Tools Definition and 113 Threads

A tool is an object that can extend an individual's ability to modify features of the surrounding environment. Although many animals use simple tools, only human beings, whose use of stone tools dates back hundreds of millennia, have been observed using tools to make other tools. Early tools, made of such materials as stone, bone, and wood, were used for preparation of food, hunting, manufacture of weapons, and working of materials to produce clothing and useful artifacts. The development of metalworking made additional types of tools possible. Harnessing energy sources such as animal power, wind, or steam, allowed increasingly complex tools to produce an even larger range of items, with the Industrial Revolution marking an marked inflection point in the use of tools. The introduction of automation allowed tools to operate with minimal human supervision, further increasing the productivity of human labor.

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  1. M

    Engineering What tools do control engineers use?

    Hey everyone- Does anyone have any idea what kind of software/computer languages/tools a control systems engineer would use on a daily basis? I know 'control systems engineer' is a vague title- I'm looking specifically at like aircraft flight control systems (networks of mechanical and...
  2. M

    Help with Basic Descriptive Geometry Tools

    Hello, I have been trying to help a friend of mine some descriptive geometry like orthographic projection of planes etc . . . I was wondering if someone can recommend a simple software that has the very basic construction tools like a ruler, compass, protractor etc so as to record some of the...
  3. J

    Simulation Tools for Solid State Devices and MEMS

    I have worked with softwares that help me simulate circuits (Hpice, Proteus, MultiSim), but is there a software that helps me simulate devices right from the level of the atom? For instance, I should be able to create a pattern of boron with silicon atoms, and then be able to replicate it 1...
  4. S

    Mathematical tools for quantum mechanics

    I am currently reading the book on quantum mechanics by N.Zettili. It's really a good book but has a lot of mathematical stuff which I am not able to absorb. There's a whole chapter on mathematical tools but it is difficult to.understand. Can anyone suggest me book or text on mathematics as...
  5. C

    FEM tools like MAXWELL , FLUX , MOTOR CAD

    Hi all, I want to learn tools like MAXWELL 2d 3d , MAGNET, FLUX etc. I want to know if I'll need to know CAD and FEM Analysis to learn the above mentioned tools. Thankyou, Chaitanya
  6. C

    Is there cheap / high productivity way to measure quality of hand tools?

    is there "cheap" / high productivity way to measure quality of hand tools? I see online a common complaint that widely available tools have become low quality due to offshore outsourcing, cost cutting, corrupt/lying mislabeling of alloys used etc. Conversely, tools of "proven" brands that have...
  7. L

    Tools to Help You Enjoy Biology

    I've always hated biology, do you have some tools to make me like them ? Thanks, Alexandria
  8. D

    Do engineering researchers often use advanced math as tools?

    Such as topics in topology, complex analysis, etc.?
  9. D

    Being an Engineer : Essential - and interesting - mathematics and tools.

    So, its a long post and I feel I've been pushing this thing further and further without considering it properly. Here's the background: I am doing a 5 year B. Tech. + M. Tech. Integrated course in Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering. There's one major issue though. My curriculum doesn't...
  10. D

    Tools needed to analyze circuit boards

    I come across many circuit boards at my job and I while I have to understand exactly what the board should be giving as inputs and outputs I don't have to understand what's the board is doing within it. For instance, I know that a board should have a high voltage switch close when another area...
  11. S

    Build an Ion Thruster: Research & Tools

    Hi my friends I wanted to build a ion thruster for some research projects. I searched in net and find out that there are a lot of papers relating to design and increasing performance of ion thrusters, but i couldn't find a build paper or site! Please if any of you knew about build requirement...
  12. E

    LaTeX How Did You Learn LaTeX and What Are the Best Tools?

    First, how and where did you learn LaTeX? I want to get started, but I have been shocked at how unhelpful the resources at the top of my Google searches have been. Second, what applications do you write and compile in? I've heard of "Emacs," but I'm not sure if this is as related as I would...
  13. V

    Tools needed to create a website?

    Hello everyone, I need to create a website. Therefore, i would like to ask what are the tools required for the same. I know C/C++, java. I know that website designing is done in HTML, PHP etc. but i cannot form a clear picture of the same. I would like to know step by step procedure to create a...
  14. N

    Mechanical Engineering Tools help

    (I apologize ahead of time If I posted this in the wrong section) I'm in the process of starting an import business. I'm trying to do some market research and need some help, since I don't know too many mechanical engineers myself I want to know if any of you have any experience with these...
  15. X

    Online tools for Gaussian elimination / LU decomposition ?

    I can not find any useful online tool that solves you a system of equations using Gaussian elimination and LU decomposition. So just a system like: -3X+4X+9X+4x=-2 9X+2X+1X-5X=2 etc. Just about 4 lines. several lines. So basically an online tool where you can just plug in the...
  16. V

    Are quantum field only calculation tools?

