Engineering: English Vocabulary List

a type of rolling-element bearing that uses balls to maintain the separation between the bearing races, reducing friction and enabling smooth rotation

"A ball bearing helps the wheel spin smoothly with very little friction."

"A ball bearing is a rolling-element bearing using smooth metal balls to separate two moving rings"

a mechanical transmission system using a flexible belt to transfer power between rotating shafts

"The belt drive connects the motor to the wheels."

"The belt drive transfers power from the engine's crankshaft to the alternator and other accessories."

a type of nuclear reactor that generates more fissile material than it often consumes

"Breeder reactor produces fuel."

"A breeder reactor generates more fissile material than it consumes."

an environment that can be used to verify the correctness of a model or design

"The engineer used a test bench."

"A test bench is a controlled environment with specialized equipment for rigorously testing and validating the performance of a mechanical or electronic component under simulated conditions."

a wheel with a set of square or triangular teeth sticking out around the edge that fits into the edge of a similar wheel, causing both wheels to turn

"The cog turned the wheel."

"A cog is a toothed wheel that meshes with another to transmit rotational movement."

a mechanical component that transmits rotational power from the engine to the wheels or other driven components of a vehicle or machine

"The drive shaft connects the engine to wheels."

"The drive shaft transmits rotational power from the engine to the vehicle's wheels."

gears, toothed wheels, or mechanical components designed to transmit and control power between rotating shafts in a machine, vehicle, or system

"The gearing was too low."

"Gearing uses toothed wheels to transmit and control power between rotating shafts."

a thorough inspection and repair of a machine or system to improve its performance or extend its lifespan

"The old engine needed a complete overhaul before it could run again."

"The machine received a thorough overhaul to improve its performance and lifespan."

a toothed wheel with projections that mesh with a chain, track, or other perforated or indented material, typically used to transmit motion or power in machinery, vehicles, or bicycles

"The chain fits onto the sprocket."

"The bicycle's sprocket engages with the chain to efficiently transfer pedaling power to the rear wheel."

a machine tool that rotates a workpiece so one can shape it by cutting, sanding, or drilling

"The lathe shapes metal and wood."

"The craftsman used a lathe to spin the wood, shaping it into a smooth, cylindrical table leg."

a professional who uses specialized software to create detailed drawings and plans for buildings, machines, or products

"A CAD technician uses software to make detailed plans for new products."

"The computer-aided design technician created detailed blueprints for the new skyscraper using specialized software."

a rotational force measured in newton-meters or foot-pounds

"The engine produces high torque."

"The mechanic tightened the bolt with a specific amount of torque to ensure it was secure."

a permanent fastener with a head on one end and a deformable shaft that forms a second head when joining materials together

"The metal plates were held together with a strong steel rivet."

"The metalworker used a rivet to permanently join two pieces of steel together securely."

a method used to extract natural gas or oil from deep underground by injecting high-pressure fluid to fracture rock formations

"Fracking extracts gas from rocks."

"Fracking is a controversial extraction technique that injects high-pressure fluid into shale rock to release trapped natural gas and petroleum reserves."

an electric device that is used to increase or decrease the voltage of an alternating current

"The transformer changes voltage level."

"A transformer is an electrical device that transfers energy between circuits through induction"

a facility that transforms voltage levels and regulates electrical currents, typically situated in an electrical power distribution system

"The substation changes high voltage electricity into lower voltage for our homes."

"A substation is a facility that transforms voltage levels and distributes power from the transmission grid to local consumers."

a pipe, tube, or channel that is used to protect, enclose, or route electrical wires, cables, or other utilities for the purpose of safe and organized transmission

"The conduit carries electrical wires."

"A conduit protects electrical wires or conveys fluids safely from one place to another."

an electric current that reverses direction periodically, typically used in power distribution systems due to its efficiency in long-distance transmission

"Alternating current changes direction many times each second in the power lines."

"Most household appliances run on alternating current supplied by the local power grid."

relating to systems or devices that involve both electrical and mechanical components or functions

"The device is electromechanical."

"The electromechanical device converts electrical energy into mechanical motion and it is used in many appliances like washing machines and electric fans."

an electronic device that uses a small electrical current to control a larger current, acting like an automatic switch

"The relay switched the lights on."

"The electrical relay in the circuit board failed, causing the entire system to shut down unexpectedly."

a device that allows movement between mechanical parts of a machine or converts backward and forward motion into circular movement

"He turned the crank slowly."

"A crank converts linear motion into circular motion for a machine."