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. C

    How do I gain creative experience in engineering?

    Summary: (undergrad student) What is something I can do this summer to develop my creative instinct in engineering? Hey everyone! I am currently an undergrad freshman studying mechanical engineering. I love the courses and I understand the scientific concepts, but I know that engineering is a...
  2. T

    Tensile Test Results: Adhesion of Tape to Plastic Surface

    Hello, I am currently writing my thesis, where I have to investigate if a surface treatment increases the adhesion (between tape and a plastic surface). For this purpose, I have among other tests, performed a tensile test between the tape and plastic surface. The tensile test can be separated...
  3. Q

    Job Skills Value of an engineering PhD versus a Masters ->Industry

    I need to decide if I want to continue onto a PhD in Electrical Engineering or exit with my MS. I'm not sure what to do, I think academics is kind of cool and I would like to learn more, on the otherhand I sort of want to start working on Real World projects that have some impact and making an...
  4. J

    RF Engineering Masters Degree | Distance Learning

    Hello all, I've recently started working for a big defence company who are willing to send me on a Masters course and it would be most appropriate for me to find a course which focusses on RF/Wireless communications. I have a first class Honours degree in Electronic Systems Engineering from the...
  5. person123

    Programs Math Recommended for a Physics Minor (Civil Engineering Major)

    I'm an incoming sophomore majoring in Civil Engineering, and I'm considering a physics minor. The minor doesn't have any math requirements and Civil only requires Calculus I-IV and statistics, but the major in Physics requires a long list of advanced math courses (real and complex analysis as...
  6. IonizingJai

    Nodal Analysis Problem help (Double Supermesh)

    That is, for Supernode -1,3 (12V branch) , we do Nodal Analysis and we have (V2-V3)/2 , over the 2 ohm branch. But this current is not included in the Equation 1 in the solution I have attached(Which is my only source to cross check answers/solution right now.) Is the solution wrong? Thanks...
  7. Z

    Engineering Senior mechanical engineering student With a 3.5 GPA but I really hate it

    Hello guys, Long story short i am a senior mechanical engineering student (graduating next year). But i do not like my major, at first i did not matter to me what i choose or what i study. i did not know what i like and mechanical engineering seemed a good option to me in terms of good job...
  8. Tone L

    Societies and Journals in Optical-Mechanical Engineering

    Hi folks. For those in Optical Engineering, detector work or the Optical-Mechanical Engineering field I was curious which society do you use for conferences and research work. Which journals do you tend to look at for research literature. I see SPIE and IEEE are the prominent ones, any...
  9. H

    Programs Would Engineering Physics be a good major for what I want to do?

    Hello everyone! This is my first post here, so I'm still figuring everything out. I am a Junior in Highschool, so soon it will be time for me to apply to colleges. Because of my high school, I have direct access to the top private university in Mexico, however, they do not offer Physics as a...
  10. E

    Cathodal vs Anodal Electrical Stimulation

    Hello everyone, I am studying at the moment electrical stimulation of nerve fibers. I encountered this image which compares cathodal and anodal stimulation but illustrating the anodal block ocurring with cathode current. But I don't really get the point of the image, could someone clarify it...
  11. emarie

    Calculate the magnitude of the velocity at point from a given equation, a(t)

    These questions keep appearing in my past-papers and yet at no point in the course notes can I find a worked solution. Unfortunately I'm not sure where to start. My initial thoughts were regarding getting an equation using known values but w.r.t. to t and integrating for v, but like I said I...
  12. astroman707

    Programs What is the likelihood of a physics major getting an engineering job?

    I’ve been told that physics majors are looked at favorably when applying for entry-level engineering jobs. Is this true? How qualified are they when compared to engineering majors? Are applied physics majors looked at any differently? Do employers care about an undergraduate thesis?
  13. IonReactor

    Engineering General types of engineering roles

    I'm an MS student in Aeronautics & Astronautics who wants to work in industry after I graduate. My undergraduate background is in physics and EE. I wasted a lot of time as an undergrad to health issues and maturing in general and I view myself as lucky to even have a chance to continue my...
  14. chasemcd

    Schools Ryerson vs UofT Aerospace Engineering

    I see this question has been asked here before but that was 9 years ago and I’d like to get more up to do opinions. I’m trying to make my final decision and any input would be appreciated. I’ve been accepted into both UofT’s Engineering Science program and Ryerson’s Aerospace Engineering...
  15. L

