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. Ashley1999

    Programs Should I switch my major to Molecular Genetics?

    Hi, currently I am a freshman who is majoring in Biosystems Engineering. I selected this major because I did a lot of research into biology undergrads and I didn't like what I saw. I got the notion that these majors did not emphasize the technical skills necessary to do well in a science...
  2. PlasMav

    Exploring Fusion Power and Nuclear Engineering: A Student's Journey at UTA

    Hello, I am a BSME senior with NE minor graduating in August 2019 from UTA. I am very interested in fusion power, space travel, and electrical engineering (lol). I almost wish I had picked EE instead of ME. It's more interesting to me. I just joined an EE student and together we are building a...
  3. M

    Mechanical engineering - Stress concentration

    1. In my materials science's exam, I had the following question: What would be the maximum force F to cause failure in a block that has been drilled at two place? See following drawing: (Lame paint skills, I know..) 2. Homework Equations 1) D/W 2) σ = F/S The Attempt at a Solution 1)First...
  4. J

    Programs Engineering Physics or Astronautics?

    Hello! I'm currently planning to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where they have a bachelors degree in Engineering Physics with emphasis on spacecraft systems and instrumentation. The college also has aerospace Engineering with a track in astronautics. I want a career that focuses on...
  5. A

    Why is solar radiation equal to long wavelength emission?

    In my heat transfer course, I always had to do analysis of long-wavelength radiation between surfaces first, and find the heat radiated from one of the surface. Then, solar radiation is added to the problem, and suddenly it was said that solar radiation=heat radiated from this surface! Does...
  6. CheesyPeeps

    Struggling Engineering Student Needs Help with Tension in Cable Homework

    Homework Statement Homework Equations ∑MA = 0, where A is the pin. Tx = Tcos150 Ty = Tsin150 The Attempt at a Solution I've drawn in the 100kN force of the beam's weight, and identified that ∑MA = 0. I attempted to find the moment arm, but really wasn't sure how do to it, or if it would even...
  7. Lalala

    Schools Engineering science at the University of Toronto for A levels students

    Hi I'm doing A levels now and I'm planning to go to University of Toronto next year September for engineering science, my question is what are the grades needed for my AS and A2 level to get into engineering science? My trial results are A in Chemistry and Math, A- in physics and B in biology.
  8. R

    Hydraulic head as a function of flow rate

    Hello! 1. Homework Statement Symbols and variables: ##\dot{V}## : flow rate ##H## : Hydraulic head ##g = 9.81 \frac{N}{kg}## ##P_{atmosphere} = 101325Pa## ##\rho = 1000\frac{kg}{m^3}## I am given a piping system, with serie and parallel pipes, they start from one point and go back into one...
  9. jedishrfu

    Exotic Bicycle Designs and Engineering

    Every so often we get requests for engineering projects to work on. One common theme that I've seen is Kickstarter / Indiegogo campaigns for novelty bicycles to solve that last mile problem in urban transportation: The first time I saw the Kiffy I thought that was quite a cool design. Designed...
  10. T

    Engineering Pathway from medical physics to biomedical engineering?

    Throughout this forum, I've seen numerous posts discussing the transition to medical physics. However, I'm curious to learn about what advice can be shared on having an interest to work in biomedical engineering with a background/ experience as a medical physics. Would this entail completing a...
  11. J

    Studying Advice on Future-Technology Engineering

    Hi, I am currently an undergrad student exploring different fields of engineering. I find that there are so many fields to choose from, it is as much astonishing as it is bewildering. What I would like to do is work on building the technologies of the future. Specifically, I am interested in...
  12. I

    I Calculating the Mass of a Piston for a Spring-Based Launcher

    I am trying to teach myself Physics, so I can use it in engineering for my own devices. The project I am working on right now is a very simple spring based launcher. This is frustrating me to no end. Here is my objective. I want to lunch a golf ball about 10 or so feet. I know that I need to...
  13. Anil Chadha

    Engineering (Science) Fiction - An Introduction

    Science Fictions have contributed much to entertainment and spreading awareness of issues related to complex scientific matters among the youth and the common man. It has also contributed to art etc. This has resulted in a spreading of scientific temperament and thereby has helped in adopting...
  14. doglover9754

    Engineering I’m trying to decide between 2 engineering careers. Any help?

    So I am a high school freshman student this school year. We have this career guidance presentation every once in a while by our counselors. I wanted to be an engineer but I realized something. I don’t know which engineer I’d want to pursue. I’ve limited it down to two. Mechatronics or...
  15. Greg Bernhardt

    Insights Interview with Engineer Mentor anorlunda - Comments

    Greg Bernhardt submitted a new blog post Interview with Engineer Mentor anorlunda Continue reading the Original Blog Post.
  16. S

    Schools PhD in Liquid Crystal Physics (or Engineering)

    Dear Forum member, I want to pursue research in Liquid Crystal Physics / Engineering, are you aware of any laboratories or university departments actively researching in this field in Canada or Germany? I will be very if you are aware of active groups and share their names. Thanks
  17. Q

    Engineering How beneficial is a minor in Electrical Engineering?

