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. S

    Engineering Maximizing Your ME Degree for a Career in Robotics

    Hi all! Just recently discovered PF, loving the community. I'm a softmore Mechanical Engineering undergrad, who's been exploring careers and what comes next after I graduate. My question to you all is: What skills can I learn/focus on throughout the rest of my schooling to increase my chances of...
  2. A

    Seeking Online Mentor for Electrical Engineering N1 | Alex (47 yrs)

    Hiya everyone My name is Alex is am electrical engineering N1 and I am finding it extremely difficult I am 47 yrs of age. Is there anyone who knows of online mentors I really need help.
  3. Wrichik Basu

    Engineering Good books in Electrical Engineering

    I have great interest in electricals, and in working with circuits, multimeters and the like. Can anyone recommend good books in electricals that covers topics to the depth and can be used as a self study book? I want to learn theory and basics first before going into practical knowledge.
  4. B

    Kinetics question (Chemical engineering)

    Hey! I have a question regarding this question that I have to answer. It is about the kinetics of a substance X whose product is 2Y. It is in Swedish and here is the translation: The absorbance of a 0,030M-solution of X was calculated with the help of a Spectrometer. The Spectrometer was...
  5. X

    Programs Personal: Engineering Physics vs Other Engineering Majors

    Hello All, I am 26 years old and am currently enrolled at a CC in NYC. I have had a long and obscure path through life so far which has led me to discover my calling back within the academic realm. A little about myself, I did poorly in high school because I invested all of my time with...
  6. S

    Engineering Mechanical Engineering - Getting Your Foot In The Door

    Hello, I'm an undergraduate student working to earn my Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering. I was wondering whether other mechanical engineers could share their stories about their forst engineering job and how they got it. My main issue is, surprisingly, that I have absolutely no real life...
  7. R

    Calculating Friction between Tapered Cylinders: A Math & Engineering Challenge

    Hi everyone: I need the brain of an engineer if anyone out there cares to help. I have a masters in Math from UofT but could use some knowledge from the smartest people- Engineers, I am now an experienced builder and yes everyone, we need smart people doing construction too- my math degree has...
  8. A

    Heat Transfer in Electrical Engineering (EE): What to Expect?

    I want to pursue EE, but there are still some subjects in ME that I enjoy. Do heat transfer topics ever come up in EE? I would imagine cooling circuit board requires lots of knowledge of heat transfer/thermodynamics. I studied Haberman's PDEs as part of my chemistry undergrad and all it talked...
  9. C

    Is Chemical Engineering right for me?

    Hello all, So I've finished my first year of classes. Since my school has a credit window for declaring engineering majors, I need to lock in my life-long career decision. I definitely want to stick with engineering, but I was curious if ChemE is the right one for me. From what I've read, the...
  10. B

    Engineering Medical Physics vs Biomedical Engineering

    Hi All, I am new here. I have been doing research, nuclear physics stuff, mainly, for a couple of years . Over time, I have grown to be very tired of pure research, and I believe it is just not for me, not that there is something wrong with research but I am not motivated to keep going, also...
  11. yecko

    Engineering Double degree in engineering and law?

    My university is now newly offer a double degree in engineering and law. I am going to major in mechanical engineering. The law degree offered is either J.D. or LLB. I am not sure about that because my university has no experience in this kind of jointly offered program with other university in...
  12. J

    Trying to build a gas collecting chamber above a packed bed

    Hi guys, I'm a graduate student and currently doing some research on a packed bed - I want to collect gas data from the headspace of my samples so i thought of building a gas collecting chamber on top of the vessel, where i can take gas measurements using calorimetric gas tubes. I'm not sure...
  13. R

    Engineering Masters in Physics enough for Aerospace Engineering?

    I currently have a MS in Physics and a MAT (masters in teaching - physics) and have worked the past two years as a high school physics teacher. However, I am feeling more inclined to move towards a career in engineering, particularly in the aerospace industry (rocket testing and design in...
  14. G

    Angular Momentum Incorrect Graph?

