Technical Dictionary

Introduction to Engineering
Principles of Engineering
Digital Electronics
Civil Engineering and
Architecture

McCluer North High School


A of storing energy.
ABET, Inc.: Accreditation Board
for Engineering and Technology
Standards.
Abrading: The process of
removing material by applying
friction
Absolute Coordinates: The
exact location of a specific point in
terms of X, Y, and Z from the
fixed point of origin.
Abutment: The part of a
structure (as an arch or a bridge)
that directly receives thrust or
pressure.
Acceleration: Exists when the
velocity of a particle changes with
time.
Acceptance level: The
maximum number of defects in a
sample that will permit acceptance
of the entire lot.
Accuracy: 1. The condition or
quality of being true, correct, or
exact; precision; exactness. 2. The
degree of correctness of a quantity
or expression.
Accumulator: A device (as in a
hydraulic system) in which a fluid
is collected and especially in which
it is kept under pressure as a means
Accuracy: Degree of conformity
of a measure to a standard value.
Accurate: Correct in all details.
Acoustical: Of or relating to the
sense or organs of hearing, to
sound, or to the science of sounds
Actuator: A device that transfers
fluid or electrical energy into
mechanical energy. Adhesion: The
process of fastening two parts by
the application of a third material
such as glue, epoxy, etc.
Acute Triangle: A triangle that
contains only angles that are less
than 90 degrees.
Adhesive: Any synthetic product
that is used to join materials
together.
Adhesive Bonding: 1. A plastic
joining technique in which a third
substance bonds a plastic to
another plastic or material such as
metal, rubber, ceramic, glass, or
wood. 2. The process of fastening
parts of metal products together
permanently with non-metallic
materials.
Advertise: To present or describe
a product, service, or event in a
public medium so as to promote
sales.
Aesthetic: 1. Concerned with
beauty or the appreciation of
beauty. 2. Of pleasing appearance.
Aligned Dimension: A system Analog: Of, relating to, or being
of dimensioning which requires all a mechanism in which data is
numerals, figures, and notes to be represented by continuously
aligned with the dimension lines so variable physical quantities
that they may be read from the
Analysis: A detailed examination
bottom (for horizontal dimensions)
of the elements or structure of
and from the right side (for vertical
something.
dimensions).
Angle: 1-The amount of rotation
Allowable Stress: Level of stress
needed to bring one line or plane
judged to be permissible in a
into coincidence with another,
design.
generally measured in radians or
Alloy: A substance composed of degrees. 2-The union of two co-
two or more metals or of a metal planar rays intersecting at a
and a nonmetal intimately united common endpoint.
usually by being fused together and
Annealing: The process of
dissolving in each other when
softening metal for improved
molten.
machinability or cold working by
Alternator: An electric generator heating it to its critical
for producing alternating current temperature, holding it there until
the temperature is uniform, then
American National Standards
cooling it slowly at a controlled
Institute (ANSI): 1. A private,
rate.
non-profit organization that
coordinates the development and Annotate: To add explanatory
use of voluntary consensus notes to.
standards in the United States. 2.
Appendix: A section of additional
The acronym for the America
information at the end of a
National Standards Institute.
document.
American Society of
Arbitration: The hearing and
Mechanical Engineers
determination of a dispute or the
(ASME): 1. A professional
settling of differences between
engineering organization that is
parties by a person or persons
known for setting codes and
chosen or agreed to by them.
standards for mechanical devices in
the United States. ASME drawing
standards are found in the Y-14M
publications. 2. The acronym for
the American Society of
Mechanical Engineers.
Arch Bridge: a bridge that uses
long span arches for support”
Area: The extent or measurement
of a surface.
Arrowheads: Arrowheads are
used to indicate the end of a
dimension line or leader.
Articulate: To clearly express an
idea or feeling.
Assembly: 1-A group of machine
or handmade parts that fit together
to form a self-contained unit. 2-
Consisting of individual parts fitted
together to create a final product
Assembly Drawing: A drawing
that shows the various parts of an
item when assembled.
Assessment: An evaluation
technique for technology that
requires analyzing benefits and
risks, understanding the trade-offs,
and then determining the best
action to take in order to ensure
that the desired positive outcomes
outweigh the negative
consequences.
ASTM: American Society for
Testing and Material
Asymmetry: Symmetry in which
both halves of a composition are
not identical. Also referred to as
informal balance.
Attribute Listing: idea
generation listing and combining
the attributes associated with a
situation.
Attorney General: The principal
legal officer of the Crown or a
state.
Audience: The assembled
spectators or listeners at an event.
Audience Analysis: The
understanding of the consumer
group for which the design is
targeted. This would include the
audiences, demographics, physical
location, amount of time available
to view the design, and interest in
the subject matter.
Austenite: a solid solution in iron
of carbon and sometimes other
solutes that occurs as a constituent
of steel under certain conditions.
Automation: A machine or
system that operates with minimal
human control: using automated
machines as control for
production.
Auxiliary View: An orthographic Beam Bridge:
view of an object using a direction
of sight other than one of the six
basic views (front, top, right-side,
rear, bottom, left-side); used to
show a surface that is not parallel
to any of the principal view planes.
Axial Force: Force aligned along
the central axis of a material.
Bearings: Devices used to reduce
Axis: 1. An imaginary line through friction between rotating shafts and
a body, about which it rotates. 2. fixed carriers. Examples are roller,
An imaginary line about which a ball, and air bearings.
regular figure is symmetrically
arranged. 3. A fixed reference line
for the measurement of
coordinates.

B
Balance: A condition in which
different elements are equal or in
the correct proportions. There are
three types of visual balance:
symmetry, asymmetry, and radial.
Baseline Dimensioning: System
Balloons: A circled number of dimensioning in which all
identifying each part shown in an dimensions are placed from a
assembly drawing. Also called a datum and not from feature to
ball tag or bubble number. feature. Also referred to as Datum
Bar Chart: A graph in which the Dimensioning.
data is represented by horizontal or Belt: A continuous band that
vertical bars. transmits motion from one pulley
Beam Bridge: A bridge whose to another.
main structural element consists of
a beam set across two or more
vertical supporting members.
