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. T

    Engineering Nuclear Engineering Career Opportunities as a PhD

    Hello All, I just got my B.S. in Physics and am now beginning a PhD program in Nuclear Engineering focusing on radiation detection using semiconductors. I very much enjoyed my Physics degree and want to stay in fundamental research for my career, in which case I would also say, I have no...
  2. T

    Difference between density and unit weight with same units

    In my lectures and notes my professor keeps writing out density as lbs/ft3 and unit weight as lbs/ft3. For a material such as concrete it could have a density of 167 lbs/ft3 but a unit weight of 103 lbs/ft3. I am confused as to how these two values are different even though they have the exact...
  3. D

    Engineering Engineering career after MSc applied physics

    I have a MSc in engineering physics / applied physics, but i decided to not continue with a PhD, and instead try out my luck as an engineer in the industry. I'm currently working with structural analysis, but I feel somewhat overqualified for most of the work I do, so I feel like switching to...
  4. K

    Why does the formula for calculating fin surface area differ in different cases?

    I am working on a project and I am having difficulty understanding a concept I have to analyze a rectangular fin in 2 cases (Adiabatic tip AND Convective tip) and I am having difficulty understanding which surface area to use. For the first case, I want to find Afin which according to my book...
  5. Hercuflea

    Engineering Engineering subjects FE/PE/Licensure questions

    I'm considering enrolling in an EAC-ABET accredited Software Engineering program. However, the program was first accredited by ABET in 2012, and it is up for renewal this year. Is it usually a given that a program's accreditation will be renewed once it is first granted, or is it common for...
  6. I

    Schools Taking College Physics 2 before Engineering Physics 2?

    Hey everyone, I am trying to strategically plan my semesters ahead. This Summer I am planning on taking Engineering Physics 1 and Cal 3 (or College Physics 2 in place of Cal 3). Prior to this semester, I had no experience with Physics, so I enrolled in College Physics 1 to see how it goes. I...
  7. K

    Studying Should I keep studying engineering or take up physics?

    I'm at a crossroads and I don't know if I'm going to make the right decision. I took up aerospace engineering this academic year, I passed the first semester and I don't know if I want to continue. I almost made the decision to drop out and take physics or nano materials the next year. If I take...
  8. jamalkoiyess

    Studying Engineering/Physics Prep: Summer Tasks for Success

    Hello PF, Next year I will start an engineering or physics major in college so I was asking if there's anything I can do this summer from your personal experiences. Any courses or textbooks to read to give me a head start . I am decent at maths and exellent at physics and chemistry this year...
  9. lonelypancreas

    Engineering Electrical Engineering vs Physics

    Hi, I'm currently a freshman electrical engineering student in a university and I'm having a dilemma if I am to transfer to physics or no. First of all, I chose my current program because of our electronics elective class in high school. I enjoyed the experiments back then and the projects as...
  10. Theoretical-Dragon

    Engineering Some questions about an engineering job

    Hey guys :) I've been hanging around here for years now, and the time has come for me to enter higher education. So I thought I would come and bug you with my questions (the never ending questions ... ) :D I'm currently in my last year of high school in France, and I will be entering my first...
  11. Eucliddo

    Exploring Career Paths: Master's Degree or Industry Experience?

    I'm currently working as a design engineer in an auto-components company in the Philippines. I just recently got my license last October and just got newly hired there. The working schedule is light and the environment is good. The training really develops my electronics ability. I want to...
  12. 0

    Calculate pressure using Bernoulli's equation

    Homework Statement You have been given a milkshake (ρ = 1200kg/m^3). The glass is 200mm tall a straw 8mm diameter and 300mm long. Show that human lungs would be unable to drink the milkshake through a vertical straw. (answer should be around 3000Pa) I have no idea what to do as I don't know...
  13. U

    Structural engineering question -- maximum load taken by beam

    dear all , My question is what is the maximum load taken by beam of UB 610 x 229 x 125Kg/m for a span of 5 mtr? its supported on both side by anchoring on concrete beam.
  14. E

    Engineering Comparing Physics/Engineering for High School Student

    Okay so before I start let me say I guess it might be a bit early for me to ask this question. At the moment I am a sophomore in high school, so I do have a couple years left to decide what I want to do. But I know that I do want something in physics or engineering, the classes I always...
  15. I

    Courses Would Calc 3 + Engineering Physics 1 be too much for Summer?

