Engineering

Biasing (electronics): setting operating points for active devices Biasing Biasing is the practice of applying steady voltages or currents to electronic components to establish a stable operating (quiescent) point, ensuring linearity, stability and predic…

Biological engineering (bioengineering) Biological engineering Biological engineering applies engineering principles to living systems to design, modify, and analyse organisms, tissues, and processes for medicine, industry, agriculture, and th…

Biomedical Engineering: Principles, Areas, and Clinical Roles Biomedical engineering Survey of biomedical engineering: its scope, major subfields (biomaterials, biomechanics, imaging, devices), history, clinical applications, professional roles, and regulatory cons…

Black box (system with unknown internal workings) Black box A black box is any device, model or system treated only by its inputs and outputs. Used in science, engineering, computing and everyday reasoning when internal structure is unknown…

Blacksmith: Metalworker Specializing in Iron and Steel Blacksmith A blacksmith heats, hammers and shapes iron and steel into tools, hardware and decorative objects using a forge, anvil and hand tools; a craft with ancient roots and modern practic…

Blast furnace: large industrial furnace for smelting iron ore Blast furnace A blast furnace is a tall industrial furnace used to smelt iron from ore into pig iron. This article explains its design, chemistry, historical development, uses, and environmental…

Blowback (firearm operating system) Blowback Blowback is a self-loading firearm operating principle in which the cartridge case is driven rearward by gas pressure to cycle the action; used widely in pistols and submachine gun…

Keel (boat): structure, function, types, and history Boat keel The keel is a vessel's central structural spine and a primary hydrodynamic and stability element. This article explains forms, materials, common types, shipbuilding practice, maint…

Boeing 314 Clipper Boeing 314 Large long-range flying boat built by Boeing (1938–1941) for transoceanic passenger service. Operated by Pan Am and briefly by BOAC during World War II; noted for its size, range a…

Boiler: Devices for heating water and generating steam Boiler A boiler is a pressure vessel that heats water or other fluids to produce hot water or steam for heating, power, industrial processes, cooking and sanitation.

Boiler feedwater pump: purpose, operation, types, and maintenance Boiler feedwater pump A boiler feedwater pump supplies water to steam boilers. This article explains its role, common designs, operation, applications, maintenance concerns, and historical development i…

Bolt (fastener) Bolt A bolt is a threaded mechanical fastener typically used with a nut to clamp parts. This article explains parts, thread types, common head forms, history, uses, and distinctions fro…

Bolted joint: components, function, and practical considerations Bolted joint A bolted joint is a mechanical fastener system using bolts, nuts, and often washers to clamp parts together. This article explains parts, types, load behavior, installation practic…

Brake: devices, types, history and maintenance Brake A brake is a device that slows or stops moving parts by converting kinetic energy into heat or by recovering energy. Covers types, components, history, common uses, safety and main…

Branch line (rail transport) Branch line A branch line is a secondary railway track that connects local areas, industries or suburbs to a principal route. It supports freight and passenger services and has distinct design…

Brinell scale (Brinell hardness test) Brinell scale A material hardness scale based on the diameter of an indentation made by a hardened ball under a known load; commonly used for metals and castings to give the Brinell hardness num…

Bucket: design, history, uses and cultural notes Bucket An overview of the bucket: its design, materials, history, common uses, variations and cultural significance, including practical care and notable examples.

Bucket-wheel excavator (BWE) Bucket-wheel excavator A bucket-wheel excavator is a massive continuous digging machine used primarily in large-scale surface mining. This article explains design, history, operation, notable examples an…

Bulk Material Handling: systems, equipment and key considerations Bulk material handling Overview of bulk material handling engineering: components, common equipment, material characteristics, history, applications, design challenges and safety considerations for dry b…

Burrendong Dam Overview of Burrendong Dam on the Macquarie River in central western New South Wales, its structure, management, uses for water supply, irrigation, hydroelectricity and recreation,…

Bush (mechanical) A bush (bushing) is a simple mechanical lining or sleeve used to locate, support or reduce wear and vibration between moving parts; common in suspension, machinery, and rotating as…

California Aqueduct Major water conveyance of California's State Water Project that moves water from northern regions through the Central Valley to reservoirs and users in southern parts of the state.