Benchmark: A point of reference
for making measurements or
judgments.
Bernoulli’s Law: A change in the
velocity of a fluid caused by a
constriction produces an opposite
change in pressure.
Bias: Inclination or prejudice in
favor of a particular person, thing,
or viewpoint.
Bilateral Tolerance: A tolerance
in which variation is permitted in
both directions from the specified
dimension.
Black Box Model: A graphic
system’s illustration referred to as
a Black Box because the internal
components or process is deemed
unknown, or mysterious.
Blind Hole: A hole that does not
go completely through the
workpiece.
Blow Molding: Method of
fabrication in which a warm plastic
parison (hollow tube) is placed
between the two halves of a mold
cavity and forced to assume the
shape of that mold cavity by use of
air pressure.
Body Language: The conscious
and unconscious bodily movements
by which feelings are
communicated.
Bonding: Adhering materials
with cement or glue
Boyle’s Law: The volume of a gas
at a constant temperature is
inversely proportional to its
pressure.
Brainstorm: 1-A spontaneous
group discussion to produce ideas.
2-A group problem-solving
technique that involves the
spontaneous contribution of ideas
from all members of the group;
during this process, ideas are
shared but not critiqued.3-A group
technique for solving problems,
generating ideas, stimulating
creative thinking, etc. by
unrestrained spontaneous
participation in discussion.
Brazing: Sometimes called hard
soldering. Joining pieces of metal
together below the point of fusion
by melting a third
Break Line: A line used to
interrupt a drawing if an object
will not fit on a drawing sheet.
Brevity: 1. Concise and exact use
of words. 2. Shortness of time.
British Thermal Unit (BTU):
The US Customary unit of thermal
energy; the amount of energy
needed to raise the temperature of
one pound of pure water by one
degree Fahrenheit.
Brittleness: The description for a
material which is neither ductile
nor malleable and will fail suddenly
without warning.
Broaching: a precision machining
process used to change the shape of
a hole into another shape (e.g. a
square or keyhole); a broach is
used to do this (see pictures below)
Broken-Out Section: A section
of an object broken away to reveal
an interior feature for a sectional
drawing.
Bronze Age: The period of
ancient human culture
characterized by the use of bronze
that began between 4000 and 3000
B.C. and ended with the advent of
the Iron Age.
Buckling: Failure caused by
bending, giving way, or crumpling
due to excessive force
By-product: Something
produced in the making of
something else; a secondary result;
a side effect.
C
Cabinet Oblique Drawing: A
form of oblique drawing in which
the receding lines are drawn at half
scale, and usually at a 45 degree
angle from horizontal.
Cabinet Oblique Sketch: A
form of oblique sketch in which the
receding lines are drawn at half
scale, and usually at a 45 degree
angle from horizontal.
CAD: computer-aided design;
drafting or solid modeling
performed on a computer.
Cadmium Sulfide Cell: A light
sensitive resistor; also known as a
photocell.
Caliper: A measuring instrument
having two usually adjustable jaws
used especially to measure
diameter or thickness.
CAM: computer-aided
manufacturing; aiding in the
manufacturing process through the
use of computer technology.
Cable-stayed Bridge: A bridge
in which the deck is supported on
either side of a central tower or
towers by cables. Unlike a
suspension bridge, the cables that
hold the deck attach directly to the
tower, rather than hanging from a
larger cable running between the
towers. (See next page for
drawings)
 Calorie: A metric unit of thermal
energy; the amount of energy
needed to raise the temperature of
one gram of pure water by one
degree Celsius; A Calorie (capital
C) is a “food calorie” and is 1000
calories); 1.00 calorie = 4.186
Joule.
Cam: A mechanical device used to
change simple rotary motion into a
more complex motion.

Calendaring: The process of

forming plastic sheets by squeezing
a thermoplastic material between a
series of rollers.
Caliper: any of various measuring
instruments having two usually
adjustable arms, legs, or jaws used
especially to measure diameter or
thickness -- usually used in plural
<a pair of calipers> (0) see
example of dial caliper below.

Cam Cycle: one complete 360º

rotation of a cam.
Carbide: A compound of carbon
with one or more metallic
elements.
Carbon: A nonmetallic chiefly
tetravalent element found native
(as in the diamond and graphite) or
as a constituent of coal, petroleum,
and asphalt, of limestone and other
carbonates , and of organic Casting:
compounds or obtained artificially
in varying degrees of purity
especially as carbon black,
lampblack, activated carbon,
charcoal, and coke (Webster.com)
Carburizing: (Cementation)
Adding carbon to the surface of
iron-base alloys by absorption
through heating the metal at a
temperature below its melting
point in contact with carbonaceous
solids, liquids, or gasses.The oldest
method of case hardening. Catapult: A system used to launch
objects. (Ancient catapults used
Carcinogen: A substance capable
bent wood as the power source,
of causing cancer.
modern systems use power such as
Cartesian Coordinate System: steam.)
A rectangular coordinate system
Cavalier Oblique Drawing: A
created by three mutually
form of oblique drawing in which
perpendicular coordinate axes,
the receding lines are drawn true
commonly labeled X, Y, and Z.
size, and usually at a 45 degree
Case Hardening: Carburizing angle from horizontal.
and subsequently hardening by
Cavalier Oblique Sketch: A
suitable heat-treatment all or part
form of oblique sketch in which the
of the surface portions of a piece of
receding lines are drawn true size,
iron-base alloy.
and usually at a 45 degree angle
Case study: A broad-based from horizontal.
analysis of an engineering problem.
Cell: A single space for an entry in
Casting: The process of producing a spread sheet
an object by pouring a heated
Center of Gravity: The point at
liquid material into a mold and
which the entire weight of a body
allowing it to solidify by cooling.
may be considered as concentrated
so that if supported at this point the
body would remain in equilibrium
in any position. Same location as
center of mass.
Center of Mass: The point in a
body or system of bodies at which
the whole mass may be considered
as concentrated. Same location as
center of gravity
Centerline: A line type that is
used to indicate the axis of
symmetry for a part or feature, the
symmetrical alignment of a pattern
of holes, and the path of motion for
moving parts in an assembly.