    1. Homework Statement Determine the total magnitude of angular momentum Ho of the particle about point O. The velocity of the particle is 5.5 m/s.Homework Equations Ho= r x mv The Attempt at a Solution The answer is 43.04. My question is, isn't the graph wrong? If you take the magnitude of the...
  15. pHartless

    How Much Weight Can a 45-Degree Square Steel Tube Structure Support?

    I have a problem to do with my project in college. I'm creating a hanging fire pit, basically made of 3 lengths of square steel bar connected to a plate at the top and on hinges. The 3 legs of the frame move in slots and when in the open position would be at 45 degrees. The actual fire pit is...
  16. R

    Continuing to study physics or move to nuclear engineering?

    Hi. I'm a physics student in Italy. Within a year I hope to have gotten my three years degree. Usually, after that, physics students continue studying in their field choosing among theoretical, astrophysics, particle, nuclear, etc... Starting from next year we have the opportunity to move to...
  17. Angelo Niforatos

    Physics BS Heading to MS in Aerospace Tips

    Hi all, I am going to graduate school for Aerospace Engineering. I am a bit nervous because of the fact the my undergrad was in physics. I was wondering if anyone was in the same boat or a similar one that may have some good advice for me before I begin my next big chapter in my education!
  18. G

    Thermal Expansion of A-36 Steel Rails: -20F to 90F

    Homework Statement The 40 ft long A-36 steel rails on a train track are laid with a small gap between them to allow for thermal expansion. Determine the required gap in inches so that the rails just touch one another when the temperature is increased from -20 F to 90 F. The cross sectional...
  19. Derp215

    Admissions Reapplying to Engineering: Physics II, Calc II Or ODE?

    Hello, I just came across this forum and thought of asking for advice! I am reapplying to Engineering and I am taking summer school (Full term) and need to take 2 more classes to boost my avg. Right now, I am enrolled in Physics II, Calculus III, and ODE and I have to choose two out of the...
  20. C

    Need advice -- Physics vs. Engineering vs. Computer Science....

    Ok guys here's the deal, I was accepted to UC Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, waitlisted at UCLA for Physics as a transfer A little background: I know a moderate deal of programming, have taken Assembly Language, OOP, Data and Discrete Structures. What I want to accomplish: Create a successful...
  21. P

    Engineering Advice for choosing field of physics/nuclear engineering

    I am an undergraduate about to enter my third year of university. I am interested in all of the following fields: plasma physics/fusion research, accelerator physics, fission reactor R&D, and low-energy nuclear physics. I plan to obtain a PhD in one of these and am mainly considering options at...
  22. M

    Programs Considering a double major in chem and engineering physics

    i am currently planning to pursue a MS in chemistry through a BS/MS. I want to add on a BS in physics or engineering physics (electrical engineering based). I already completed the requirement for a physics minor, but I don't feel like it's enough for what I want to do Or my curiosity.The...
  23. Pull and Twist

    Calculating work of Otto cycle stages - Thermodynamics.

    One big coincidence of thermodynamics is that automobiles are usually powered by an Otto cycle This cycle consists of an adiabatic compression (the cylinder compresses), isochoric compression (the fuel ignites, increasing the temperature in too short a time for the piston to move), adiabatic...
  24. K

    Exploring the World of Electronics Engineering: A Scientist's Journey

    So... Even until now, I am lamenting on my masochistic decision of taking up Electronics Engineering as my course. Well, it's not exactly physics, but still somehow related. So I hope you guys don't mind. And alsoo, I reckon this site has a forum for Electric Engineering so... I might be...
  25. E

    Where to start learning electronics engineering on my own?

