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. bigmike94

    Which topics are best to focus on in my spare time for engineering?

    Summary: Which are the best engineering topics to really focus on during my spare time to prepare for the real world. Im on a physics and engineering degree, but will hopefully be doing a masters in engineering, my engineering modules are all the standard broad ones that most engineering...
  2. anorlunda

    Unsolved Engineering Problem: Runaway Anchor Drops

    I presume that numerous competent engineering organizations have addressed anchor drop brake designs many times in history. Nevertheless, runaway anchor drop accidents happen again and again. Therefore, I conclude that the general problem remains unsolved. How would our PF engineers...
  3. MarwaK

    Upside down diffuser engineering

    Hi everyone, I am looking to develop a smart diffuser with a specific design of inserting the scent upside down on the device with a 'click on' mechanism possibly magnetic. My question is from an engineering perspective, what should I be considering with this specific hardware design? I am a SE...
  4. L

    Studying Should I take up electrical engineering or computer science?

    I am currently in my final year of high school in India, and slightly confused as to which course I should take. I've always been interested in physics, and would eventually like to do research in quantum computing. I'm not sure whether to take a B.S. in Physics, or engineering (a BTech) in...
  5. G

    Engineering Career advice for a nuclear engineering graduate

    Hi everyone, I'm from an Asian country, and graduated with M.Sc. degree in nuclear power engineering last year from a university in Russia. Since then, I have been looking for jobs related to nuclear engineering but no luck up till now. Seeing that nuclear energy is getting trendy now in...
  6. wyattmarshall

    Best way to self-teach Electrical Engineering and Embedded Systems?

    Summary: Trying to self-teach Electrical Engineering, Embedded Linux and AVR/ARM to make a career change into embedded systems development and I need suggestions on the best way to do that. I have a plan but I honestly have no idea if its a good one. I have been into computers my whole life...
  7. T

    Engineering project: Harvesting energy from natural water fall

    - design of a micro-turbine based on different scenarios of waterfalls - build a system that involves a battery for storing power - test in the lab I have attached a image. I know the image is not very detailed but wanting some advice on this situation. I have done some water calculations on...
  8. J3J33J333

    Choosing Physics or Electrical Engineering

    Hello, I'm trying to decide between physics and electrical engineering. I like building electrical stuff, and I like solving physics problems, but my main goal is to try to build power systems that integrate things like what can be found in this paper https://arxiv.org/abs/1401.0520. I would...
  9. A

    Engineering Systems Engineering QFD on an Aerial Fire Fighting Aircraft

    Hi everyone, I am currently taking an aerospace systems engineering course and right now, the focus is on Quality Function Deployment (QFD), which is basically a method driven by customer requirements, which can capture customer requirements and systematically convert them into engineering...
  10. A

    Requirements and systems engineering

    Hi all, I am taking a course in systems engineering and we are discussing about requirements and functional architectures. Got me wondering, for the engineers here in the aerospace, do you have any interesting examples relating to missed requirements or to requirements gathering? What about...
  11. T

    Engineering Should I study Engineering Physics or Mechanical Engineering?

    I am unsure of what career to choose. I really like Physics and Math, and I have this desire to know more about things, which is what EP has to offer. I think that EP is mainly theoretical and does not teach many practice, but I believe that I can complement this by entering groups in my...
  12. M

    Job Skills Tips for a Physics BS going into a systems engineering job?

    I was wondered if anyone could give me some tips on what to expect going into a career in systems engineering. I completed my undergrad BS in Physics last year and I have worked as a student trainee optical engineer for two years (Intermittent schedule). I just completed my first year of grad...
  13. DanialK231

    Is a nuclear engineering minor worth an extra semester?

    Summary: Since I did not start out in calculus 1 in my first semester of college I have to take an extra semester in my four years to get my bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering and Clemson offers a minor in Nuclear engineering which would just add 15 more credit hours to my overall degree...
  14. M

    How to program a buzzer to a PIC18F452 with PROTEUS and MPLAB IDE?

    crystal frequency is 4MHz The code i have tried is: #include <p18cxxx.h> #include <xc.h> void main(void) { TRISC = 0; // making TRISC pins output ADCON1 = 0x07; // making them digital pins while(1) { RC0 = 1; __delay_ms(5000); RC0 = 0...
  15. M

    Comp Sci Interrupts on pic18f452 not shooting in mplab X, help? C language

    I am using MPLAB X, everything is working great when I work on examples that require smaller or no preload at all, I do not understand why that is the case, is there a limit to the TMR0L? Hello please help asap, my specific case I have: 4MHz crystal -----> 1 / (4MHz / 4) = 1MHz timer I...
  16. Y

    Programs What Is a Doctor of Engineering Degree and How Does It Work?