Centi: a prefix meaning one
hundredth or 1/100 or 102;
symbol: c
Centroid: A point whose
coordinates are the averages of the
corresponding coordinates of a
given set of points and which for a
given plane or three-dimensional
figure (as a triangle or sphere)
corresponds to the center of mass
of a thin plate of uniform thickness
and consistency or a body of
uniform consistency having the
same boundary.
Cementite: A compound of iron
and carbon known as “Iron
Carbide,” which has the
approximate chemical formula
Fe3C containing 6.69% of carbon.
Hard and brittle, it is the hard
constituents of cast iron, and the
normal form in which carbon is
present in steel. It is magnetizable,
but not as readily as ferrite.
Center Line: A line consisting of
a long dash followed by a short
dash, that is used to show and
locate centers of arcs and circles,
and to describe the center axis of
cylindrical forms.
Ceramic: A compound of metallic
and nonmetallic elements, for
which the interatomic bonding is
predominantly ionic.
Chain: A continuous band
consisting of metal or plastic links
that transmits motion from one
sprocket to another.
Chain Dimensioning: Also
known as point-to-point
dimensioning where dimensions
are established from one point to
the next.
Chamfer: A small angled surface
formed between two surfaces.
Charles’ Law: The volume of a
gas at a constant pressure is
directly proportional to its
temperature.
Chart: A sheet or map giving
information in the form of a table,
list or diagram
Chemical: Of, relating to, used
in, or produced by chemistry.
Chemical energy: The energy
associated with chemical bonds and
bonding structure. This includes between a cylindrical shaft and a
the energy associated with changes hole.
in phase from solid to liquid to gas.
Closed loop: The output of a
Chemical energy does not lend
process is constantly monitored
itself to an equation. Rather, there
and the input adjusted according to
are tabulated values associated with
feedback provided by sensors.
all known elements and
compounds, as well as values for Client: A person using the services
the most common chemical of a professional person or
reactions. organization.
Chronological: Arranged in or Cohesion: The process of fusing
according to the order of time. two like materials for the purpose
of fastening. Examples include
Circle: 1-The set of all points in a
friction welding, spot welding,
plane at a given distance from a
electron beam welding and laser
given point in the plane. 2-A
welding).
closed curve with coplanar points
at the same distance from the Cold forming: The process of
center point. working metal into shape below
the temperature of
Circumscribe: 1. A triangle
recrystallization. Cold forming
located round a polygon such as a
improves the strength;
circle. 2 To draw a figure around
machinability, dimensional
another, touching it at points but
stability, and surface finish of
not cutting it.
metals.
Clarity: The state or quality of
Communication: The act of
being clear and easily perceived or
transmitting useful data or ideas to
understood.
one or more receivers; can be one-
Class of Fit: Fits are arranged in way or two-way.
three general groups known as
Color: The property possessed by
running and sliding fits, locational
an object of producing different
fits, and force fits.
sensations on the eye as a result of
Class Interval: A group of values the way it reflects or emits light.
that is used to analyze the
Competitor: One who competes
distribution of data.
or is a rival of another business
Clearance Fit: The total gap enterprise.
between two mating parts, such as
the difference in diameters
Component: 1-A part or element
of a larger whole. 2-A single device
or part in an assembly
Compound Machine: A
mechanism that consists of two or
more simple machines.
Component Relational
Sketch: A pictogram showing the
relationship of how the
components react together in a
system.
Composite: A multiphase
material formed from a
combination of materials that differ
in composition or form, remain
bonded together, and retain their
identities and properties.
Compound: A substance of two
or more elements in fixed
proportions. Compounds can be
decomposed into their constituent
elements.
Compression: 1-A force
that pushes on or squeezes
a material. 2-Compression:
The effect of a force which tends to
shorten an object in the direction
of the force. Such a force is called a
compressive force, and the object
it acts on is said to be in
compression. For example, the
towers of a suspension bridge are
in compression.
Compression molding: A
forming process in which a
powdered thermosetting plastic is
placed in a heated mold cavity then
compressed by a ram. After being
compressed, the plastic solidifies,
the ram retracts, and the part is
ejected.
Compressor: A device that
converts mechanical force into
pneumatic energy.
Computer-Aided Design or
Computer-Aided Drafting
(CAD): 1-The use of a computer to
create drawings 2-For design, the use
of a computer to assist in the
process of designing a part, circuit,
building, etc. 3-For drafting, the
use of a computer to assist in the
process of creating, storing,
retrieving, modifying, plotting,
and communicating a technical
drawing.
Computer Numeric Control
(CNC): A combination of a
computer, a digital control system,
and a machine tool that enables the
machine to accept standard codes
and automatically make parts.
Concurrent: Occurring at the
same time; running parallel; acting
in conjunction.
Conditioning: The process of
treating a material to achieve
physical, electrical, or mechanical
properties.
Conduction: (Thermal
definition) The transfer of heat
energy by physical contact.
Conflict Of Interest: Moral
dilemma from dual responsibilities
or loyalties.
Consensus: General agreement.
Contour: An outline, especially of
something curved or irregular
Constraint: 1-A limit to a design
process. Constraints may be such
things as appearance, funding,
space, materials, and human
capabilities. 2-A limitation or
restriction.
Construction Line: Thin lines
that serve as guides while sketching
or drawing.
Contrast: 1. The state of being
n o t i c e a b l y d i f f e r en t f r o m
something else when put or
considered together. 2.
Enhancement of appearance
provided by juxtaposing different
colors or textures.
Contribution: To supply a
significant part.
Control Limits: (Lower and
upper control limits (LCL and
UCL)); these describe what the
process is actually giving you; they
are random variables that are a
function of the process itself; they
are observed or calculated, not set.
Convert: To change money,
stocks, or units in which a quantity
is expressed into others of a
different kind.
Convection: The transfer of heat
energy by moving a heated
substance from one place to
another.
Conveyer: A belt like device used
to move objects.