    Hey everyone, I am currently in College Physics 1 right now, and Calculus 2. Both courses are going seemingly well. I have an 'A' in both classes, but I do devote a lot of time to studying. Between the two I probably put in about 20 hours/week depending on the material covered. Right now were...
  16. H

    Programs A graduate degree in physics with a bachelor's degree in engineering

    So, next year I will attend college for B.S in aerospace engineering with a minor in Astrophysics. I would very much like to continue and do graduate studies in physics, not engineering, and I was wondering if this was possible? Thank you very much for your time.
  17. sophiebeth100

    Engineering Mechanics Question

    Homework Statement The right triangles of the plane truss are all the same. What are the forces in members BH and HG? Diagram for question is below, or a link: http://puu.sh/nsw1k/aad8a8b134.png Homework Equations n/a The Attempt at a Solution Reaction force at A + reaction force at E...
  18. S

    Self-Learn Mechanical Eng: Advice from Dad's 20 Yrs Exp

    How can I self-learn mechanical engineering? Some background: My dad has been in the business of Ball bearing for last 20 years. Whenever some smart-ass guy asks him any question he gives out learned answers(20 years of experience does teach people something). But apparently my dad doesn't...
  19. MNEG

    Quantum physics in engineering

    Hi, I am studying civil engineerin. I wonder if learning quantum physicist could be worth it for my career. I know that as an engineer I can get a master degree in physics, which have a lot of topics of modern physics. Do you think it could be a good idea? I mean, these new knoeledge is helpful...
  20. S

    A Spacetime Engineering by Superposition of GWs: Feasible in Theory?

    I wanted to post the conjecture from this new paper which has recently been published within this past month - here's a direct link to the paper: http://arxiv.org/pdf/1602.01439v1.pdf Could an experimental apparatus consisting of oscillating masses be used to generate miniscule gravity waves...
  21. F

    Engineering Which engineering branch is better for starting your own business?

    Hey guys! How are you? This month I have to decide which engineering branch I want to study. The ones I like most are civil and mechanical. But I don't hate any of the other branches. My goal is possibly to become an entrepreneur and start my own business. Which one would be better? Thanks a...
  22. M

    Morehead State -- Space Systems Engineering MS

    Hi, I was just accepted to this program and was wondering if anyone has had any experience with it. It seems quite rigorous, but my main concern is that I know little of the school. The research looks quite interesting and I know that Kentucky is injecting large amounts of funding to the local...
  23. T

    Nuclear Engineering PhD or Physics PhD for research

    Hello, I've seen lots of friendly people giving good advice here and wanted share my current graduate school situation with you guys and see what your opinions/advice are. I recently graduated with a Physics B.S. and loved it. I have a strong interest in atomic physics and radiation interaction...
  24. L

    Chemical Eng: How do I get value M from 2 unknown variables.

    Homework Statement At T1 the root mean square speed (rms) of compound P is 485.2 m s-1 and at T2 the rms speed is 504.1 m s-1. Using this data and the fact that T2 – T1 = 24.0 °C, determine the molar mass of P in g mol-1. Homework Equations From problem statement you have: (3·R·T1/M)1/2 =...
  25. J

    How Do You Calculate the Polytropic Process Index 'n' in Thermodynamics?

    Homework Statement "Determine the polytropic process index 'n' from the initial and final condition parameters of the air (gas) in the air compressor cylinder." Im struggling with this question on my thermodynamics coursework and was wondering if anyone could help me out a little bit...
  26. R

    Programs Computer Science versus Electrical Engineering

    Hello! My hobbies are tinkering on my computer and mathematics. Physics is not bad but I do not love it like I do mathematics. I like the logic and analytical skills that it requires. I like solving problems. I recently dropped out of Aeronautical Engineering because I simply did not like over...
  27. P

    Chemical or Electrical engineering

    hi guys, i am in a bad situation and i need some tips :( i attend the first year of chemical engineering, but i have doubts about my choice... My university gives me the way to change my course in electrical engineering, and i am thinking to change. I'm not sure that chemical engineering is a...
  28. S

    Engineering Stress increases after yield stress?

    I need to know why the Engineering stress increases after reaching the yield stress point, and continues to increase until reaching the UTS. Am I correct when I remember that there is strain hardening that occurs along the region from Yield stress to the Ultimate tensile stress? Engineering...
  29. I

    Engineering What Are the Job Prospects and Work Environment for Renewable Energy Engineers?

    hello everyone, I just need some advice from others right now, so I'm going into the field of renewable energy engineering. more importantly I just wanted to know about the job prospects, where it could be in the years to come,job settings ( what would be the environment I would work in ?). and...
  30. P

    Determining the magnitude of the resultant couple

    Homework Statement Calculate the magnitude and coordinate angles of the resultant couple moment, caused by the forces. Homework Equations M= r x F The Attempt at a Solution M3= -0.2* 80k= -16k M2= 0.2* 120i= 24i M1= -0.2*100j= -20j M4= r x F= ? I just can't seem to be able to expres r into a...
  31. CaptainAtom1996

    Should I drop Engineering Statics?

    Hi all, I am currently taking calc 2, physics 1, engineering statics and two gen eds. I am struggling in my statics class mainly because I am having a very difficult time understanding vectors. My academic schedule has me actually taking it my third semester (i'm currently in my second...
  32. R

    Programs What is the best engineering major for me

    hi everyone , I have one small question , i am a high school student in UAE i love physics , math and chemistry i want to be an engineer what is the best major that Contains all of my love subject not only Contains but also be an important subject to success on the major . sorry if i write a...
  33. E

    Engineering project ideas for an engineering club in my school

    Hi I'm starting an engineering club in my school and I'd like some ideas of engineer-like projects to make. I'm really concerned with it being interesting and it being something that people want to be a part of considering my school is pretty uninvolved. The projects I have in mind emphasize...
  34. J

    Motion Questions -- Acceleration of a race car....