    Aerospace Engineering: Predicting Airfoil Drag in 2D Potential Flow

    Hi, My other post got deleted because it was flagged for spam, but it was just a link to a pdf. So I'm uploading the pdf instead. I am working on a model to predict drag on airfoils in 2D potential flow (e.g. vortex panel methods). Currently, XFOIL uses a semi-empirical wake-momentum-thickness...
  16. ybisno

    Given Electric field, find the charge densities

    Hi. Need help with physics homework. I was able to separate each term and find sigma from the second term and possibly lambda from the first term. Not sure how to approach the third term. (attached attempt at question)
  17. ybisno

    Given Electric Field, Find the charge densities.... (Electrostatics)

    Hi. Need help with physics homework. I was able to separate each term and find sigma from the second term and possibly lambda from the first term. Not sure how to approach the third term. (IMAGE ATTACHED)
  18. G

    Courses Electrical Engineering: what study path would be better?

    Hey guys! So basically I'm still finding hard to decide what my specialization field should be next year. I'm really torn between a major in Electronics with a minor in Power Systems with some programming additional courses OR major in Power Systems with minor in Electronics. My favourite...
  19. O

    Studying Going back to school at age 40 to study engineering

    Hi everybody. I'm 40 years old and have been working sales and retail jobs for most of my career and have decided that I'm going to back to school part time with eventually going into mechanical or bio medical engineering. I plan on taking linear algebra and calculus 1 in the fall of 2019 to get...
  20. Boltzman Oscillation

    Electrical Engineering: Is this signal stable?

    Homework Statement y(t) = x(1-5t) Homework Equations noneThe Attempt at a Solution well I've never looked at the stability of a signal which has a time scale and shift. My guess is that it is stable as anything I can provide as input will output a bounded signal. Ex: if x(t) is u(t) then...
  21. kelvin scott

    Statics engineering: Beam bending problem

    Homework Statement a beam is 10 m long with point loads of 10kN at 3m from left and 20kN 10m from left. R1 and R2 these supports are 2m in from either end of the beam. The beam has a UDL of 5kN/m-1 along its length. Homework Equations (a) determine the vertical reaction at the support(b)...
  22. GabrielCoriiu

    I Reverse engineering refraction

    I'm trying to reverse engineer refraction. So given I, R and k in the image, what is N so that sin(θ1)/sin(θ2) = k ?
  23. O

    Auto/Motor Centrifugal compressor lift aircraft -- engineering help please

    Hello, I have a design for a different type of aircraft. I wanted an actual engineer to give advice before I fork over for some parts to try and make a working model. Attached are some pics. some of the pics are as if it were a full size acft. But for the model I was just going to use two turbo...
  24. kelvin scott

    Calculate Linear Acceleration of 0.5kg Mass Suspended from Flywheel

    A mass of 0.5kg is suspended from a flywheel is released from rest and falls a distance of 0.5m in 1.5s ,calculate the linear acceleration of the mass Σ Torque = I x a Σ F = m* a Im I right with the formulas?
  25. N

    Heat Recovery Potential from Domestic Boilers & Ovens

    Hi guys, I am currently exploring dissertation ideas and have been looking into the heat recovery potential from domestic gas boilers and ovens. More specifically, I am seeing if it is viable to collect heat from these appliances during or after their use, and then pump this heat into the attic...
  26. S

    Relative Wind Problem (Modern Engineering Mathematics, 5th)

    Homework Statement A cyclist traveling east at 8 km/hr finds that the wind appears to blow directly from the north. On doubling his speed it appears to blow from the north-east.. Find the actual velocity of the wind.[/B]Homework Equations Wind(relative) = Wind(Actual) - Velocity(cyclist)...
  27. D

    Programs Is interdisciplinary engineering worth the money?

    I am considering a masters in interdisciplinary engineering from Purdue with a concentration in either systems engineering or computational engineering. Is this a waste of my time and money compared to just getting an aerospace masters and taking courses in systems engineering or computational...
  28. dani546237

    Thrust 6.05MN, mass 4,520,000 lbm, what is the acceleration?

    if the first stage provides a thrust of 6.05 mega-Newtons [MN] and the space shuttle has a mass of 4,520,000 pound-mass [lb Subscript m], what is the acceleration of the spacecraft in miles per hour squared [mi divided by h squared]? Equation: F=ma conversions: 1000m=0.621mi 3600s=1 hour I'm...
  29. N

    Mechanism with a linear actuator

    Designing a machine. For it to work properly there would need to be a mechanism that connects the linear actuator to the stand that would allow for the actuator to move horizontally relatively freely with applied forces at the bottom, when there is simultaneously a downward applied force by the...
  30. E

    Engineering How proficient do i need to be in CAD for a mechanical engineering internship?