Coplanar: Occurring in the same
plane.
Counterbore: 1-A cylindrical
recess around a hole, usually to
receive a bolt head or nut. 2-A
larger drilled hole concentric with
a smaller diameter hole. The larger
hole is not as deep as the smaller
hole.
Countersink: 1-A conical-shaped
recess around a hole, often used to
receive a tapered screw. 2-A
beveled or conical surface at the
top of a drilled hole for the
purpose of accepting a bolt head.
Countersink: Coupling: A
system used to connect and
transfer energy from one part to
another - usually shafts that rotate.
Cp: Capability Index, a measure of
how capable a machine or process
is to stay within the limits given for
that process or machine.
Crankshaft: A shaft that has
journals which changes
reciprocating motion to rotary
motion.
Credible: Able to be believed;
convincing.
Creep: The slow change of
dimensions of an object from
prolonged exposure to high
temperature or stress.
Criteria: Principles or standards
by which something may be judged
or decided.
Critical Component: A
component in a system that, if it
fails, renders the entire system
useless. In reliability studies,
Critical Components are the focus
of improvement efforts.
Critical temperature (points):
Temperatures at which internal
changes or transformations take
place within a metal either on a
rising or falling temperature.
Critique: A detailed analysis and
assessment.
Crystalline: In some resins a state
of molecular structure denoted by
uniformity and compactness of the
molecular chains. This
characteristic is attributable to the
existence of solid crystals with
definite geometric form.
Cube: A regular solid having six
congruent square faces.
Current: The total amount of
electrons flowing through a circuit
per unit time; measured in
Amperes (one coulomb of
electrons passing a single point per
second).
Cutting Plane Line: A line
drawn on a view where a cut was
made in order to define the
location of the imaginary section
plane.
Cylinder: A solid composed of
two congruent circles in parallel
planes, their interiors, and all the
line segments parallel to the axis
with endpoints on the two circles.
D
Data: 1-Facts and statistics used
for reference or analysis. 2-
Information (measurements or
statistics) used as a basis for
reasoning, discussion, calculation
or transmission.
Data base: 1) Collection of
similar information in a computer
file; a data base can be divided into
records and fields; 2) A facility
which is a central point for the
collection and dissemination of
various types of information.
Data Element: An individual
value or bit of information.
Data Set: A group of individual
values or bits of information that
are related in some way or have
some common characteristic or
attribute.
Datum: A theoretically exact
point, axis, or plane derived from
the true geometric counterpart of a
specific datum feature. The origin
from which the location, or
geometric characteristic of a part
feature, is established.
Datum Dimension: A
dimensioning system where each
dimension originates from a
common surface, plane, or axis.
Also known as baseline
dimensioning.
Decision Matrix: A tool for
systematically ranking alternatives
according to a set of criteria.
Deflection: A measure of
deformation of a structure due to
applied loads.
Deformation: Change in size
and/or shape of a body due to
stress.
Degree: A unit of measurement of
angles, equivalent to one ninetieth
of a right angle.
Degree of Freedom: The
variables by which an object can
move. In assemblies, an object
floating free in space with no
constraints to another object can be
moved along three axes of
translation and around three axes
of rotation. Such a body is said to
have six degrees of freedom.
Delphi Technique: Individuals
contribute solution ideas
independently to a central office.
Delta: Greek letter used in
mathematical formulae to
represent change.
Demographics: The statistical
data of a population, esp. those
showing average age, income,
education, etc.
Density: Mass per unit volume.
Depth: The distance from front to
back.
Descriptive Abstract: A written
summary that provides an
overview of the purpose and
contents of a report, but offers no
major facts.
Design: 1. An iterative decision-
making process that produces plans
by which resources are converted
into products or systems that meet
human needs and wants or solve
problems. 2. A plan or drawing
produced to show the look and
function or workings of something
before it is built or made. 3. A
decorative pattern. 4. Translation
of a concept into a satisfactory,
producible, salable form.
Design Brief: A written plan that
identifies a problem to be solved,
its criteria, and its constraints. The
design brief is used to encourage
thinking of all aspects of a problem
before attempting a solution. 2.A
format for stating a design
problem.
Design Constraints:
Requirements and limitations
under which the design process
takes place.
Design Process: A systematic
problem-solving strategy, with
criteria and constraints, used to
develop many possible solutions to
solve a problem or satisfy human
needs and wants and to winnow
(narrow) down the possible
solutions to one final choice.
Design Statement: A part of
design brief that challenges the
designer, describes what a design
solution should do without
describing how to solve the
problem, and identifies the degree
to which the solution must be
executed.
Designer: A person who designs
any of a variety of things. This
usually implies the task of creating
drawings or in some ways uses
visual cues to organize his or her
work.
Desktop Publishing: Creating
and publishing a document using a
PC and output device such as a
laser printer.
Destructive Testing: Material
or product testing in which
information is learned about the
material/product via careful
measurements and recordings as
the material/product is destroyed.
Detail: Shape or feature on a
model.
Detail Drawing: A dimensioned,
working drawing of a single part.
Also referred to as part drawing.
Deviation: The difference
between the actual measurements
of a product and the design
specifications.
Diagonal: A line that is slanting
or oblique
Dial Indicator: A precision
measurement device accurate to at
least one thousandths of an inch
used to measure inside and outside
dimensions and depths of materials
with the output being read using a
dial
Diaphragm: Part of a pump that
consists of a flexible membrane.
Digital: An information system
whose signals have only two states,
1 (closed) or 0 (open).
Dilemma: A choice between
equally unpleasant courses of
action.
Diameter: A straight line passing
from side to side through the
center of a circle or sphere.
Dimension: A measurable extent,
such as the three principal
dimensions of an object is width,
height, and depth. Length and
thickness are not used because they
cannont be applied in all cases. The
front view of an object shows only
the height and width and not the
depth. In fact, any one view of a
three-dimensional object can show
only two dimensions, the third
dimension will be found in an
adjacent view.
Dimensioning: The process of
placing measurements and notes on
a dr awi n g t o compl et el y
communicate its meaning.
