Kinetic energy examples are all around us. Kinetic energy can be explained as the energy that is in all moving objects on Earth. Simply put, kinetic energy is the type of energy behind motion. It can be further defined into different types based on the various types of motion in an object. Vibrational kinetic energy […]
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The vernier caliper least count is the smallest measurement that can be recorded with a vernier caliper. A vernier caliper is a device used for precisely measuring linear dimensions, i.e. a straight line between two points. It is commonly used for measuring smaller objects where accurate measurements are required. A typical use of a vernier
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A Venturi meter is an instrument that measures flow that features a converging piece of pipe to intentionally increase the velocity of the flow and in turn, a pressure drop. From this behaviour the flowrate can be determined. Venturi meters have been a common tool and have been used in the water supply industry for
This article will teach you how to use SolidWorks bend table when working with sheet metal. We will also look at how you can create sheet metal gauge tables for SolidWorks. Anyone that has worked with sheet metal in the past knows that sheet metal properties like bend allowance, bend deduction, ben radius, K-factors, gauge
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Fourier’s Law states that the time it takes for heat to travel through a material is proportional to the temperature’s negative gradient, and to the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the gradient through which the heat is flowing. Fourier’s law is simply an alternative name for the law of heat conduction. Fourier’s law formula: qi =
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A Wheatstone bridge is a special type of electrical circuit that is used to accurately measure the unknown resistance of a component. It was also originally used to calibrate measurement instruments such as ammeters and voltmeters using a resistive slide wire. The Wheatstone bridge was originally invented by Samuel Hunter Christie in 1823. In 1843,
In simplest terms, the viscosity of a fluid is the measurement of its resistance to deformation at a specified rate. For liquids, viscosity directly corresponds to its “thickness.” Custard, for example, has a greater viscosity than syrup, and syrup has a greater viscosity than water. To visualise viscosity, you can picture the internal frictional forces
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Constant force springs differ from traditional helically-wound springs. They are made from pre-tensioned, high yield strips of metal (often stainless steel) as opposed to wire. Constant force springs are classified as “extension springs”. When coiled, the metal strip resists uncoiling with a near-constant resistance force. When extended, the internal stress of the metal resists any
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Poisson’s ratio is a value that defines the amount of contraction that occurs when something is stretched, or the amount of expansion when an object is compressed. The contraction is always measured at 90o to the stretching or compression force. To put it in very simple terms – in general, when an object is stretched
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Most engineering installations and equipment are subjected to (and designed to withstand) a variety of atmospheric conditions and over a wide range of temperature, pressure, humidity and other related factors. But how do these thermodynamic quantities affect one another, and how does one property differ in relation to changes in the other? After all, these
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The act of measuring has become an important part of our everyday lives. The need to measure and standardise has developed into the science of metrology. It has become an indispensable tool in the advancement of technology. In this article we’ll look at its importance and how it relates to mechanical engineering. First of all,
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In the study of electronics, many laws and theories exist. These laws enable us to understand the workings of electric circuits and components. One such law is Watt’s law. Watt’s law is named after James Watt, a Scottish engineer and chemist. It defines the relationship between power, voltage and current. This law states that the
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The Taylor Functions are series of sum terms that concern the values of the derivatives of a given function at a given point, so they are a part of Calculus. They are a clever practical way to expand and simplify complicated and transcendental functions into computable polynomials. The number of the sum terms that are
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What is shear stress equation? How do you calculate shear stress on a beam? Impact shear stress equation Fluids shear stress equation Wall Shear Stress measurement Did you realise that when you rub your hands together while washing, you are causing shear stress on the surface of your hands? Or that when you brush your
Shear Stress Equation clearly explained. Average, Beam, Impact, Fluids shear stress Read More »
Defining and understanding the basic structural concepts of engineering and how they are expressed in physics and mathematics is a key aspect for students. This enables them to enter the realms of structure design and development on the right foot. The purpose of this quick guide is to provide a generic yet helpful description of
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Have you come across Pascals as a unit of pressure and not quite sure what it is? Pressure can be a bit confusing. There are a few different units of pressure that are still in common use, depending on which country you’re in and the industry of application. Pressure units include Pounds per Square Inch
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Before defining the volumetric flow rate equation and how to apply it, let’s explore the concept of volumetric flow and how the principle is used in engineering and physics. What exactly is volumetric flow rate? It can be described as the rate at which a fluid flows. In simple terms, it is a measurement of
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Resonant frequency can apply to many areas of the physical sciences or engineering. Thus, there is more than one resonant frequency equation, depending on the field you happen to be studying – electrical, acoustic, or mechanical engineering for example. In this article, we’re going to start by looking at what resonant frequency actually is, before
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Steel columns and beams are the building blocks of most major commercial construction these days. Therefore, knowing how to design a steel column is one of the first things any engineer worth their salt needs to master. The main reason steel is so popular is due to the fact it’s relatively light and easy to
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It has been observed that most aircraft accidents occur during the take-off or landing phase of the flight. Lift is a major part of takeoff. Before getting technical and diving right into the, let’s understand what lift is in simple terms. This will make it easier to grasp the concepts involved in the equation itself.
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Are you looking to convert millimeters to inches? Look no further, with our instant mm to inches calculator, you can do it in a second. Convert mm to inches calculator mm to inches formula If you are frequently converting between mm and inches,it’s probably useful to know the formula to save time. number of
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I don’t think there is a mechanical engineer out there who doesn’t have a soft spot for gears. There’s just something about spinning bits of metal (or some other material) meshing together that is mesmerizing to watch, while opening up so many possibilities functionally. Particularly mesmerizing are planetary gears, where the gears not only spin,
Planetary Gears – a masterclass for mechanical engineers Read More »
Viscosity refers to the amount that a fluid (gas or liquid) resists changing shape. In other words, how much a fluid opposes flow. Therefore, the viscosity of water refers to how much water resists flow or movement. A more technical way to describe viscosity is that it’s a measure of how much a given fluid
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Have you ever wondered why gauge symmetry is synonymous with electromagnetism equations? Anytime the topic comes up, it reminds us of Maxwell’s electrodynamics. Gauge field theories are the characteristic of gauge symmetries. Interestingly, you were most probably taught about these theories if you went through a physics class, albeit unknowingly. In this guide, we will
Gauge Symmetry for Boneheads – a brief explanation of the fundamentals. Read More »
Below is a handy Reynolds Number Calculator. The Reynolds number (Re) is a dimensionless quantity that is used to determine what type of fluid flow to expect in a given situation. It is an important tool for engineers who are engaged in fluid mechanics, as it can predict the flow patterns to be expected and help
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In 2009 a project was initiated to make a support structure for the Anne Frank tree, a historical chestnut tree treated as a landmark from the second world war. A previous inspection showed that significant rot was present at the bottom of the tree, leaving it weakened and susceptible to blowing over. A steel structure
Anne Frank Tree – Poor Design Leads to Collapse Read More »
This article is a basic look at thermal materials that are available today, and general design considerations for thermal design. This article covers thermal conductivity, thermal interface materials, and metallic materials for passive heat spreading. We will also look at some high conductivity materials that are commercially available. Basic conduction equation The equation defined by
Thermal design basics: materials and calculations Read More »
This article helps mechanical engineers understand the selection of ball bearings depending upon the application and load conditions. Primarily the article helps you calculate the minimum and maximum load bearing capacity of bearing and most importantly… life of the bearing as an individual. Here the designation number of the ball bearing helps you know the
Ball Bearings: Guide to selection, applications & calculations Read More »
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