    I've recently learned that "Doctor of Engineering" degrees were a thing. It's seems to be a collaboration between the school and the company they work for. Does anyone here have one? Are these programs meant to be completed while continuing to work in industry full time? I couldn't find this...
  17. engineerintraining

    Engineering Practice Problem for a Pin-Connected Frame

    Have identified what i need to find, but not sure how to proceed since there is a pin in the centre, do I treat it as two separate structures?
  18. newbie1127

    A question about exam problems for Engineering students

    Summary:: hi everyone, i have always wondered whenever i am solving problems in preparation for exams, if other people see the problems that i encounter the same way i do. so, i decided i would write a post and collect perspectives. the way i see it exam problems can be classified in two...
  19. M

    State space controllers - find equations from differentials

    Summary:: This is similar to the examples of electrical circuit state space analysis, I have been trying to find the state space equations from the following non linear first order differentials but I keep getting stuck. Any help? A) Started off from non linear equations: $$y' =...
  20. M

    Engineering First order non linear to state space equations

    How to represent this system in state space form? where: $$ x' = Ax + Bu \text{ and }y = Cx + Du$$ I am trying to create a state space model based on these equations on simulink, need to find A, B, C and D but like I mentioned, i cannot find the solution when the differentials are not of...
  21. Z

    Exploring the Benefits of Planar Multibody Dynamics in Mechanical Engineering

    Hello I am reading the book : " Planar Multybody dynamics, Formulation, Programming and Application" An interesting lecture , however is it worthwhile studying these methods for kinematic and dynamic analysis of mechanical mechanisms? I mean There are many softwares on the market which make...
  22. V

    Undergrad Research Topic Ideas Please (Electrical Engineering)

    I'm currently looking for possible innovative research topics or ideas, I'm having a hard time to think of one since everything is getting really advance. Thank you.
  23. M

    How do you use electrical components adequately?

    The image i provided is a section of microcontroller circuit that i used to interface code in C with the I/O port of the microcontroller, in Proteus. I have realized i was only ever told to learn how to measure the voltage and current across the components, Kirchhoff's rules and all, and...
  24. D

    Engineering Overarching Intro Engineering Textbook

    Is there any sort of textbook that covers multiple engineering areas that is at an introductory level?
  25. M

    From differential equations to transfer functions

    *** MENTOR NOTE: This thread was moved from another forum to this forum hence no homework template. Summary:: Trying to find transfer functions to design a block diagram on simulink with a PID controller and transfer functions for a water tank system. ----EDIT--- The variables and parameters...
  26. manareus

    Estimating maximum percentage error using partial differentiation

    Attempt at question No. 1: ΔD = ∂D/∂h * Δh + ∂D/∂v * Δv ∂D/∂h = 3Eh^2/(12(1-v^2)) ∂D/∂v = 2Eh^3/(12(1-v^2)^2) Δh = +- 0,002 Δv = 0,02 h = 0,1 v = 0,3 ΔD = 3Eh^2/(12(1-v^2)) * Δh + 2Eh^3/(12(1-v^2)^2) * Δv Because the problem asked for maximum percentage error then I decided to use the...
  27. cellist542

    Schools College Decision Debate -- Purdue, Penn State or Illinois for Engineering?

    I am currently a high school senior and intend to study engineering in college next year. I am currently considering 3 schools: Purdue, Penn State, and Illinois. All three are excellent schools with solid engineering programs, and all have different benefits and drawbacks. I was admitted to the...
  28. Anmol Dubey

    Determining the Yield strength and Ultimate tensile strength of HDPE

    Help would very appreciated. Also I am new to this website so if something seems wrong please tell me :)
  29. S

    Engineering Boundary Conditions Electrical Engineering

  30. L

    Engineering calculations as a deliverable: standards and references

    My question relates mainly to mechncial engineering but I guess the general principle may apply elsewhere. Up until now I have mainly been an engineer on the customer side (marine and offshore) , reviewing contractor reports, "sense checking" them and general engineering firefighting and...
  31. W

    Why is engineering the toughest major (for me)?

    I'm in my 2nd semester in the 2nd year of college and I'm very perplexed. I'm learning a lot of physics and chemistry subjects and I can solve them using the mathematical apparatus but I just can't explain them in real life. In chemistry I can understand a few concepts about some chemical...
  32. matqkks

    MHB What is the best way to introduce Laplace transforms in an Engineering Mathematics course?

    Are there any practical applications of Laplace transform? I would not use Laplace transforms to solve first, second-order ordinary differential equations as it is much easier by other methods even if it has a pulse forcing function. How can Laplace transforms be introduced so that students are...
  33. matqkks

    How and what to teach on a second-year Engineering Mathematics?