Dimensional: A measure in one
direction; specifically: one of three
coordinates determining a position
in space or four coordinates
determining a position in space and
time.
Dimension Lines: 1-Lines that
are thin lines capped with
arrowheads, which may be broken
along their length to provide space
for the dimension numerals. 2-
Thin line segment capped on the
ends with arrowheads, that indicate
the length of the dimension.
Discipline: An area of study
Displacement Diagram: (Re:
cams) A drawing that represents
the desired motion of the cam. The
length of the diagram is equal to
the circumference of the working
circle. The height of the diagram is
equal to the radius of the working
circle. The length of the diagram is
divided into intervals representing
degrees of rotation of the cam, a
common interval would be 30
degrees. The smaller the interval,
the more accurate the cam profile:
Displacement: Movement of an
object through a distance
Documentation: 1. The
documents that are required for
something, or that give evidence or
proof of something. 2. Drawings
or printed information that
contains instructions for
assembling, installing, operating,
and servicing.
Drilling: To bore or drive a hole
in. A machining process that
produces a hole (0)
Dual Dimensions: Where
alternate units are displayed within
the same dimension (both metric
and standard dimensions can shown
at the same time).
Ductility: Property of materials
that will undergo plastic
deformation or elongation of more
than 5% before fracture.
Dwell: That segment of cam constant (or modulus of elasticity
rotation that causes the follower to for a solid ) and “x” is the distance
remain stationary of extension or compression.
Dynamics: The behavior of Elastomer: A polymeric material
matter when in motion; (physics) that may experience large and
the study of why objects move reversible elastic deformations.
Elastomers: Any of various elastic
E substances; An amorphous, cross-
linked high polymer that will
Eccentric: A device that rotates in stretch rapidly under tension,
an off-center position on an axle or reaching high elongations (500 to
shaft. 1000%)
Ecosystem: A biological Electrical: Of, relating to, or
community of interacting operated by electricity.
organisms and their physical
Electrode: A conducting element
environment.
that emits or collects electrons or
Edge: 1. The outside limit of an ions or controls their movement.
object, a surface, or an area. 2. The
Electromagnet: A core of
line along which two surfaces of a
magnetic material surrounded by a
solid meet.
coil of wire through which an
Effort: The force of energy that is electric current is passed to
applied to a machine for the magnetize the core.
accomplishment of useful work.
Elastic Modulus (Young’s
Modulus or the Modulus of
Elasticity): The ratio of stress to
strain when deformation is totally
elastic; also a measure of the
stiffness of a material.
Elastic Potential Energy: The
energy that can be stored in the
compression or extension of an
Electromagnetic energy: The
elastic material (traditional springs
energy associated with electricity,
included). The equation for the
magnetism, and electromagnetic
energy stored in a spring is SE=
waves.
½ kx2 where “k” is the spring
Electron Discharge
Machining (EDM): A separating
process that produces a spark
between an electrode and the work
piece causing an erosion action.
This process can only be used on
electrically conductive materials.
Electronic: The use of electronics
to control a system or machine.
Element: 1. A basic constituent
part. 2. A substance that cannot be
decomposed into simpler
substances by chemical means.
Ellipse: A regular oval shape,
traced by a point moving in a plane
so that the sum of its distances
from two other points is constant,
or resulting when a cone is cut by
an oblique plane which does not
intersect the base.
Emphasis: Special importance,
value, or prominence given to
something.
Engineer: A person who is
trained in and uses technological
and scientific knowledge to solve
practical problems.
Engineering: A course of study
followed by a professional career
that involves complex analysis,
design, and development of
solutions to technical problems.
Engineer’s Notebook: Also
referred to as an Engineer’s
Logbook, a Design Notebook, or
Designer’s Notebook 1. A record
of design ideas generated in the
course of an engineer’s
employment that others may not
claim as their own. 2. An archival
record of new ideas and
engineering research achievements.
Engineering technology: A
course of study followed by a
professional career that involves
testing, troubleshooting, servicing,
and maintenance of technical
product sand systems.
English System: 1. Also referred
to as the U.S. Customary system.
2. The measuring system based on
the foot, second, and pound as
units of length, time, and weight or
mass.
Environment: The ecological
community that one lives in
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA): EPA is the
acronym for the Environmental
Protection Agency.
Equilibrium: A state of balance
due to the equal action of opposing
forces in a structure.
Ergonomics: The study of
workplace equipment design or
how to arrange and design devices,
machines, or workspace so that
people and things interact safely
and most efficiently.Essence: The
quality or nature of something that
identifies it or makes it what it is.
Ethical: Conforming to an
established set of principles or
accepted professional standards of
contact.
Ethics: a. a set of moral principles
or values b. a theory or system of
moral values <the present-day
materialistic ethic> c. plural but
singular or plural in construction : the
principles of conduct governing an
individual or a group <professional
ethics> d. a guiding philosophy.
Evaluate: To form an idea of the
amount or value of; assess.
Evolution: A gradual
development.
Executive Summary: A
persuasive summary that provides
an overview of the purpose and
contents of a report, identifies the
issue or need that led to the report,
and includes condensed
conclusions and recommendations.
Experimentation: Developing a
solution by conducting
experiments and gathering
information.
Exploded Assembly: An
assembly drawing in which parts
are moved out of position along an
axis so that each individual part is
visible.
Extension: 1. The property of an
object by which it occupies space.
2. A set that includes a given and
similar set as a subset.
Extension Lines: Thin lines used
to establish the extent of a
dimension. Extension lines begin
with a short space from the object
and extend to about .125 inches
past the last dimension line.
Extension lines may cross object
lines, center lines, hidden lines,
and other extension lines, but may
not cross dimension lines.
Extrusion 1. A manufacturing
process that forces material
through a shaped opening. 2. A
modeling process that creates a
three-dimensional form by defining
a closed two-dimensional shape
and a length.
Eye Contact: Visual contact with
another person's eyes
Factor of Safety (FOS): The
ratio of ultimate or yield stress
(depends on the material and
standards people use) to allowable
stress.
F
Failure: A fracturing or otherwise
not performing due to stress or
outside events.
