Talking about Engineering: English Vocabulary List

a branch of electronics that deals with the design and manufacture of extremely small electronic components and circuits, typically using semiconductor materials such as silicon

"Microelectronics is the science of making very tiny electronic parts and chips."

"Microelectronics is the branch of electronics dealing with miniature components on semiconductor circuits"

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."

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 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 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."

the branch of mechanics that studies the motion of objects without considering the forces that cause the motion

"Kinematics studies the movement of objects without asking what forces cause it."

"Kinematics helps engineers understand how objects move without analyzing the forces that cause that movement."

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."