Engineering

Compiled programming language Compiled language An explanation of compiled languages: how source code is transformed into machine-level executables, their characteristics, history, common examples, advantages and distinctions fr…

Composite material: definition, types, history, and applications Composite material Composites are materials made from two or more distinct constituents that together deliver properties not found in the parts alone. This article explains components, history, prope…

Computer architecture: concepts, components, and design Computer architecture An organized overview of computer architecture: its definitions, main subareas (ISA, microarchitecture, system design), design and implementation stages, history, examples, and pra…

Computer engineering: hardware, software, and systems design Computer engineering Field that integrates electrical engineering and computer science to design computer hardware, embedded software, and systems; covers chips, circuit boards, firmware, education, ap…

Computer-aided design (CAD): overview, types, history and applications Computer-aided design Computer-aided design (CAD) uses software to create, modify, analyse and document designs. It enables precise drafting, 2D/3D modelling, assemblies, and manufacturing data for indu…

Concours Advance — French engineering entrance examination Concours Advance A common competitive exam in France for admission to four post‑baccalaureate engineering schools (EPITA, ESME, IPSA, Sup'Biotech), created in 2011 and organised by Ionis Education…

Concrete (construction material) Concrete Concrete is a composite building material of cement, aggregates and water. This article covers composition, types, properties, reinforcement, production, uses, curing, durability a…

Connector (electrical): overview, types, characteristics and uses Connector An electrical connector joins conductors to establish a removable or permanent electrical connection. Covers parts, common types, history, applications and notable design considera…

Conservatoire national des arts et métiers (CNAM) Conservatoire national des arts et métiers French public higher-education institution founded in 1794, focused on engineering, applied sciences, continuing education, research and professional degrees including the Ingénieu…

Constrictor knot: description, tying method, uses and cautions Constrictor knot A constrictor knot is a simple, very secure binding knot that grips tightly and resists slipping. It is valued for holding power but can jam and be difficult to untie once loaded.

Construction: types, processes, materials and significance Construction Overview of construction: definitions, main types (building, civil/heavy, industrial), project phases, materials and methods, safety and regulation, history and societal importance…

Construction worker: role, tools, safety and common projects Construction worker Overview of the construction worker occupation: duties, typical tools and machines, safety equipment, common types of projects, training and workplace risks.

Control engineering: foundations, methods, and applications Control engineering Discipline that models, analyses and designs controllers for dynamical systems using feedback, sensors and actuators; covers theory, methods, applications and implementation concer…

Control panel (engineering) An engineered enclosure containing instruments, switches, controllers and interfaces used to operate and monitor machines, processes and electrical systems in industrial and commer…

Control system: principles, types, and practical applications Control system An overview of control systems: definition, elements, open- and closed-loop distinctions, common algorithms, history, and typical uses in industry, vehicles, robotics and electroni…

Control theory: overview, concepts, history and applications Control theory Study of how to influence dynamic systems to achieve desired behaviors; covers feedback, stability, controllability, observability, historical development, and major applications.

Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT): causes, history and prevention Controlled flight into terrain CFIT occurs when an airworthy, controlled aircraft is unintentionally flown into terrain, water, or obstacles. This entry explains definition, causes, history, distinctions and mit…

Converter (metallurgy): reactors for turning pig iron into steel Converter (metallurgy) An overview of metallurgical converters: history, design, chemistry, operation, and modern uses — from Bessemer vessels to basic oxygen furnaces and their role in steelmaking.

Cooling tower: industrial heat rejection and evaporative cooling Cooling tower Cooling towers discharge waste heat to the atmosphere by evaporative or air-cooled processes. Used in power plants, refineries, HVAC and industrial facilities, they come in several…

Copper wire and cable: properties, construction, history and uses Copper wire and cable Overview of copper wire and cable: definitions, materials, construction types, electrical properties, manufacturing, applications, safety, comparisons with other conductors, and re…

Crane (lifting machine) Crane (machine) A crane is a machine for lifting and moving heavy loads. This article explains its components, history, common types, uses, and basic safety and operational considerations.