Fall: (Re: cam) That segment of
cam rotation that causes the
follower to move downward.
Fastener: A hardware device that
mechanically joins or affixes two or
more objects together.
Fastening: The joining of two or
more parts or materials through
the application of mechanical
devices, adhesive materials or a
cohesive process.
Fatigue: The failure or decay of
mechanical properties after
repeated applications of stress.
Fatigue tests give information on
the ability of a material to resist the
development of cracks (which
eventually bring about failure) as a
result of a large number of cycles.
Feature: Any physical portion of
an object, such as a hole or fillet.
Ferrite: any of several magnetic
substances that consist essentially
of ferric oxide combined with the
oxides of one or more metals (as
manganese, nickel, or zinc), have
high magnetic permeability and
high electrical resistivity, and are
used especially in electronic
devices.
Ferrous: Related to iron (derived
from the Latin ferrum); iron base
alloys.
Fillet: A rounded interior blend
between two surfaces. Some uses
are to strengthen joining surfaces
or to allow a part to be removed
from a mold.
Filter: A component used to
remove impurities from air or
liquids.
Finishing: The final processes
applied during the production or a
part. (examples include coating,
de-burring, blast finishing,
coloring, cleaning, etc.)
Finite Element Analysis (FEA):
A computerized numerical analysis
technique used for solving
differential equations to primarily
solve mechanical engineering
problems relating to stress analysis.
Firing Angle: The angle in
between the horizontal and the
initial velocity vector of a
projectile
Flame Hardening: A process of
hardening a ferrous alloy by
heating it above the transformation
range by means of a high-
temperature flame, and then
cooling as required.
Fluid: The medium used to
transfer power can be a liquid or a
gas.
Fluid Power: Energy transmitted
and controlled by means of a
pressurized fluid, either liquid or
gas. The term fluid power applies
to both hydraulics and pneumatics.
Foot: A unit of linear measure
equal to 12 inches or 30.48 cm.
Force: A push or pull exerted by
one object on another.
Foreshorten: To show lines or Frequency: The rate at which
objects shorter than their true size. something occurs over a particular
Foreshortened lines are not period or in a given sample.
perpendicular to the line of sight.
Frequency Distribution: The
Forging: The working of a piece number of times that a certain
of metal into a predetermined characteristic occurs and is
shape by applying pressure or represented using a histogram.
impact blows. Forging increases
Friction: A force that opposes the
the strength of a part by
motion or intended motion of a
compressing and aligning the
body in contact with another body.
surface to the shape of the die.
Fulcrum: The point around which
Form: 1. Having the three
a lever turns or is supported.
dimensions of length, width, and
depth. Also referred to as a solid. Full Section: A sectional drawing
2. The organization, placement or based on a cutting plane line that
relationship of basic elements, as extends completely through an
volumes or voids in a sculpture, so object.
as to produce a coherent image.
Function: The kind of action or
Formula: A mathematical activity proper to a person, thing,
relationship or rule expressed in or institution; the purpose for
symbols. which something is designed or
exists; role.
Fracture: The act or process of
breaking or the state of being
broken.
G
Free Body Diagram: A sketch of
Gage blocks: Accurately ground
an object (body) of interest with all
and polished blocks of steel,
the surrounding objects stripped
measured to one millionth of an
away and all of the forces acting on
inch, and used as standards for
the object (body) shown.
measurements.
Free Fall: Where an object moves
freely under the influence of
gravity.
Freehand: Done manually
without the aid of instruments such
as rulers.
GANTT Chart: A time and
activity bar chart that is used for
planning, managing, and
controlling major programs that
have a distinct beginning and end.
Gear: A wheel with teeth that will
allow the transfer of power when
coupled to another gear.
Gear trains: A set of gears used to
transmit power, change output
direction, or change speed or
force.
Gender Bias: A settled or
prejudicial outlook towards males
or females.
General Notes: Notes placed
separate from the views; relate to
the entire drawing.
Generator: A device that
converts mechanical energy to
electrical energy.
Geometric Constraint:
Constant, non-numerical
relationships between the parts of a
geometric figure. Examples
include parallelism,
perpendicularity, and
concentricity.
Gestalt: The principle that
maintains that the human eye sees
objects in their entirety before
perceiving their individual parts.
Grains: Individual crystals in
metals.
Grain size: Average diameter of
grains in the metal under
consideration, or alternatively, the
number of grains per unit area.
Graph: A diagram showing the
relation between variable
quantities, typically of two
variables measured along a pair of
lines at right angles.
Graphics: A graphic
representation (as a picture, map,
or graph) used especially for
illustration.
Graphic Design: The art of
combining text and pictures in
advertisements, magazines, books,
etc.
G r a v i t a t ion a l P o t e n t ia l
energy: The energy stored by an
object’s position in a gravity
field. On or near the surface of the
Earth, PE = mgDh where “m” is
the object’s mass, “g” is the Earth’s
gravitation constant, and “Dh” is
the change in height the object
undergoes or has the “potential” of
undergoing.
Gravity: A fundamental physical
force between any two objects in
the universe; as applied to the
earth, the force that is responsible
for the weight of objects.
Grid: A network of lines that cross
each other to form a series of
squares or rectangles.
Ground Line: In a perspective
drawing, the plane where objects
appear to rest.
H represents an edge that is not
Half Section: A sectional drawing
based on a cutting plane line that
cuts through one-quarter of an
object. A half section reveals half of
the interior and half of the
exterior.
Hardening: The process by
which a piece of metal is hardened
by heating it to or above the critical
temperature then cooling it
rapidly, usually by quenching in an
oil or water solution.
Hard Drive: A magnetic storage
device used in computer systems.
Hardness: The measure of a
material's resistance to
deformation by surface indentation
or by abrasion.
Harmony: 1. The quality of
forming a pleasing and consistent
whole. 2. Agreement or concord.
Hazard: A danger or risk.
Heat Capacity: thermal capacity,
ratio of the change in heat energy
of a unit mass of a substance to the
change in temperature of the
substance
Heat Engine: Device that
converts the energy of heat into
mechanical energy
Height: The measurement of
someone or something from head
to foot or from base to top.
