex and this peaked my interest into designing and building...
  20. UMath1

    Engineering Electrical vs Mechanical Engineering: Jobs, Demand, Roles

    I am a high school senior debating between these two majors. In high school, I enjoyed both Mechanics and E&M very much so its really tough for me to decide which of the two engineering fields I'll like more. Whichever field I pick, I am also planning to minor or double in Physics and Computer...
  21. M

    What Are Alternative Terms for Moving a Pickoff Point in Control Engineering?

    I would like to ask about some terms of control engineering. What are other common expressions for "moving a pickoff point" which can be used as" moving a pickoff point behind of a block" or as "moving a pickoff point ahead of block." Source:Self-made Thank you.
  22. B

    In Fluid Mechanics what is the difference between yc and hc?

    When solving for the hydrostatic force on a surface we use the height to the centroid(hc), then when using the point of application we use the y coordinate of the centroid(yc), however shouldn't they be the same since they both start from the top surface and reach down to the object surface on...
  23. Q

    Reverse engineering potential and kinetic energy

    The equation for momentum (potential energy) is PE=M*V. The equation for kinetic energy is KE=(1/2)*(M*V^2). You will notice that PE is the derivative of KE. and then you might add that M, simply Mass, is the derivative of PE. However, because M is simply a scalar quantity, and the other...
  24. J

    Programs Can I major in Electrical Engineering and Biology?

    Can I major in Electrical Engineering and Biology and become a Biomedical engineer? I want to be a Biomedical engineer but the school I am going to only has environmental, electrical, and mechanical.
  25. M

    Engineering Nuclear engineering internship in EU

    Hi, is it hard to find a good internship in Europe for a third year nuclear engineering student who is not European ? do they ask for high GPA ?
  26. M

    Nuclear Mechanical Engineering

    Hello Dears I am Mechanical Engineering Technology and I am thinking to get Master degree in Nuclear Engineering/ Nuclear Mechanical Engineering. So, is it possible to do that and in which university? Thank you
  27. R

    A Conductivity change of a tank (glass coating on steel)

    Suppose I have a tank which is made of steel coated with a thin layer of glass on the inside to protect the steel from corrosion (the material stored inside the tank is corrossive; say for arguments sake Water with 10% Hydochloric Acid). In theory, till the glass is intact there is an...
  28. Gjmdp

    Could I move into an MS in Aerospace engineering?

    If I have a BS on Physics, could I move and pursue into a MS in Aerospace engineering without having a BS on Aerospace E.? Would be easier if I had a BS in Astrophysics?
  29. F

    Courses Dynamics through physics or mechanical engineering?

    Which is better? To study dynamics through physics or through mechanical engineering? What is the difference really? A book from MIT OCW classical mechanics 2 : Florian, Scheck. Mechanics: From Newton’s Laws to Deterministic Chaos. 3rd ed. https://www.amazon.com/dp/3540655581/?tag=pfamazon01-20...
  30. louisnach

    Exercise involving acoustics physics engineering

    Homework Statement A disturbance signal propagates in a ventilation duct with cross-sectional area A=0,04m2. The fundamental frequency of the disturbance signal is 250Hz and its spectrum consists of odd harmonics only. Choose the appropriate filter options for rejecting this particular...
  31. V

    Mathematical Base for a mechanical engineering undergraduate

    Hello PF friends, My name is Visakhan,and I'm presently pursuing my BE in Mechanical Engineering in India. 3/4 way through the course now,But I feel unsatisfied with my grasp of mathematics and programming. I scored marks and passed the examinations,but i don't get that feeling of satisfaction...
  32. K. Doc Holiday

    Engineering: Success Through Accuracy, Not Popularity

    The scientific process. An engineer once told me a joke: "A scientist is considered a success when his peers agree with him. An engineer is considered a success when he actually gets it right." After a physicist's comment today I am starting to think it wasn't a joke. The physicist said if...
  33. T

    Engineering Transferable skills and the industries for engineers?

    Hello everyone, I want to give some brief background info about myself before asking; I am a junior/senior undergraduate living in Southern California studying mechanical engineering, and leaning towards the thermo/fluids side of mechanical engineering. However, when it comes to "my true...
  34. S

    NIST SP 800-160, Systems Security Engineering

    Looks like a lot of good stuff, I know what I’m doing this weekend! Summary document on SP 800-160: http://csrc.nist.gov/publications/nistbul/itlbul2016_12.pdf SP 800-160, Systems Security Engineering: http://dx.doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.800-160
  35. Z

    Courses I feel like we don't learn enough in our classes

    I'm not sure if this is the right section but.. During the semester it feels like we are learning a ton of stuff at a crazy pace, but then when the semester is over I always look back and am like "that's it? I've learned everything about X class that I will need to know for all of my future...
  36. ArchieAnonymous

    Engineering Advice on Math / Engineering or Physics / Engineering?

