Glossary of engineering

Glossary of Engineering

This glossary of engineering terms provides definitions and explanations for a wide range of concepts and terminology used in the field of engineering. Engineering is a broad discipline that applies scientific and mathematical principles to design, develop, and analyze technological solutions. This glossary aims to assist students, professionals, and enthusiasts in understanding the diverse language of engineering.

A

Algorithm

An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure or formula for solving a problem. In engineering, algorithms are used in computer science, data analysis, and control systems to perform calculations, data processing, and automated reasoning tasks.

Amplifier

An amplifier is an electronic device that increases the power of a signal. It is a crucial component in audio engineering, radio frequency systems, and other applications where signal boosting is required.

B

Beam

A beam is a structural element that primarily resists loads applied laterally to the beam's axis. Beams are used in civil engineering and mechanical engineering to support structures such as bridges and buildings.

Binary

Binary refers to a base-2 numeral system that uses two symbols, typically 0 and 1. It is the foundation of digital electronics and computer systems.

C

Capacitor

A capacitor is a passive electronic component that stores electrical energy in an electric field. Capacitors are widely used in electrical engineering for filtering, energy storage, and signal processing.

Circuit

A circuit is a closed path through which an electric current flows. Circuits are fundamental to electrical engineering and electronics, forming the basis of devices from simple light switches to complex computers.

D

Diode

A diode is a semiconductor device that allows current to flow in one direction only. Diodes are used in rectification, signal modulation, and voltage regulation.

Dynamics

Dynamics is the branch of mechanics concerned with the motion of bodies under the action of forces. It is essential in mechanical engineering for analyzing systems in motion.

E

Efficiency

Efficiency is a measure of how well a system converts input energy into useful output energy. It is a key concept in thermodynamics, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.

Entropy

Entropy is a measure of the disorder or randomness in a system. In thermodynamics, it is a central concept that describes the amount of energy in a system that is unavailable for doing work.

F

Fluid Dynamics

Fluid dynamics is the study of the movement of liquids and gases. It is a sub-discipline of fluid mechanics and is crucial in aerospace engineering, civil engineering, and chemical engineering.

Force

A force is an interaction that changes the motion of an object. In physics and engineering, forces are vectors that have both magnitude and direction.

G

Gear

A gear is a rotating machine part having cut teeth that mesh with another toothed part to transmit torque. Gears are used in mechanical engineering to change the speed and direction of motion.

Generator

A generator is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. Generators are used in power engineering to produce electricity for homes, industries, and transportation.

H

Heat Exchanger

A heat exchanger is a device that transfers heat between two or more fluids. It is used in chemical engineering, HVAC systems, and power plants to improve energy efficiency.

Hydraulics

Hydraulics is the technology and applied science of using liquid fluid power to perform work. It is widely used in mechanical engineering for systems such as brakes, lifts, and heavy machinery.

I

Inductor

An inductor is a passive electronic component that stores energy in a magnetic field when electric current flows through it. Inductors are used in electrical engineering for filtering, tuning, and energy storage.

Insulation

Insulation refers to materials used to reduce the rate of heat transfer or electrical conductivity. It is essential in building engineering, electrical engineering, and thermal engineering.

J

Joule

A joule is a derived unit of energy in the International System of Units. It is used to quantify energy, work, or heat in physics and engineering.

K

Kinematics

Kinematics is the study of motion without considering the forces that cause it. It is a fundamental aspect of mechanical engineering and robotics.

Kinetic Energy

Kinetic energy is the energy that an object possesses due to its motion. It is a key concept in mechanics and energy systems.

L

Load

A load is an external force or weight supported by a structure or component. In structural engineering, understanding loads is crucial for designing safe and efficient buildings and bridges.

Lubrication

Lubrication is the application of a substance (lubricant) to reduce friction between surfaces in mutual contact. It is vital in mechanical engineering to prevent wear and overheating of moving parts.

M

Magnetism

Magnetism is a force of attraction or repulsion that acts at a distance due to a magnetic field. It is a fundamental concept in electromagnetism and electrical engineering.

Modulation

Modulation is the process of varying a carrier signal in order to transmit information. It is used in telecommunications and signal processing to encode data for transmission.

N

Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter on an atomic, molecular, and supramolecular scale. It is an interdisciplinary field involving materials science, chemistry, and biotechnology.

Newton

A newton is the International System of Units (SI) derived unit of force. It is named after Sir Isaac Newton in recognition of his work on classical mechanics.

O

Oscillation

Oscillation is the repetitive variation, typically in time, of some measure about a central value. It is a key concept in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and acoustics.

Ohm

An ohm is the SI unit of electrical resistance, named after Georg Simon Ohm. It is used to quantify the resistance in an electrical circuit.

P

Power

Power is the rate at which energy is transferred or converted. In electrical engineering, power is measured in watts and is a critical factor in designing circuits and systems.

Pressure

Pressure is the force applied perpendicular to the surface of an object per unit area. It is a fundamental concept in fluid mechanics and thermodynamics.

Q

Quantum Mechanics

Quantum mechanics is the branch of physics that deals with the behavior of matter and light on the atomic and subatomic scale. It is essential in nanotechnology and quantum computing.

Quenching

Quenching is the rapid cooling of a material to alter its microstructure and mechanical properties. It is a process used in metallurgy and materials engineering.

R

Resonance

Resonance is the tendency of a system to oscillate with greater amplitude at certain frequencies. It is a critical concept in acoustics, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering.

Robotics

Robotics is the branch of technology that deals with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots. It is an interdisciplinary field involving mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science.

S

Semiconductor

A semiconductor is a material with electrical conductivity between that of a conductor and an insulator. Semiconductors are the foundation of modern electronics, including transistors and integrated circuits.

Stress

Stress is the internal resistance of a material to deformation, typically measured in force per unit area. It is a fundamental concept in materials science and structural engineering.

T

Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics is the branch of physics that deals with the relationships between heat and other forms of energy. It is essential in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, and aerospace engineering.

Torque

Torque is a measure of the force that can cause an object to rotate about an axis. It is a key concept in mechanical engineering and automotive engineering.

U

Ultrasonics

Ultrasonics refers to sound waves with frequencies above the audible range. It is used in medical imaging, nondestructive testing, and cleaning technologies.

Uncertainty

Uncertainty is the degree to which a measured value deviates from the true value. It is a critical concept in measurement, statistics, and quality control.

V

Voltage

Voltage is the electric potential difference between two points. It is a fundamental concept in electrical engineering and is measured in volts.

Viscosity

Viscosity is a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow. It is an important property in fluid dynamics and chemical engineering.

W

Watt

A watt is the SI unit of power, equivalent to one joule per second. It is used to quantify the rate of energy transfer in electrical engineering and mechanical engineering.

Welding

Welding is a fabrication process that joins materials, usually metals or thermoplastics, by causing coalescence. It is a critical technique in manufacturing and construction.

X

X-ray Diffraction

X-ray diffraction is a tool used for identifying the atomic and molecular structure of a crystal. It is widely used in materials science and crystallography.

Y

Yield Strength

Yield strength is the stress at which a material begins to deform plastically. It is a key property in materials engineering and structural engineering.

Z

Zener Diode

A Zener diode is a type of diode that allows current to flow in the reverse direction when a specific, designed reverse voltage is reached. It is used in voltage regulation and overvoltage protection.

See Also

• Engineering
• List of engineering branches
• History of engineering

References

• "Engineering Fundamentals: An Introduction to Engineering" by Saeed Moaveni
• "The Art of Electronics" by Paul Horowitz and Winfield Hill