    How proficient in cad should someone who is applying for mechanical engineering internship be? I am teaching myself solidworks and i would like to have a benchmark to progress towards so when I began applying for a mechanical engineering internship in the near future i will feel prepared.
  31. anorlunda

    Best Engineering in the Past 100 years

    We commonly see lists of "best science" both here on PF and elsewhere. I think it is time for a little friendly rivalry from the engineering side. I arbitrarily chose 100 years as the period. The wheel and Roman aqueducts were great engineering but not much fun for us to talk about because we...
  32. A

    Engineering Have trouble finding work (PhD in Materials Science & Engineering)

    I am about to graduate with a doctorate in a Materials Science & Engineer degree. I have the following experience: - Mechanical testing such as indentation and bend testing - X-ray/neutron diffraction characterization (in/ex situ)...
  33. diogenesNY

    Naval Engineering 19-20c: Fun with numbers

    I have been reading the book _Able Seamen: The Lower Decks of the Royal Navy 1850-1939_ by Brian Lavery, Naval Institute Press 2011, and I came across an interesting paragraph regarding engine efficiency (and labor requirements) as steam began to replace sail. I reproduce the relevant...
  34. F

    Programs Is Environmental Engineering capitalized?

    Hi! I'm currently a freshman applying to an REU for the summer. It would be great help if anyone could take a look at it and critique what needs to be changed. As a side note, I know this is a super long personal statement because the program I'm applying for says the word count needs to be...
  35. D

    Reverse Engineering Plastics: Is It Cost Effective?

    I would like to know if plastics can be reverse engineered or are the costs too significant .
  36. M

    Masters of computational engineering ?

    I am almost done with 5 years bachelor of nuclear engineering, is it a good idea to switch to computational engineering, since that it will open more opportunities?
  37. I

    Comp Sci Solving Fortran 77 Assignments with XYZ: Reading & Calculating Values

    Hey guys, new here and was hoping for some help. Basically I have to use Fortran 77 to complete some questions for an assignment The first thing to do is, read a bunch of numbers in a list format and then use these numbers to be entered within an equation. The values I have are listed in a 1...
  38. morrobay

    Schools University of Penn. School of Engineering?

    https://catalog.upenn.edu/undergraduate/engineering-applied-science/ My nephew is interested in 'engineers without borders' What are the applications related to The University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering ? The courses seem to be a blend of other specialties with engineering. To put...
  39. V

    Design courses for Electrical engineering

    Which Design courses are available in Electrical engineering for getting good job opportunities
  40. Boltzman Oscillation

    Electrical Engineering: What is the current through this?

    Homework Statement I have a current source of 2mA in parrallel with a resistor of 9.2kOhm and a short. What is the current through the short? Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I always thought shorts had an infinite amount of current but maybe I do not quite understand the...
  41. G

    How Can Fault Tree Analysis Estimate Risk in Hydrocarbon Separation Processes?

    Homework Statement FIGURE 2 shows an improved arrangement for separating water from the hydrocarbon liquid for the process in question 2. Two simple level control loops, LC, have been added to regulate flow control valves on a pumped system. Extra protection is also provided in the form of high...
  42. M

    Engineering Bachelor of Nuclear engineering, Masters in Mechanical?

    Hi, I am just about to finish my bachelor of nuclear engineering, my aim is to work in the industry " energy companies " ,I want to be a CFD engineer, where I can work in both the nuclear field and outside the nuclear field. Is a masters in mechanical engineering a good idea ? if yes, any...
  43. J

    Wrapping a Ribbon Around a Cone

    Greetings everybody. This is my first post and I am looking for help with a little math/geometry/engineering problem. This has been a real brain buster for my colleague and I the past couple days so I am hoping somebody can help. I am not sure if this is the best section for it, but it...
  44. 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...
  45. 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...
  46. 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...
  47. 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...
  48. 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...
  49. 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...
  50. 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.
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