Looking to advance my knowledge

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In summary, the conversation discusses ways for a high school student interested in mechanical engineering to advance their knowledge beyond the basics and prepare for college. Suggestions include studying math and physics, particularly thermodynamics and calculus, and getting hands-on experience by overhauling an old car engine. The importance of good work habits and having a machinery handbook as a reference is also mentioned.
  • #1
TheWingnut
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I am only in high school, but I know how engines and cars work and I understand the concept of both. I wanted to know where I could go from here to advance my knowledge on mechanical engineering past basics and more towards what I will be learning in college mech engineering classes

Thanks in advance
 
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  • #2
The best to prepare for college is math & physics related since engines and cars will just be a subject at the end of the course before that expect to know a lot of math.
 
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  • #3
Study thermodynamics would be my recommendation
 
  • #4
Thermodynamics initially. Then IC Engine books.
 
  • #5
I am about to enter my 2nd last year for MECH ENG TECH Adv. Diploma

Patolord is correct, math and physics

siddharth23, wouldn't that be a little advanced for a high schooler? unless you think you can handle it wingnut.

Regardless, Best of Luck

-drew
 
  • #6
You'll study a lot of math.
So get really good at your high school algebra. Calculus is simple - it turns insoluble problems into high school algebra ones. My biggest problem with calculus was because of my sloppy work habits - I didn't keep things in neat columns so made really dumb arithmetic and algebra mistakes.
So force yourself now to form the habits of one line for every step, and neat columns.
You'll need them in first semester calculus.



Have you overhauled an old car engine yet? We learn best by doing. I was an EE but learned an awful lot about gears and bearings and linkages by (out of necessity) rebuilding my '53 Ford overdrive transmission. For a week I had to do my homework in the cafeteria because my desk was covered with planetary gears.

And get yourself a Machinery's Handbook. It is a lifelong reference for the practical details not mentioned in textbooks.

my two cents ... old jim
 
  • #7
Jim,

That's great advice, I will surely put this into play for myself when I start into the differential calculus which starts in September.

I was once terrible at math. you might ask why I chose this program to study. I enjoy a challenge, after using math for everything, I find myself quite skilled at mathematics. Now I endeavour to learn more and more. Thermodynamics; here I come

-drew

I have attached a link to download a PDF of a handbook for your reference, but once you have the money, go purchase one for yourself. a hard copy is considered invaluable for an engineer's reference library.

http://www.filedropper.com/6mechanicalengineeringhandbookteamtolly

this is from one of those file sharing sites

another good read is any edition of the degarmo's books

Cheers kid, and best of luck
 
  • #8
Maybe a bit advanced, yes. But if he knows a a decent bit already, he could give it a try I guess.
 

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