Engineering

A36 steel — common ASTM carbon structural steel A36 steel A36 is a widely used ASTM specification for low‑carbon structural steel in the United States, known for its economical strength, weldability, and use in construction shapes, plates…

Abrasive: materials, forms, uses, and selection Abrasive Abrasives are hard, rough materials used to cut, shape, smooth, or polish other surfaces. This article explains types, common materials, forms, uses, history, and how to choose and…

Abutment (bridge and dam support) Abutment An abutment is a substructure at the end of a bridge span or the side of a dam or arch that supports loads, retains approach fill, resists lateral thrust and transfers forces into…

Acoustics: the science of mechanical waves, sound and their applications Acoustics Acoustics studies mechanical waves in gases, liquids and solids — including sound, ultrasound and infrasound — covering physical principles, history, measurement, technologies and…

Acre-foot (unit of water volume) Acre foot A non‑SI unit used chiefly in the United States to measure large water volumes. One acre‑foot equals the volume that covers one acre to a depth of one foot (≈43,560 cu ft, ≈1,233 m…

Advanced Technician in Aviation (non civil servant) Advanced Technician in Aviation non civil servant Overview of the French Advanced Technician in Aviation (non civil servant) qualification: training at ENAC, curriculum themes, typical employers, career paths and how it differs fr…

Principles of Aerodynamics: Airflow, Lift, Drag, and Vehicle Design Aerodynamics Overview of aerodynamic principles: airflow behavior, lift and drag generation, thrust vs. resistance, and how aircraft and vehicle design use streamlining and control surfaces to…

Aeronautical operations technician (Technicien aéronautique d'exploitation) Aeronautical operations technician A vocational certification for professionals who manage flight operations on the ground: planning, documentation, weight-and-balance, regulatory compliance and coordination between…

Aeronautics: Principles, History, and Applications Aeronautics Aeronautics studies the design, operation, and science of aircraft and air navigation, covering aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, control systems and their roles in transport,…

Aerospace engineering: principles, subfields, and careers Aerospace engineering Aerospace engineering studies the design, testing and operation of vehicles that move through fluids, covering aeronautical and astronautical systems, education paths, career roles…

Agricultural fencing: purpose, types, design, and management Agricultural fencing Overview of agricultural fencing: common designs and materials, functions for livestock and crop protection, installation and maintenance, environmental and legal considerations, a…

Ain-Diab Circuit Temporary Moroccan road circuit built in 1957 near Ain-Diab; hosted the 1958 Moroccan Grand Prix and is remembered for Stirling Moss’s victory and the fatal crash of Stuart Lewis‑E…

Air conditioner A device or system that cools and often dehumidifies indoor air using a refrigeration cycle; commonly part of HVAC systems in homes, vehicles, and buildings.

Air Door (Air Curtain): Function, Design, Uses, and Considerations Air door An air door (air curtain) creates a controllable airstream across an opening to separate indoor and outdoor environments. This article covers how it works, components, history, typ…

Air draft: the vertical clearance of a vessel above the waterline Air draft Air draft is the vertical distance from the water surface to the highest point of a vessel. It determines whether a ship can pass under bridges, cables or other overhead obstructio…

Air Pump — Types, How It Works, Uses and Care Air pump Overview of air pumps: common types, how they work, valves and adapters, choosing the right pump, maintenance, safety tips and troubleshooting for inflatables and tires.

Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEP) Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel ATSEPs are technical specialists who install, maintain and certify the electronics and software systems that keep air traffic safe. They work for airports, ANSPs and manufacturers…

Airbus A340 A four‑engine, long‑range widebody airliner produced by Airbus. Known for its multiple variants (-200/-300/-500/-600), long-range capability and four‑engine layout; later supersede…

Airfoil (Aerofoil): Shape, Function and Applications Airfoil An airfoil (aerofoil) is the cross-sectional shape of a wing, blade or sail that produces lift and drag when moving through a fluid; design, history, and common uses explained.

Alpine butterfly knot (butterfly loop) Alpine butterfly knot A stable midline loop knot forming a secure, non-sliding eye in the middle of a rope, widely used in climbing, rescue, rigging and arboriculture for load-bearing and isolating dama…

Alternating current (AC): principles, waveforms, uses and history Alternating current Overview of alternating current (AC): how it differs from DC, common waveforms and frequencies, its historical development, major applications, and safety and technical distinction…

Alternator: principles, components, history and applications Alternator An alternator is a rotating electrical generator that converts mechanical motion into alternating current. This article explains its operation, parts, history, common types and pra…

Anchor (nautical device): types, parts, history and usage Anchor A nautical anchor secures a vessel by resisting wind, tide and waves. Covers types (temporary vs permanent), parts, how anchors hold, history, selection, setting, and safety consid…

Anvil (blacksmith's tool) Anvil A heavy iron or steel block used as a work surface for shaping metal by hammering; covers parts, materials, history, uses, maintenance and cultural significance.