    Do quantum field have ontological reality or are they only mathematical calculational tools just like virtual particles? What's the mainstream consensus?
  17. B

    Tools of the Quantum Physicists

    Folks, I am reading some literature on QM. From what I understand QM can be used to great accuracy to predict the outcome of experiments and help to improve technology etc etc without having to worry to much about what it means i.e. the interpretations etc, i.e. the shut up and calculate...
  18. C

    Mechanical Engineering Tools: Real World Resources

    Any practicing mechanical engineers post some internet links or tools used on the job? Would be much appreciated thanks.
  19. O

    Other useful computational tools for physics and math?

    Hi. I am aware that Fortran, Mathlab and Mathematica are used somewhat extensively in physics. Due to some technical and administrative problems I was unable to return to the labs to learn any of the three stated above during the long break. I only have limited access and would have to use the...
  20. E

    Removing Oxide Layer from Machine Tools

    Hi all! This forum has been very helpful to me in the past, so I thought I would post this question here. I have what are basically machine tools that I am trying to examine in the SEM (I also use profilometry to gauge surface roughness). After use, the tools have residual Aluminum on...
  21. P

    Finding Solutions for y^4+4y-69 - Without Advanced Math Tools

    Homework Statement Solving y^4+4y-69, I got the following: By manually plugging in, I found that y= -3 and y=2.76. However, I would like to ask you if there are other good, efficient ways to find solutions? (Without using sophisticated math tools. Imagine, I have this prob on the exam)...
  22. T

    What is an Electrical Net? - Simulation Tools Explained

    Hey guys I am using some simulation tools and wondering what is an electrical net? google didnt help:D
  23. V

    Jet Engine Design: Tools & Softwares

    what are tools or softwares are available to design and test new jet engine?
  24. A

    Fairly simple trig question concerning calculus tools

    Homework Statement Well this is technically from a calculus problem but my question focuses only on the trig of the problem so I am posting it here. This is for graphing second degree equations with a nonzero xy Homework Equations Given: Ax^{2}+Bxy+Cy^{2}+Dx+Ey+F=0 where B \neq...
  25. P

    Nanotechnology: scales of tools and objects

    Homework Statement What is the relationship of the scale of the tool and the scale of the object? Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution This refers to nanotechnology. But I'm confused when they state the scale of the tool and the scale of the object. Therefore, would the...
  26. N

    Tools to Prepare You for the Workforce: EE Major in Year 3.

    hello everybody, I am going into my 3rd year as an EE major, usually between semesters ill either prep or try to learn more tools for my tool box. my question is this: are there any tools (languages, certifications, subjects, etc.) that would "really" aid me when i enter the workforce...
  27. L

    What kind of problem is this and what tools can we use to tackle it?

    Basically I have the following system: ac = A ad + bc = B bd = C where A, B, and C are constants. Solving for a, b, c, and d, what kind of problem/system am I encountering and what appropriate tools (vectors and/or numerical methods perhaps[?]) would help to find the set...
  28. drizzle

    Using Research Tools to Analyze Textbooks for Teaching EFL Writing

    Hey there, I thought PF can be helpful in many fields other than science. :biggrin: Here's the question:
  29. A

    Low-Noise, Low-Power, Low-Voltage; Mixed-Mode Design with CAD Tools;

    Low-Noise, Low-Power, Low-Voltage; Mixed-Mode Design with CAD Tools; Voltage, Current and Time References by Johan H. Huijsing, Rudy J. van de Plassche, and Willy M.C. Sansen (1995,Springer) anybody could tell me where can find this e-book? thanks
  30. rhody

    Exploring Google Tools: PF Forum Member Experiences

    Google Tools... I want to know if PF forum members regularly use: Google, alerts... http://www.google.com/alerts" and if getting e-mailed links has helped you find or research information (Note: to busy college students...), or to keep abreast of breaking news ? Have you tried...
  31. E

    Examining Wear Patterns of Tools in Manufacturing Process

    I'm trying to study wear patterns of tools in a manufacturing process. My plan of attack is the following: 1) pre-image the tool in the SEM 2) use the tool to machine a superabrasive material 3) remove the excess Aluminum from the tool that accumulates during the machining process using NaOH...
  32. ZapperZ

    Accelerator and Beams - Tools for Discovery and Innovation

    The Division of Physics of Beams of the American Physical Society (APS) has produced this wonderful brochure titled "http://www.aps.org/units/dpb/upload/brochure.pdf" ". It essentially describe what a particle accelerator is, and more importantly, what it is used for. The main purpose here is...
  33. Gokul43201

    Revolutionary research on using tools

    http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/02/19/women.bikinis.objects/index.html?iref=mpstoryview Other valuable insights into tooling include the following: How little we men know about ourselves.
  34. T

    Heavy tools to study apparently simple structrures or objects?