Crankshaft: function, design, history and applications Crankshaft The crankshaft converts reciprocating piston motion into rotation for engines and machinery. This article explains parts, balance, materials, manufacturing, common uses, and mainte…

Crossrail (Elizabeth Line): London's new east–west railway Crossrail Crossrail — marketed as the Elizabeth Line — is a major east–west rail route serving London and surrounding counties, created to increase capacity, shorten journeys and link airpor…

Crown gear: design, history, and uses Crown gear Crown gear: a bevel-type gear with teeth projecting at an angle, often near 90°. Overview of its design, historical use, differences from other bevel gears, and modern applications…

Crumple zone (automotive safety feature) Crumple zone A crumple zone is a vehicle structure designed to deform controllably in a collision to absorb kinetic energy, lengthen deceleration time, and reduce forces transmitted to occupant…

Cutter (boat): sailing craft, ship's boat, and official small craft Cutter (boat) A cutter is a small-to-medium boat or sailing craft designed for speed and flexibility. This article explains traditional sailing cutters, ship's cutters, and modern official cutte…

Cylinder (engine) An engine cylinder is the chamber where a piston moves to convert pressure into mechanical work. This article explains parts, layouts, operation, history, and maintenance considera…

Dam (Water-retaining Structure) Dam A dam is an engineered barrier that impounds water to form reservoirs, supply water, produce hydroelectric power, control floods and enable irrigation. This article explains types,…

Database normalization: principles, normal forms, and design trade-offs Database normalization An overview of relational database normalization: goals, core concepts (functional dependency, keys), normal forms (1NF through 5NF/BCNF), decomposition, practical trade-offs and h…

Deformation (mechanics): types, measurement, and applications Deformation Deformation is the change in shape or dimensions of a body caused by applied forces. This article explains types (tension, compression, shear, bending, torsion), elastic vs plastic…

Delta wing — triangular aircraft wing design Delta wing A delta wing is a triangular planform used on fixed-wing aircraft, especially supersonic types; it provides structural stiffness, internal volume and distinctive vortex lift behavi…

Denison Dam (Lake Texoma Dam) Denison Dam Denison Dam spans the Red River between Texas and Oklahoma, creating Lake Texoma. Built for flood control, it provides water supply, recreation, and hydroelectric generation and is…

Desalination: Methods, Uses, and Environmental Considerations Desalination Overview of desalination — how salty or brackish water is made into usable freshwater, the main technologies, applications, environmental impacts, and notable global examples.

Design patterns (software engineering) Design pattern Reusable, general solutions to recurring software design problems, commonly used in object-oriented programming and popularized in the mid-1990s.

Desktop environment (graphical user interface for personal computers) Desktop environment A desktop environment is the integrated graphical workspace provided by an operating system: windows, icons, panels, menus and utilities that help users launch applications and man…

Diesel engine: operation, history, design, and common uses Diesel engine An overview of the diesel engine: how compression-ignition engines work, key components, historical development, common applications, fuel options including biodiesel, and environm…

Diesel generator: overview, components, uses, history, and maintenance Diesel generator Diesel generators (gensets) combine a diesel engine and an electrical generator to provide standby, prime or remote power. Covers design, components, operation, maintenance, select…

Diesel-electric propulsion systems Diesel-electric Overview of diesel-electric systems: how they work, main components, history, applications (locomotives, ships, vehicles), advantages, limitations and hybrid variants.

Differential (mechanical device) A differential is a gear assembly that distributes torque to vehicle wheels while permitting different wheel speeds; used in cars, trucks and many machines to enable smooth corneri…

Digital signal processing: concepts, techniques, and applications Digital signal processing Digital signal processing (DSP) involves representing, analyzing and manipulating signals in discrete form. It includes sampling, transforms, filtering, compression and application…

Dike (Dyke): definitions, structures, geology, tool, and myth Dike Overview of the word "dike" (or "dyke"): its uses for waterworks, geological intrusions, a cutting tool, a mythological figure, and as a slang term; meanings, history, and practica…

Direct reduced iron (sponge iron): production, properties and uses Direct reduced iron Direct reduced iron (DRI), or sponge iron, is produced by removing oxygen from iron ore without melting; used as feedstock for electric steelmaking and notable for different feedst…

Displacement Change of position or removal/replacement of material, people, or volume; a multidisciplinary term used in physics (vector change), engineering (volume/deflection), fluid mechanics…

Display resolution The number of distinct pixels a screen can show, expressed as horizontal × vertical pixels; affects image detail, aspect ratio, and perceived sharpness across devices.

Distributed generation: decentralized electricity production and microgeneration Distributed generation Distributed generation is the local production of electricity by many small units instead of large centralized plants, enabling resilience, reduced losses, and integration of renew…

DIY (Do It Yourself): practices, history, tools and community DIY DIY (Do It Yourself) describes people doing tasks themselves—home repair, crafts, creative projects—covering motivations, common projects, tools, safety, history and the wider DIY…

Doping: materials, athletics, blood, and aircraft lacquer Doping Doping refers to adding substances to alter properties or performance — in semiconductors, sports, blood enhancement, and aircraft fabric lacquers. This article explains forms, pur…

Drain: purpose, types, components and maintenance Drain A drain is a conduit or structure that collects and carries away excess water or wastewater. This article explains common types, components, history, uses, and basic maintenance co…