Hidden Line: A line type that
directly visible, because it is behind
or beneath another surface.
Histogram: A graph of vertical
bars representing the frequency
distribution of a set of data.
Hopper: A storage or supply bin
that is used in a manufacturing
system.
Horizon Line: In a perspective
drawing, the imaginary line at eye
level used as a construction line.
Horizontal: A line parallel to the
horizon.
Hot forming: The process of
working metal into shape while
either in a molten or plastic state.
Hydraulics: A type of fluid
power that uses pressurized liquid,
for example, oil or water.
Hydraulic fluid: A liquid that is
used in hydraulic systems to
transfer energy; usually an oil-
based substance
Hypothesis: 1. An assumption
made on the basis of limited
evidence as a starting point for
further investigation. 2. A
proposed explanation for an
observation. Hypothesis is an
educated guess which forms a basis
for a test.
Hysteresis: Literally translated -
Lagging behind- When a magnetic
field is created the flux lags the
increase or decrease of magnetizing
force. Hysteresis results from the
Inclusion: A foreign or impurity
fact that the magnetic dipoles are
phase in a solid.
not perfectly aligned. With rapidly
reversing alternating current the Induction hardening: A
Hysteresis can cause a considerable process of hardening a ferrous alloy
loss of energy overcoming the by heating it above the
internal friction of the molecular transformation range by means of
dipoles. electrical induction, and then
cooling as required.
Illustrate: 1. To provide a book
or periodical with pictures. 2. To Industrial Age: Age
make clear by using examples, characterized by the advent of
charts, etc. manufacturing machinery and the
movement of populations to cities
I from farms
Impact: The effect or influence of Infiltration: (Thermal definition)
one thing on another. Some A mechanism of heat transfer in
impacts are anticipated, and others which cold (or hot) outside air
are unanticipated. infiltrates a heated (or cooled)
building, displacing heated (or
Impact Testing: Testing used to
cooled) air. This requires
determine a material’s ability to
additional energy be expended to
withstand impact loads without
heat (cool) the newly infiltrated
fracturing.
air.
Impending Motion: Motion
I n f or ma t io n Ag e : A g e
that is on the verge of occurring,
characterized by the rise of
but not yet present.
Internet communications
Inch: A unit of linear measure
Initial Velocity: The velocity of
equal to one twelfth of a foot or
an object at the beginning of the
2.54 cm.
object’s motion
Inclined plane: A flat sloping
Injection molding: The process
surface along which an object can
of forcing a heated soft plastic into
be pushed or pulled; a plane
a mold cavity where it is cooled
surface that makes an oblique angle
and hardens.
with the plane of the horizon. One
of six simple machines.
Innovation: An improvement of
an existing technological product,
system, or method of doing
something.
Interpersonal Skills: Those
skills which enable an individual to
work with others in a pleasant and
productive manner.
Interactive: Mutual or reciprocal
communication between people
and/or systems.
Interface: The interconnection
between components or systems.
I/O: Input Output
Input: Something put into a
system, such as resources, in order
to achieve a result.
Inscribe: To draw a figure within
another so that their boundaries
touch but do not intersect.
International Organization
for Standardization (ISO): A
non-governmental global
organization whose principal
activity is the development of
technical standards through
consensus.
Interference: The amount of
overlap that one part has with
another when assembled.
Intonation: The rise and fall of
the voice in speaking.
Invention: A new product,
system, or process that has never
existed before, created by study
and experimentation.
Iron Age: The period of human
culture characterized by the
smelting of iron and its use in
industry beginning somewhat
before 1000 B.C. in western Asia
and Egypt.
Isometric: A drawing projected
so that the plane of projection of a
three-dimensional drawing forms
equal angles (120 degrees) to each
of the three axes of the object.
Isometric Drawing: A form of
pictorial drawing in which all three
drawing axes form equal angles of
120 degrees with the plane of
projection.
Isometric Sketch: A form of
pictorial sketch in which all three
drawing axes form equal angles of
120 degrees with the plane of
projection.
Iterative: Describing a procedure
or process that repeatedly executes
a series of operations until some
condition is satisfied. An iterative
procedure may be implemented by
a loop in a routine.
J
Job Function: Actual duties
performed regardless of title.
Joinery: The process of
connecting or joining two pieces of
wood together through the use of
various forms of wood joints. In
fine woodworking, common forms
of joinery include dovetail joinery,
mortise-and-tenon joinery, biscuit
joinery, lap joints, spline joints,
etc.
Juxtapose: To place close
together.
K concentrated beam of light.
K-value: A numeric expression of
a material’s ability to conduct heat
energy on a unit-thickness basis.
Key: A rectangular or semicircular
shape used to prevent parts, such as
gears or wheels, from turning on a
shaft.
Key seat: A slot in a shaft to
receive a key.
Key way: A slot in a hub or
material around a shaft that
receives a key.
Kilo: a prefix meaning a thousand
or 1000 or 103; symbol: k
Kinetic Energy: The energy of an
object due to its mass and motion;
calculated using the objects mass,
m, and velocity, v.
Knurling: The process of
impressing a diamond or straight
line pattern on a material for the
purpose of improving the
appearance or providing a gripping
surface.
L an external feature and the largest
Landfill: A low area of land that is
built up from deposits of solid
refuse in layers covered by soil.
Laser: Light Amplification by the
Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
A device that produces a
Lathe: A machine tool in which
the work material is rotated around
a fixed horizontal axis and cut by a
tool that is mounted on a movable
carriage.
Law of Gravitation: Governs the
mutual attraction between bodies.
Where:
F=the mutual force of attraction
between the two particles
G=a universal constant called the
constant of gravitation
M1M2= the masses of the two
particles multiplied together
r=the distance between the centers
of the particles
LCL: Lower Control Limit (see
definition for control limits)
Leaders: Lines that are thin and
used to connect a specific note to a
feature.
Least Material Condition
(LMC): The smallest size limit of
size limit of an internal feature.
Legible: How recognizable a short
amount of text is.