    Hi, I’m a freshman Physics major in the US and I am concerned about the job opportunities directly out of undergrad. Because of this, short of switching my major to an engineering field, I was wondering if a minor in EE would substantially assist me. I know it would not be an ABET accredited...
  18. E

    Mechanical Engineering HNC vs ONC: What's the Difference?

    Hi, I am new here. I am currently studying for my HNC in mechanical engineering :)
  19. Ethan Klein

    Mechanical Engineering (BS) Vs. Pursuing Physics PhD

    Hello everyone. Currently, I am an undergraduate sophomore planning to study physics and in the process of transferring from community college to University. I am seeking advice on deciding between pursuing a mechanical engineering degree (BS) or a PhD in physics. My journey so far has taken...
  20. K

    Engineering Getting Bored of my Engineering job

    My apologies if the question is in the wrong forum or section. Anyway, I'm a mechanical engineer with 2 years of work experience and have just recently moved to a new company. And just like in my previous job, fatigue seems to be kicking in. The job is basically a mountain of documentation...
  21. anorlunda

    Modern Manufacturing Engineering

    Just sharing. Below are two videos about making electric motors that impressed me. One from China, one from Germany. MIT is also studying the use of AI to help design the manufacturing process. If I was a young EE just starting, I think I would choose manufacturing engineering. Today seems...
  22. S

    Physics graduates: any vocational ed or engineering courses?

    This poll (attempt) is for physics graduates. Was any vocational education or engineering course work extremely important or helpful in earning your undergraduate degree in physics, either before or during your Physics education? (this line edited) I am hoping the view votes publicly only...
  23. José Ricardo

    Engineering Biomedical Engineering: Biohacking

    If I followed this area, I would deal with biohacking? Every biomedical engineer knows how to move with biohacking? And Biohacking is the sub-area that is increasing mostly in the healthcare system? Biomedical engineering → https://collegegrad.com/careers/biomedical-engineers
  24. W

    The merger of engineering and economics

    I couldn't fit it in the title, but I think the merger of engineering and economics is going to be important going forward. I feel most economists look down on engineering economics (just thinking of variable/fixed operational costs and investment costs, etc), and most engineers think that...
  25. E

    Regulatory bodies for manned submersibles in Canada

    Hey guys, new member here! I am an undergrad engineering student and I am currently working on a project for a course that requires designing a ballast system for a manned submersible and I was wondering... Are there regulatory bodies in Canada that you know of that is responsible for...
  26. K

    Can a CS grad get a masters in Mech engineering?

    I want to study CS, but eventually someday I want to work in the auto industry dealing with robotics and aerodynamics. I was wondering how common is it for a CS grad to get a masters in Mech Engineering?
  27. thecastlingking

    Complex exponential Fourier series coefficients?

    Above is a question I need some help with. I can get to a certain point, but I can't get beyond. Can somebody with knowledge about this help?
  28. G

    Physics of Light/Infrared for Solar Stills Research

    Hi, I am doing my dissertation for Mechanical Engineering on Solar Stills and my mentor has suggested it would be a good idea to research the physics of light/infrared absorption, transmission, water evaporation and condensation. I am wondering if anyone has good book recommendations for me to...
  29. Rahulx084

    Understanding Reactor Balancing: Flow Rate and Volume Relationship

    I'm confused in the balancing of a reactor , let's say the inlet volumetric flow rate is ##v_○## and outlet volumetric flow rate is ##v_1## Doubts: 1) How is the volumetric flow rate and volume of the reactor ##V## are related to each other ? 2) If the volumetric flow rate is constant (...
  30. T

    Why is a beam supported by two cables more stable than one?

    Imagine a steel I-girder lifted by a single wire rope. If the rope is not perfectly centered along the girder length, the girder will rotate about a horizontal latitudinal axis through its centroid. Imagine a girder pair lifted by two wire ropes, with one rope on each side of the girder...
  31. J

    Engineering AC Source driving an RLC circuit....

    Homework Statement 10 v, 100 hz goes into a circuit of a 1o resistor, a 1o inductive reactance and a 1o capacitive reactance that are in series. What is the current. What is the V across the cap. Homework Equations and the attempt at a solution[/B] So I know I = V/Z and Z = sqrt( R^2 +...
  32. Quintijn van Heek

    Using the lift equation, can you make anything fly?

    If I have a contraption with wings that weighs 120 kg, the wings in total are 2 meter squared, and I make it go 60 km/h, will it fly? According to the lift equation (L = (1/2) d v^2 a CL), it should, since L=(1/2)*1.225*277.788*2*3.39 = 1176.789 Weight = 120 kg = 1176.789 N L = lift = 1176.789...
  33. M

    Engineering Almost done with bachelor of nuclear engineering, now what ?