    Ok so I am in love with electronics and now I want to start learning from the bottom to the top, so that means physics and math, what are beginning topics that I must cover before jumping to circuit analysis and theory? I have a dream and planning to invent new digital device like smarthphone...
  26. herbertpbarreto

    Chemical Reaction Engineering homework

    Homework Statement The decomposition of phosphine 4PH3(g) + P4(g) + 6H2(g) is first-order with respect to phosphine with a rate constant k = 0.0155 s-l at 953 K. If the decomposition occurs in a constant-volume batch reactor at 953 K, calculate, for 40% conversion of PH3, (a) the time...
  27. R

    Engineering Should I finish my engineering associates degree?

    I'm currently working towards a bachelor's degree in physics, and then hopefully a master's degree after that. I'm trying to decide if I should finish an associate's degree in engineering science that I almost finished before I switched to physics. My question is if an associate's degree in...
  28. Atom

    What is the stress and pressure in a thin-walled cylinder?

    Homework Statement Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution a) stressc = 3.1 x 109 (5655*10^(-6) + 0.471 (-2663*10^-6) = 17.53Mpa P = [17.53 x 10^6 x (7.7 / 1000) ] / (150 / 1000) = 899 947pa = 899.947kPa
  29. F

    Other Possible tracks during Masters Aerospace Engineering?

    I am having a bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering and worked in consumer products production industry for some 4 years. I decided to go for Aerospace Engineering masters, a complete change of track from my work experience, primarily due to my passion for aviation. I wanted to ask what...
  30. J

    How to calculate heat dispersion through a solid copper rod?

    I'm trying to build a fanless computer case for a small electronic device. I'm trying to figure out what type of heat-sink material I should use. I have a solid copper rod about 3cm in length with a radius of .05cm. I've determined and calculated the density, specific heat, thermal...
  31. S

    Conceptual Issue Dealing With Atmospheric Pressure

    Homework Statement A 1m^3 steel cube is to be floated on mercury (specific gravity=13.6). On each side of the cube there is a 5mm clearance. Assume that the container is open to atmospheric pressure at 100kPA. Find the mass of the mercury. Homework Equations P=F/A The Attempt at a Solution I...
  32. Atom

    Determine the highest tension stress and the highest compression stress

    Homework Statement Determine the highest tension stress and the highest compression stress along the top edge of the intel. Homework Equations stressx = Mx*y / Ix Ztop = Ix / ytop stress (max top) = Mx - Ztop The Attempt at a Solution
  33. B

    Engineering From engineering BSc to Physics MSc

    Dear forum, let me tell you my story: I hold a BSc degree in petrochemical engineering. I'm 25 years old. I finished my university studies 4 years ago, graduated with honors and have been working in the industry ever since. I have a good job with a decent salary, I can buy stuff and support my...
  34. Arceus74

    Engineering Aerospace Engineering for an International student (Advice)

    Greetings, I'm a BE Mechanical Undergraduate and I'm in my third year right now! I have a great passion for Space but ultimately I choose mechanical due to the plethora of career choices and I had a great liking for UAV's(I have a Diploma in UAV design and a Diploma in Astrophysics) Now I have...
  35. R

    Finding Forces in Member AE & AB: Exam Follow-up

    Homework Statement Determine all member forces and state if they are in tension or compression, in particular I am looking for member AE and AB[/B] Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution Ok so we are supposed to redo the problems from our exam, only I can't figure out how to find the...
  36. B

    Do Airliners Rely on Gravity or Motor Pumps for Fuel Flow?