    I have been struggling to understand how to do this question so some guidance would be great. A racing car of mass 941kg accelerates from 28km/h to 102km/h over a distance of 297m. Frictional forces and wind resistance can be assumed to be 1160N. Determine the following: a) The average...
  35. NicolasPan

    Engineering related publication

    Hello everyone,I am a mechanical engineering student and yesterday I convinced my professor to work on a project where it will be published in a journal about one year from now.I really don't know where to start as there are countless of highy-respected researches at top universities such as...
  36. K

    Want to go back to school for engineering at age 32

    Hello everybody, I'm new here and this is my first thread. Just wanted some feedback on my situation. I want to go back to school because I feel I have peaked out and I'm not pushing myself to see my full potential. I have always loved math and science. I want to go back for engineering and I...
  37. G

    Engineering Nuclear Engineering Level "Q" Security Clearance?

    Hello, I'm a freshman in college, currently dual majoring in Nuclear Engineering and Physics. Recently, it has been brought to my attention that to secure an internship in the nuclear (or some physics) fields, I would need to obtain level L security clearance with the DOE, and further on to get...
  38. ErikaPanda

    Method to calculate beam deflection

    How do you get deflections of a fully restrained beam? :) I already solved for the propped reactions and end moments.. I'm not sure how to do that part. :/ ありがとうございます。 :)
  39. B

    Engineering Should I stay in engineering or get a math degree?

    Right now I am a student in first year engineering. The main reason i joined engineering is because I like physics and I love math. Right now I'm starting to question if I even want to be an engineer or not. It's not the work or difficulty, I do really well for myself. I'm just unsure if I want...
  40. Donello

    Engineering Power engineering career prospects?

    Hi,I am enrolling in an Electrical engineering program at one of the best schools in Europe (RWTH Aachen, Germany). Starting at the 4th semester, I will have to choose one of these fields of concentration : -Power engineering -Nano and Micro electronics -Information and Communication...
  41. J

    Inquiry about M.S. Nuclear Engineering programs

    I'm in my last semester of my Nuclear Engineering B.S. at Michigan and looking at M.S. programs. The main schools I'm looking at are University of Michigan (already applied), NC State (already applied), University of Tennessee (accepted upon receipt of degree confirmation, final marks, and...
  42. H

    Mechanics of materials-homework

    Homework Statement 1–80. The thrust bearing consists of a circular collar A fixed to the shaft B.Determine the maximum axial force P that can be applied to the shaft so that it does not cause the shear stress along a cylindrical surface a or b to exceed an allowable shear stress of 170 MPa...
  43. Kilo Vectors

    Engineering Electronic and Information engineering

    Hello..What do you think of the course Electronic and Information engineering course? Is it a good course for industry? I don't know much about this field. I would like to do master in computer science/engineering or electrical related fields. Is it a good degree? These are the modules: -...
  44. M

    Would this work to decrease air resistance in sports cars?

    Okay so here is my idea, not really sure how well (if at all) it would work but I am wondering if it would be possible (assuming battery technology is good enough) to ionise air in front of a formula 1 car (or plane or whatever) giving it a charge (like the way lightning works) , then creating...
  45. Experience111

    Schools University of Washington A&A Master's degree

    Hi, I'm interested in this master's degree with a concentration in plasma physics at the University of Washington. However, I realized that the Aeronautics and Aerospace department department is part of the College of Engineering and I don't really want to follow engineering centric courses as...
  46. F

    Where to buy photoresist for photolithography?

    Typically, I should ask an expert in photolithography about this, but, there are barely photolithographic engineer in our department so I decided to ask experts here. Where do you usually buy a reliable photoresist, what company in particular?
  47. W

    Programs Second bachelor degree in engineering

    Is it possible for any student having a bachelor's degree in engineering to pursue a second bachelor's degree in another branch of engineering? I got my first bachelor degree in chemical engineering (from Africa, low gpa for personal issues at that time). I was traying to get into master...
  48. F

    Engineering Electrical Engineering - circuits - Reactive Networks

    1. Homework Statement There are multiple parts to this question, but I have only got through the first 2 before getting stuck. Please could somebody give me a hand as I am really struggling :frown: (a) Calculate the phasor voltage of the voltage source and the phasor current of the current...
  49. Aerodfocker

    What does mg(theta) means in the equation of motion?

    In the case of inverted pendulum attached in a cart with external force U on it, the equation of motion is like U - mg(theta1) - mg(theta2) = m*dv/dt I don't really understand the mg*theta part what does it mean ...should not be sine or cosine fn there with theta ? can anyone give me some...
  50. Z

    Challenging Free Body Diagram Problem (Statics)

    1. Homework Statement Given the picture, find theta, and the magnitude of the force going from point A to B. I have asked multiple people how to solve this problem and they have no idea, I end up getting 2 equations with 2 unknowns but then when I try to solve for theta I get 70cos(theta) -...
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