Aqueduct Man-made channels—pipes, canals, tunnels, or bridges—built to convey water for drinking, irrigation, navigation, or power; overview of design, history, uses and distinctions.

Aromatic Polyamides (Aramids): Structure, Properties, and Applications Aramid Overview of aromatic polyamides (aramids): their molecular structure, para vs meta types, synthesis, mechanical and thermal properties, and applications in protective gear, composi…

Arc flash: causes, hazards, prevention and standards Arc flash An arc flash is a sudden electrical explosion caused by an arc fault. This article explains what causes arc flashes, their hazards, safety measures, relevant standards, and common…

Arc welding: principles, processes, history, uses, and safety Arc welding An overview of arc welding covering how it works, major processes and equipment, historical development, common applications, and safety and quality considerations.

Archimedes' screw A helical pump attributed to Archimedes, used to lift water and, in reverse, to generate low-head hydropower; valued for simplicity, durability and tolerance of debris.

Argus As 014 pulsejet engine Argus As 014 The Argus As 014 was a simple pulsejet engine developed in Germany and used to power the V-1 flying bomb. It is known for its low cost, rudimentary construction and distinctive pul…

Arts et Métiers ParisTech (ENSAM) — French engineering grande école Arts et Métiers ParisTech Arts et Métiers ParisTech (ENSAM) is a longstanding French grande école training engineers in mechanical and industrial fields, offering Diplôme d'Ingénieur, Masters, PhDs, special…

Assembly line (manufacturing process) Assembly line An assembly line is a production method in which a product moves through sequential operations, with each worker or machine performing a specific task to increase speed, consistenc…

Aswan Dam Collective name for Egypt’s Aswan Low Dam and the later Aswan High Dam on the Nile; they control floods, store irrigation water and generate hydropower while causing major environm…

Audio engineer: roles, skills, equipment, specialties and career overview Audio engineer Comprehensive encyclopedia entry on audio engineers: duties, technical and creative skills, typical work environments, specialties (studio, live, post), training paths, history, et…

Auto mechanic: roles, skills, history and common tasks Auto mechanic An auto mechanic inspects, repairs and maintains automobiles. This article outlines typical duties, tools and training, specializations, and how modern diagnostics have changed the…

Autoclave: Steam Sterilization and Industrial Pressure Vessels Autoclave An autoclave uses pressurized steam to raise temperatures above boiling for sterilization and material processing. This article covers principles, components, history, common uses,…

Automation: concept, components, history, uses and societal impacts Automation Overview of automation: definition, typical components, historical development, principal uses, benefits and limitations, and notable distinctions in engineering and industry.

Axle: function, types, and applications in vehicles and machinery Axle An axle is a central shaft that supports rotating parts such as wheels or gears. This article explains types, parts, history, common uses, and distinctions like live vs dead axles…

Balanced circuit (electrical signal wiring) Balanced circuit A balanced circuit uses pairs of conductors carrying equal and opposite signals to reduce interference. Common in professional audio, telephony and data networks, it relies on diff…

Band-pass filter: function, types, and practical applications Band-pass filter A band-pass filter allows signals within a defined frequency range to pass while attenuating others. Covers principles, parameters (center, bandwidth, Q), types, history, and commo…

Band-stop filter An electronic filter that attenuates a defined range of frequencies while passing frequencies outside that band. Covers principles, parameters, circuit and digital implementations,…

Base load power plant A base load power plant supplies a continuous, minimum level of electricity to the grid. Article explains its characteristics, common technologies, operational role, distinctions,…

Beam (structural element) Beam (structure) A beam is a long, load-bearing member used in buildings, bridges and other structures; this article explains its purpose, behavior, common types, materials and historical developme…

Beam bridge A beam bridge is the simplest bridge type: a horizontal span supported at its ends, commonly built from wood historically and from steel or reinforced concrete today for short to m…

Bearing Overview of the term “bearing” covering navigational angles, mechanical components, posture and relevance; definitions, types, history, uses, and distinguishing features.

Bearing (mechanical): devices for guided motion and load support Bearing (mechanical) Mechanical bearings are components that constrain and support motion—rotational or linear—while reducing friction and wear. They range from plain sleeves to precision rolling, flui…

Bending (structural behavior) Bending Bending, or flexure, describes how structural elements deform under transverse loads, governing stresses, deflections, and design criteria for beams in engineering and mechanics.

Bending (disambiguation) Overview of the many senses of bending: mechanical deformation, material forming, wave refraction, musical pitch techniques, human movement, and fictional elemental manipulation.