    Do fuel lines in airliners need motor pumps or does the fuel flow occur by gravity? If motor pumps.. don't they get out of order in mid-air? If an airplane is hit with an EMP (let's say from atmospheric nuclear detonations).. I think the turbojet can still turn but won't the motor pump be...
  37. A

    Choose Physics or Engineering: Advice for Uni Students in Auckland

    Hi everyone, I am a new member in this forum. I am a high school student and will be going to uni next year. I live in Auckland and Auckland university offers both Engineering and Physics courses. I need some advice on which course should I choose and will give me a better position in the job...
  38. hilbert2

    Comparison of high-level computer programming languages

    A little question about the appropriateness of a certain research subject... Would it be useful to make a study of the computational effectiveness of equivalent codes written with Matlab, Mathematica, R Code, Julia, Python, etc. in a set of typical computational engineering problems like...
  39. K

    Other Decided to switch from engineering to physics

    So I've decided to switch my major from engineering to physics. I finally got courage to man up and do what I want and I'm super excited. However, I currently do research in the BME department with a professor who is the top in his field. The research is more biophysics/applied physics type...
  40. B

    Other Senior project ideas? - Physics/Engineering

    Hello there! As a current junior undergrad, it is time to start thinking about senior project/design ideas. Although I will be a physicist by degree, I plan on pursuing graduate school in an engineering field (most likely mechanical, aerospace, or something closely related). I still have some...
  41. D

    Engineering Chemical vs Mechanical Engineering

    I am a high school senior caught between these two fields. they both seem very exciting and I am not sure which would be better suited for my interests. In high school, my favorite subjects have been Physics, Chemistry, and Computer Science. I am interested in working to develop: -more...
  42. G

    Schools Recommendation for Nuclear Engineering Graduate School

    I am applying for master's degree programme in Nuclear Engineering for this year and considering universities from the following countries: Russia, Korea, Japan, China I have a B.Sc. (Hons) in Nuclear Science degree which I've got it in 2009. Could anyone recommend me any good graduate school...
  43. Amr Elsayed

    Engineering Should I major in physics or mechanical engineering?

    I'm an international student and I'm going to attend a U.S. college this fall, and in order to decide which college I should pick, I have to make my decision whether or not I would like to major in engineering because the college that I want to attend doesn't have engineering, while the other...
  44. L

    Exploring the Applications of CAE in Product Design: A Scientist's Perspective

    Hi everyone! I am a soon-to-be graduate of the Technical University of Munich and work in the field of Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) – looking to exchange experience and ideas on CFD, FEA,Thermal Analysis and their applications in product design!
  45. A

    Engineering Engineering jobs for a naturalized US citizen

    I want to obtain a mechanical engineering degree and work in a respective field in USA. But I will be looking for ME jobs as a naturalized US citizen (I am from Europe, but will soon become US citizen). I heard that it would be harder for me to find a job as any kind of engineer because I...
  46. Christopher Winig

    Courses Switch from Physics to Engineering as a Junior -- Coursework?

    The "should I switch from Physics to Engineering?" question has been beaten to death - so I’m sorry for repeating a variation of it. But, I haven't found answers regarding my specific case. I just got accepted as a transfer student to UCSB for Physics, which I’m pretty happy about.. because I...
  47. Alex_C

    Engineering UOttawa vs UCarleton Civil Engineering

    Hello all, I have been accepted to Ottawa and Carleton both for civil engineering co-op, I was wondering if i could get some opinions on which might be the better choice! I have heard Carleton has a better social community, better administration and a focus on engineering. I have also read that...
  48. studentalways101

    Programs 2nd BS Degree Advice_Business to Environmental Engineering

    I have decided I really really really want to go back to school to expand my education into environmental engineering. I currently have a BS in Business Admin from UC Berkeley. I have researched several masters programs, and it is looking like it will be very difficult for me to even get into a...
  49. Buggsy GC

    Ideas for a catapult design for an engineering report

    Afternoon every one. I am a first year engineering student in NZ, For my midterm break report I have to design and make a catapult that can meet these specifications. - hit one target within a 0.1 m radius of a target that is 1 m away horizontally from the base of the model catapult. - hit one...
  50. K

    Programs Thoughts on Cornell's Applied and Engineering Physics

    I've been accepted to Cornell Engineering, and am thinking about doing AEP. I really like physics and math and was just wondering what people thought of it. Yeah I know I should ask people at Cornell, but they're just going to tell me that it's awesome and I should do it. I want to get a more...
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