    Hello! I am a sophomore in college currently pursuing degrees in Physics and Engineering, part of a dual degree program my college offers. However, I am having trouble deciding between sticking with my current major and changing to a pursuing of Math and Engineering degrees. Allow me to explain...
  37. E

    The Acceleration of a Sliding Collar on a Shaft

    Homework Statement For the mechanism shown, determine the speed and magnitude of the acceleration of collar C in terms of b, θ, θ-dot, and θ-dot-dot. Check the attached file for the diagram. We are given the length b and angle θ. Homework Equations ΣF=ma The Attempt at a Solution I...
  38. J

    Other Nuclear engineering vs nuclear physics vs quantum physics

    This is my final year at high school and i don't know which college is better for study. i love physics and chemistry especially nuclear subjects So i have lots of questions like what I'll study and the applications of it , where I'll work and which one is deeply focus on nuclear stuff...
  39. S

    Schools Is ASU's Online BSEE Program a Good Option for a Traveling Engineer Like Shane?

    Hey everyone, new to Physics Forums and happy I've found it. To start, my name is Shane, I currently work for Applied Materials. We engineer, maintain, and support tools in the semiconductor industry. I'm 21 years old, and currently on the Global team. Meaning, I travel 90% of the time...
  40. Jhelf

    Schools Question about engineering careers as a high schooler

    I'm a high school junior who thought I wanted to be an engineer (because I enjoy and am good at math and science), and I decided to take AP physics 1, but I now realize that was a horrible mistake. I am doing terrible in the class, and although I kind of enjoy the ideas I hate the math for...
  41. M

    Admissions Physics vs Engineering PhD Admissions?

    I was on the grad cafe looking at admission statistics. It looks like it is much more competitive to get into an engineering PhD program than it is a physics PhD program. Is this true? Most of the GPA's of people who got into the engineering PhD programs had a gpa in the mid to high 3's while...
  42. H

    Studying How can I teach myself physics?

    So, I am majoring in mechanical engineering with a minor in physics at San Jose State University. I want to learn as much as possible with physics by reading books and taking my future courses at SJSU, but I don't know what books to read. Any recommendations? I want to get pretty close to...
  43. U

    Engineering Getting An Internship after getting B.S. in mathematics

    A few years ago, I graduated from Wheaton College with a B.S. in Mathematics; my objective is to be a mathematician in engineering that helps mechanical engineers with their mathematical/statistical modeling. Since I graduated, I have been looking for internships in Chicago: Unfortunately, I...
  44. H

    Studying What books can I learn from the most?

    Okay, so I'm currently a mechanical engineering major at San Jose State University, but I just want to become much more engaged with physics and mathematics. I do pretty good with calculus, math comes easy to me. I'm a first year student taking calculus 2. I was just wondering what books I can...
  45. Beliver

    Other Looking for a Research topic at PhD level in mechanical engineering

    Can you help me what can be the science contribution in mechanical engineering in the Research field robotics and automation?
  46. S

    Max Bending Stress: Find from Second Moment of Area

    Homework Statement The second moment of area of the beam shown about the neutral axis X X is 4x10^6mm^4 Find the maximum bending stresses, tensile and compressive, set up in a beam of this section 2.6m long and simply supported at its ends and carrying a concentrated load of 4.8kn at its mid...
  47. P

    Engineering Where Can Physicists Begin Learning Advanced Engineering Principles?

    Hello, I have a very strong background in math and physics (completed most of undergraduate degrees). I want to learn mechanical and electrical engineering principles and believe that I can start learning at an advanced level. Can you recommend some sources?
  48. M

    Programs Electronics engineering vs material science engineering?

    which one is more physics based? which one is more prestigious?
  49. doktorwho

    Engineering Best books on solving circuits

    Hi, do you have any recommendations of books that deal with circuit analysis and circuit solving? I'm currently involved in a course that deals with linear circuits, and we are learning all of these methods of loop currents, thevenin's and norton's theorem, potential of knots and lots of methods...
  50. N

    Static Equivalent force for cyclic load (fatigue related)

    Homework Statement I have a suspension mount (square tube with unknown thickness) with a bolt going through it that undergoes an 800 lb load laterally into the bracket in an on/off fashion (NOT fully reversed) at a rate of 50 Hz. Ultimately we are trying to calculate the dimensions of the bolt...
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