    In the late 80’s and early 90’s there was the idea of ‘calculus reform’ and some emphasis and syllabus changed. The order of doing things in calculus also changed with the advantage of technology. Similarly in linear algebra, there was a linear algebra curriculum study group that produced some...
  34. A

    Best Engineering College in Bareilly, India For Best Faculty and Placement

    Summary:: Tell me the best Engineering Colleg in Bareilly, India, for the best faculty and placement I am searching for a preferred destination for engineering.
  35. S

    Studying Advice Needed: Seeking Help with Math & Physics for Engineering Studies

    Hello everyone, I am new here, and I was wondering if someone could provide me with some advice on how I should approach this in a smart way. I basically really need some bigtime advice on the math part of Physics (or in general). I didn't have anyone to really talk with or that'd be able to...
  36. A

    Engineering Homework about plane engineering drawing

    Hello, i wasn't in enginnering drawing class since 2 weeks because i was sick and my high school teacher told me to do this homework. This is what I've done so far I did not build the triangle 'cause i am not sure. Please, i just want that someone accompanies me with steps by steps explanation...
  37. Useful nucleus

    Engineering Career Awards in Science and Engineering

    Is self-nomination common for career awards in science and engineering? I was under the impression that nomination for awards is only by others but apparently self-nomination is an option too. Any PF member has an experience in this to share?
  38. M

    Other Is physics, computer science, or engineering the right path for me?

    I am 18 and currently in the middle of taking a gap year from high school to college. I am going to college this fall, and I want to go into college with a better grip on what I want to do than I have now. I absolutely love physics, science, and math. I also have a huge attachment to the idea of...
  39. ARoyC

    Measuring Capacitance using a basic Multimeter

    Is there any way to measure the capacitance of a capacitor indirectly using a multimeter that does not have the option to measure capacitance directly?
  40. S

    Engineering Calculating valve sizes for a compressible liquid

    I have converted given pressures from bar gauge to bar abs Inlet pressure = 20 - 1.013 = 21.013 bar abs Outlet pressure = 6 + 1.013 = 7.013 bar abs therefore pressure drop (x) x = {p_1 -p_2 \over p_1 } = {21.013 - 7.013 \over 21.013} = 0.6662542236 bar abs Comparing to the chart values for...
  41. ARoyC

    Other Questions regarding switching to Physics from Engineering

    Hello everyone. I am from Kolkata, India. This year I have cleared IIT-JEE and taken admission to the Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy, Visakhapatnam Chemical Engineering which is under the mentorship of the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. Even though I had to pursue...
  42. IAmGroot48

    Calculus 3 Multi-Integration (volume)

    Pending
  43. shivajikobardan

    MHB Choosing an Elective for Final Year Engineering Students

    How do I choose a good elective? I want sth that gives me good marks as i am in final year 2nd semester. I want sth that has good courses over the internet. I don’t want you to pick it up for me but in general just guide me about how to choose the elective? I will put only ones that I am...
  44. shivajikobardan

    Engineering I need guidance to choose my electives as computer engineering student

    How do I choose a good elective? I want something that gives me good marks as i am in final year 2nd semester. I want something that has good courses over the internet. I don’t want you to pick it up for me but in general just guide me about how to choose the elective? I will put only ones that...
  45. Engineering77744

    Max L/D Ratio: Aircraft Drag Polar Explained

    Would like help as to the method rather than the answer please. Classes haven't been very clear therefore everything is self taught. Many thanks. ' The Drag polar for an aircraft is given by: CD = 0.025 + 0.08 C^2L What is the maximum Lift to Drag ratio '
  46. person123

    Constraint Programming(ish) For Engineering Design

    I've been working on a tool in a browser for engineering (particularly civil engineering) design. By design, I just mean finding values (maybe the cross-section or material of a beam) which satisfies constraints. You would define constraints, possibly have something to minimize or maximize (like...
  47. lysol

    Other Exploring a Career Transition from Physics to Nuclear Engineering

    Hi y'all, I'm a 3rd year undergraduate, finishing up a BS in physics and a BA in political science. I've been working at a computational physics lab since freshman year, my GPA is pretty good (3.73 right now), and I'm pretty involved in campus leadership. I love physics and the lab I'm working...
  48. AncientOne99

    Engineering Electrical and Control Engineering: Transfer Function Reduction problem

  49. supern0va

    Engineering Material Science Books for Mechanical Engineering

    Hello, I'm looking for a book that explains the subject of material science so that I can apply that knowledge to mechanical engineering. I was wondering if Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction by Callister might be a good choice. Could that book help me in mechanical engineering...
  50. electronic engineer

    What Are the Best Ways to Engage in Real-Life Electronics Projects in Europe?

    Hello, I'm just open to new ideas about Electronics. For some reason or another, I loved this community. I want to participate in discussions about Electronics but I want something constructive, new ideas. I'm located in Europe so it would also nice to meet with other members here and share...
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