    We all know that a lot of machinery goes into study the set of natural integers such as algebraic number theory and analytical number theory. Why are the natural integers so special? What other mathematical objects involve so much attention in terms of machinery used to study them?
  35. K

    TOOLS? For measuring surface friction?

    TOOLS? For measuring surface friction? Are there any good tools out there for measuring the friction of a surface such as a road or ice or other surfaces?
  36. V

    Find NetCDF Plotting Tools - Easy Solution

    I've been having a hard time finding an appropriate forum for this question let alone put it in the proper board...so feel free to move it if need be. I am writing a script that polls a specified device on a fixed interval using SNMP and archives the results. The goal is to be able to debug...
  37. Saladsamurai

    Calculus tools I have found helpful

    for checking partial fractions, integrals and systems of equations http://calc101.com/webMathematica/partial-fractions.jsp#topdoit" http://integrals.wolfram.com" http://www.gregthatcher.com/Mathematics/GaussJordan.aspx" Have fun! Mentors, if there is a better spot for this, feel free to...
  38. W

    How did Richard Feynman approach integration with a different set of tools?

    I was reading "Surely you're joking Mr. Feynman" and noticed that he mentioned he uses a "different set of tools" for integration. Is there any way we can learn these? Did he teach these different methods or is there some article with which I can learn these methods? -Anirudh
  39. B

    Learning Math with Limited Visual Tools When Calculus is Required

    I'm currently taking calculus ("differential calculus of several variables") and I really dislike math (even though I used to like math), but it's required for my major (comp sci). My teacher can't draw and does not show us graphics of 3-D graphs and functions, so I have a hard time 'seeing'...
  40. R

    Is there a free graph plotting software for maths functions?

    Dear all valuable experts, I'm looking for a free based maths graph plotting software which could display a sketch for various or any kind of functions supplied. Any idea if such software even exists? Thanks in advance.
  41. I

    How Useful is imodelit.com for Electrical Engineers?

    Dear All, I would like to introduce this website; http://www.imodelit.com" . imodelit.com portal is an online library of device modeling tools for electrical engineers. It offers unique solution to satisfy the initial design steps of optical and microwave components. imodelit.com main goal...
  42. L

    Fractional Calculus :New Tools for Physics

    The fractional dynamics has been appearing in many phenomena such as the movement of protein in the cytoplasm. The Fractional calculus used to describe it. Xuru's Website Introductory Notes on Fractional Calculus http://www.xuru.org/fc/toc.asp ----------------------------------...
  43. R

    PHP Start Coding with PHP: IDE & Tools for *nix Platforms

    I've never used the language before but I would like to start moving away from Windows as a server platform. PHP from what I can tell, and have read on this board, is a good choice for coding on a *nix platform. Can anyone recommend an IDE and any other tools that might come in handy for web...
  44. C

    Any 3D graph plotting tools for Mac?

    Anything free that is? BTW, I have a biological aversion to Gnuplot.
  45. M

    Medical Researching Inner Monologue: Experiments & Audio Tools

    Is anyone currently researching the inner monologue? Where can I find information about experiments to alter the inner monologue? Are there any websites which have "audio tools" which, when listened to, can positively alter the tone and function of the inner monologue? Cheers,
  46. L

    Is the Voltage Too Low for MSP430 Programming?

    Hi, I have an MSP430 USB interface that comes with the MSP-FET430UIF and a JTAG MSP430F2131 header board. Problem is, I have no idea how to load the program onto the MCU that's on the header board through the JTAG connector. I have the IAR Embedded Workbench KickStart software and I haven't...
  47. A

    Can a physicist learn his math tools from wikipedia alone?

    Now that we have established that physicists do not need to study math proofs or do rigorous math problems, but rather just understand the math tools well enough to use them, I was wondering if a physicist can just get by in learning the math tools in a qualitative, prosaic, way as in wikipedia...
  48. F

    Ceramic Cutting Tools: Speed & Depth Data

    Could somebody help me to get information of cutting speed and depth of cut for ceramic cutting tools? I would need to have a data for all the ceramic types. Thanks!
  49. R

    MATLAB Matlab Question (book) + Software Tools

    Hi, I am an EE student right now. I'm planning on learning a little more in dept about matlab. I have a basic intro to MATLAB for engineering book, and I've exhausted the material for it. Any suggestions on a good book that contains topics that I can use for later classes (such as control...
  50. Cyrus

    My Shopping Adventure: Sears and Wiha Tools

    I love sears. I went there today and bought a bench vise. (craftsman) I want to buy all their tools :!) I also went to the hobby shop and bought 7 small precision screw drivers for $30.00, made in germany (wiha tools) :!) http://www.wihatools.com/images/Precision/267px200.jpg You can...
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