Canadair CL-215: Amphibious Water Bomber and Utility Aircraft Canadair CL-215 Comprehensive overview of the Canadair CL-215, a twin‑engine amphibious aircraft developed in Canada for aerial firefighting and utility transport, its design, variants, history, a…

Cantilever bridge A cantilever bridge spans openings using projecting structures anchored at only one end. Used for road and rail, it allows construction without falsework and employs trusses or box…

Carabiner: design, types, uses and safety Carabiner A carabiner is a metal loop with a spring-loaded gate used to connect components in climbing, sailing, rescue and industrial rigging. Covers construction, types, common uses and sa…

Carbon fiber: properties, production, history, and applications Carbon fiber Carbon fiber is a lightweight, high-strength material made of long strands of carbon atoms used to reinforce composites. This article covers its structure, manufacture, properties,…

Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP): composition, properties and uses Carbon fiber reinforced plastic CFRP (carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic) is a lightweight, high-strength composite made from carbon fibers embedded in a polymer matrix. Used widely in aerospace, sports, automotive…

Carburization (carburizing): surface hardening of steels Carburization Carburization is a heat-treatment process that diffuses carbon into the surface of low‑carbon steels to develop a hard, wear‑resistant case while retaining a tougher, ductile core.

Casting (metalworking): process, history, techniques, and uses Casting (metalworking) Casting in metalworking is forming objects by pouring molten metal into a mold. This article explains processes, history, common methods, applications, advantages and limitations.

Cathode: definition, roles, types and applications Cathode A cathode is an electrode defined by where reduction or electron emission occurs. This article explains its meaning in electrochemistry, electronics and vacuum devices, types of ca…

Chain: structure, types, uses, and history Chain A chain is a series of connected links that transmit force, restrain, lift, or decorate. This article covers their construction, materials, historical development, common varieties…

Chassis: structure, types, and applications Chassis A chassis is the supporting framework of a non-living object—commonly seen in vehicles and equipment enclosures—providing structure, mounting points, and protection for components.

Chemical engineering: principles, history, and real-world applications Chemical engineering An accessible overview of chemical engineering: its core principles, historical development, main applications, and typical education and career paths.

Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal A 28-mile canal in northeastern Illinois that reversed the Chicago River, links the Great Lakes to the Mississippi system, and serves navigation, sanitation, and flood control; lis…

Chrome plating (chromium electroplating) Chrome plating Chrome plating coats a metal or plastic object with a thin chromium layer for corrosion protection, wear resistance, and decorative shine. Processes, types, applications, and envir…

Chrysler Hemi engine: design, history, and automotive influence Chrysler Hemi engine Overview of the Chrysler Hemi engine family, its hemispherical combustion chamber design, three generations, technical traits, uses in cars and trucks, and its legacy in motorsport…

Chulabhorn Dam Chulabhorn Dam is a rock-fill embankment on the Nam Phrom River in Chaiyaphum Province, Thailand. Named for Princess Chulabhorn Walailak, it provides water storage, local irrigatio…

Circuit (electrical, judicial, and sporting contexts) Circuit A circuit is a path or loop used in multiple fields: electrical networks and components, judicial or administrative regions, and closed race courses. This article explains types, h…

Circuit diagram: purpose, symbols, history and practical uses Circuit diagram A circuit diagram (schematic) is a graphic representation of an electrical circuit showing components, connections and conventions used to design, build and troubleshoot circuits.

Civil engineering: scope, disciplines, history, and professional practice Civil engineering Comprehensive overview of civil engineering: definition, main disciplines, life cycle of infrastructure, education and licensure, materials and methods, societal role, sustainabili…

Clyde Wind Farm — proposed 548 MW onshore wind project in South Lanarkshire Clyde Wind Farm Overview of the Clyde Wind Farm: a proposed 548 MW onshore wind development in South Lanarkshire, Scotland, approved in 2008 and planned to be Europe's largest onshore wind farm.

Cockpit (pilot compartment) Cockpit A cockpit is the space from which a vehicle—most commonly an aircraft—is operated. This article describes its layout, history, variants, equipment, and human factors.

Cogeneration (Combined Heat and Power): Principles, Systems, and Applications Cogeneration Cogeneration (combined heat and power) produces electricity and useful heat from a single fuel source, improving energy efficiency and lowering emissions. This article explains pri…

Cohesion Cohesion: the principle of internal unity that appears in materials, texts, software, societies and soils—explaining how elements stick together, how they differ from adhesion or c…

Coke (fuel) Coke is a high‑carbon solid fuel produced by heating coal without air. It is used as a heat source and as a reducing agent in ironmaking, and it yields gases and tars recovered in…

Cold cathode: principles, types, uses and distinctions Cold cathode Overview of cold cathode devices, how they work without a heated filament, common types (CCFL, neon tubes), applications, advantages and differences from hot-cathode and LED techno…

Cold wave (extreme cold weather events) Cold wave An overview of cold waves: their causes, characteristics, impacts on health and infrastructure, notable events, and measures for preparedness and mitigation.

Compacted oxide layer (glaze) Compacted oxide layer glaze A compacted oxide layer or glaze is a dense, wear-resistant oxide film formed on surfaces under high-temperature sliding in oxygen-containing atmospheres; it alters friction and we…