An Introduction to Mechanical Engineering

by Wickert, Jonathan

• ISBN13: 9780534391324
• ISBN10: 053439132X
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2003-06-06
• Publisher: CL Engineering

Summary

This textbook introduces students to the exciting field of mechanical engineering and helps them appreciate how engineers design the hardware that builds and improves society. Balancing problem-solving skills, design, engineering analysis, real-world applications, and practical technology, author Jonathan Wickert provides students with a solid foundation for future study and contributions in mechanical engineering. By emphasizing six key elements of mechanical engineering in Chapters 3 through 8, Wickert helps students see both the "forest" of mechanical engineering and some important "trees" along the way. Overall, the lively presentation attracts students to engineering, excites them with a view of what to expect in later courses, and provides them with a useful design, problem-solving, and analysis skills.

Table of Contents

1. THE MECHANICAL ENGINEERING PROFESSION

Overview

What is Engineering?

Who are Mechanical Engineers?

Career Paths

Typical Program of Study

Summary

2. PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS

Overview

Unit Systems and Conversions

Dimensional Consistency

Significant Digits

An Error of Units on the Way to Mars

Approximation in Engineering

Problem-Solving Methodology

Summary

3. MACHINE COMPONENTS AND TOOLS

Overview

Rolling Element Bearings

Flexible Shaft Couplings

Gear Types and Terminology

Belt and Chain Drives

Machine Tools

Summary

4. FORCES IN STRUCTURES AND FLUIDS

Overview

Forces and Resultants

Moment of a Force

Equilibrium of Forces and Moments

Buoyancy, Drag, and Lift Forces in Fluids

Summary

5. MATERIALS AND STRESSES

Overview

Tension and Compression

Response of Engineering Materials

Shear

Factor of Safety

Summary

6. THERMAL AND ENERGY SYSTEMS

Overview

Mechanical Energy, Work, and Power

Heat as Energy in Transit

Energy Conservation and Conversion

Heat Engines and Efficiency

Case Study #1: Internal Combustion Engines

Case Study #2: Electrical Power Generation

Case Study #3: Jet Engines

Summary

7. MOTION OF MACHINERY

Overview

Rotational Motion

Speed, Torque, and Power in Gearsets

Simple and Compound Geartrains

Planetary Geartrains

Engine and Compressor Mechanisms

Summary

8. MECHANICAL DESIGN

Overview

High-Level Design Procedure

Case Study in Conceptual Design: Mousetrap-Powered Vehicles

Case Study in Computer-Aided Design: Non-Invasive Medical Imaging

Case Study in Mechanical Design: The Hydra-Matic Transmission

Patents in Engineering

Summary

Appendices

Greek Alphabet

Review of Mathematical Equations

Planetary Geartrain Design Equation