    The field I am willing to work on is thermal hydraulics, I am more into the industry than academic work. I am now lost . the 2 options I have is either get a masters in nuclear engineering or maybe in mechanical engineering, or go into the industry and work in energy companies " which is hard to...
  34. epenguin

    Bridge Collapse Genoa - Informed Engineering Perspectives

    The dramatic collapse of a bridge in Italy with many fatalities has been the big item of news all over Europe. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/aug/15/genoa-bridge-collapse-death-toll-italy-minister-calls-resignations and many other reports. I just wonder if the qualified people here...
  35. A

    Engineering Engineering: Can a Physics Grad Make the Jump?

    Hello, I'm a recent graduate with a BS in engineering physics but I basically screwed up with major selection. I should've done some kind of engineering, but I couldn't settle on a type and had a very poor experience in statics and dynamics, so I thought "what the hell I'll do physics". So I did...
  36. K

    Programs CS vs Software Engineering degree

    I'm looking into completing my degree online mostly due to the cost of tuition at a traditional university. The online programs I've been looking offer Computer Science while some offered Software Engineering. I was wondering which degree is the better option?
  37. J

    Engineering Can't decide between Electrical Engineering and Physics

    I comprehend that the above statement is not phrased as a question even though it contains the appropriate symbol, and that is because even if it was, and an appropriate answer was given, i believe i still would not be able to make a decision. It is more a reflection of my current mental state...
  38. person123

    Engineering Is a Career in Civil Engineering Conducive to Research Opportunities?

    Hello all. I'm going off to college this summer (yah!), and I'm planning on majoring in civil. I'm interested in the environment (I was considering environmental engineering for a while), but I also love physics and I thought civil would be a good combination. However, it seems like a career in...
  39. D

    Engineering PhD in Mechanical Engineering, CC teaching?

    I am almost finished the final drafts of my dissertation, and now I am wondering what to do next. It seems that all jobs at universities want someone to "establish a thriving research program" or the like. That's not me, so a job at a university is out. I very much want to teach, but much...
  40. Boltzman Oscillation

    Other Can I apply what I learn in quantum mechanics to electrical engineering?

    Are there any projects I can build? What are the applications of QM in electrical engineering?
  41. Demystifier

    How Do Technology and Engineering Differ?

    What is the difference between technology and engineering?
  42. S

    Programs (Space) Industry - Different Paths Towards It

    Hello! I am a returning student, 19YO, and will be starting back in community college in a month retaking classes I failed the first go-around with college. This is hopefully less of a "tell me what to do" thread, and more of a "clarify my misconceptions." Basically, I am very interested in a...
  43. G

    Misc. Exploring Materials Engineering with DIY Test Machine & Arduino

    Hello there. I'm a veteran science teacher at the middle and high school level. I've taught a few years of physics and am interested in moving towards engineering. I have looked at a number of available curricula like Project Lead the Way which require a significant investment in time and money...
  44. Jjo5

    Engineering Switching from Nuclear Engineering to Physics

    (It became really long as I wrote, so I put my main questions at the bottom, so you can skip to it if you want) Hi guys, I got BS and MS in Nuclear Engineering. Research for undergrad, I did intern/design class at Argonne running monte-carlo simulation, so modelling neutronics and burnup of a...
  45. spacewrinkle

    Programs Double Degree in Physics and Electical Engineering?

    Hi! I'm about to take my senior year in high school, and I was originally planning on taking electrical engineering plus some extra classes in physics. I like to work with my hands and to create things, so engineering is sort of a no-brainer for me, but it's also very important for me to...
  46. A

    Discharge of a Pressure Vessel Containing Liquid Nitrous Oxide

    Homework Statement I want to design a closed tank with an orifice hole (that can be opened and closed remotely) at the bottom of the tank and model how the mass flow rate of liquid nitrous oxide changes with respect to time, as the liquid nitrous oxide leaves the tank due to a pressure...
  47. H

    I Cooling the Parker Solar Probe

    This probe is designed to fly closer than 4 million miles from the sun's 'surface'. Is it possible in principle to cool the spacecraft 's inner facing surface by transferring heat to a cooler part and then radiating it into space from the far surface? I don't think it is equipped with such tech...
  48. S

    Engineering How hands-on is Electrical Engineering?

    Hi, I'm sorry if this question's been asked before but I was wondering how hands-on electrical engineering can be. Are there jobs where an EE can find themselves doing designing and getting to work with their hands? I find the theoretical stuff interesting as well as the more hands-on work.
  49. G

    Studying How to improve in engineering exams

    I don't know if this is the right place to put this, but here it goes... I'm here to ask you what advice can you give me to achieve better results in engineering. I'm currently on my 5th semester and I'm still not managing to get good results. I really put effort on things, prepare myself...
  50. M

    Engineering Physics certificate undergraduate in Europe

    Is there any such certificate or something even remotely like this awarded and recognised in Europe to undergrads who do, say, chemical engineering but want to show they have some core physics knowledge as well?
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