Lever: A rigid piece that transmits
and modifies force or motion when
forces are applied at two points and
it turns about a third; specifically: a
rigid bar used to exert a pressure
or sustain a weight at one point of
its length by the application of a
force at a second and turning at a
third on a fulcrum.
Liability: Having a legal
responsibility for the failure of a
product
Lid: The upper and covering
portion of a paper box.
Limits of Dimension: The
largest and smallest possible
boundaries to which a feature may
be made as related to the tolerance
of the dimension.
Line: 1. A long thin mark on a
surface. 2. A continuous extent of
length, straight or curved, without
breadth or thickness; the trace of a
moving point. 3. Long, narrow
mark or band.
Line Conventions:
Standardization of lines used on
technical drawings by line weight
and style.
Line Graph: A diagram, or a
visual representation, using a
broken line to show the
relationship between certain sets of
numbers.
Line Weight: Also called line
width. The thickness of a line,
characterized as thick or thin.
Linkage: A mechanical system of
related moving parts or
connections.
Load: Anything put in or on
something for conveyance or
transportation.
Lobe: The highest point of a cam
surface
Local Notes: Connected to
specific features on the views of the
drawing. Also known as
annotations.
Location Dimension: A location
dimension that defines the
relationship of features of an
object.
Logo: An emblematic design
adopted by an organization to
identify its products.
Longitudinal axis: In the
Cartesian coordinate system, this
would be the “ X “ axis. Machine
tools are generally designed for
three axes of motion (X, Y, Z) and
an axis of rotation.
Lot: A group of products shipped
or received which is supposed to
have a uniform level of quality
throughout.
Lubrication: Providing a
substance such as grease to reduce
friction between moving objects.
LSL: Lower Specification Limit
(see definition for specification
limits)
M for forming, Shearing, Pulverizing,
Magnetic: Of or relating to a
magnet or to magnetism; a
magnetic material is attracted to
magnets.
Magnetism: A force that exists
around magnets that attracts
ferrous materials and is used in
motors and generators.
Malleability: The property of a
material which enables it to
undergo considerable plastic
deformation under compression
before fracture.
Manual: An act or process done
by humans.
Manual machining: Describes
the operation of a machine tool by
a human operator. No computer
control is involved.
Manufacture: To make
something, especially on a large
scale using machinery.
Manufacturing: The total
process of design, application, and
production.
Manufacturer’s Joint: The seam
of a carton where the two edges of
the box blank are joined together
by stitching, gluing, or taping.
Manufacturing Process: The
transformation of raw material into
finished goods through one or
more of the following: Casting and
Molding, Shaping and Reshaping
Machining, for material removal,
or Joining by transforming using
heat or chemical reaction to bond
materials.
Market Research: The activity
of gathering information about
consumers’ needs and preferences.
Marketing: The promotion and
selling of products or services.
Martensite: A distinctive needle
like structure existing in steel as a
transition stage in the
transformation of austenite. It is
the hardest constituent of steel of
eutectoid composition. It is
produced by rapid cooling from
quenching temperature and is the
chief constituent of hardened
carbon tool steels. Martensite is
magnetic.
Mass: The amount of matter an
object contains.
Mass properties: Descriptive
characteristics of an object in a 3D
model.
Matrix: A chart for systematic
search of possible combinations,
considering several systems’
variables at once.
Max: The largest number in a data
set.
Maximum Height: In the
parabolic curve a projectile travels
the greatest elevation the particle
obtains occurs at the horizontal
coordinate of the Range/2.
Maximum Material Condition
(MMC): The largest size limit of
an external feature and the smallest
size limit of an internal feature.
Mean: The average or central
value of a set of quantities.
Mean Time Between Failure
(MTBF): The average time of
operation before a device is likely
to fail. This is a statistical value
based on testing of representative
samples of some product.
Measure: To determine the size,
amount, or degree of something by
comparison with a standard unit.
Measurement: The process of
using dimensions, quantity, or
capacity by comparison with a
standard in order to mark off,
apportion, layout, or establish
dimensions.
Mechanical: A form of energy,
which uses motion to do work.
Mechanical Energy: The
energy, which is possessed by an
object due to its motion or its
stored energy of position.
Mechanical Fastener: A
hardware device, such as a bolt or
screw, that is used to mechanically
join or affix two or more plastic
objects together.
Median: The middle value in a
rank order data sample. Half the
values will be greater and half the
values will be less than the median.
Mechanism: An assembly of
moving parts completing a
complete functional motion.
Median: Referring to the middle
term or mean of the middle two
terms of a series of values arranged
in order of magnitude.
Mediation: The act or process of
using an intermediary to effect an
agreement or reconciliation.
Melting point: Temperature at
which a material changes between
solid and liquid states.
Memory: Ability of a circuit’s
output to remain at one state even
after the input condition that
caused that state is removed.
Message Analysis: The process
of deciding what information needs
to go into the graphic design, as
well as how to effectively use the
design elements and principles to
present the information. This
analysis is based on a thorough
analysis of the audience.
Metal: An opaque lustrous
elemental chemical substance that
is a good conductor of heat and
electricity and, when polished, a
good reflector of light; most
elemental metals are malleable,
ductile, and are generally denser
than the other elemental
substances; metals are structurally
distinguished from nonmetals by
their atomic bonding and electron
availability; the electron band
structure of metals is characterized
by a partially filled valence band;
the "free electrons" lost from the
outer shells of metallic atoms are
available to carry an electric
current; the defining property of a
metal is that it is an element with a
positive thermal coefficient of
resistively, meaning the electrical
resistively of a metal continuously
increases as temperature increases.
Meter: The fundamental unit of
length in the metric system, equal
to 100 centimeters or
approximately 39.37 inches.
Metric System: The decimal
measuring system based on the
meter, liter, and gram as units of
length, capacity, and weight or
mass.
Micro: a prefix meaning a
millionth or 1/1000000 or 10-6;
symbol: m, “mu”
Micrometer: A precision
measuring instrument, which uses
a precision screw and a graduated
scale.
Microprocessor: A complex
digital chip that performs the
computer functions of arithmetic,
logic, and supervision.
Milli: a prefix meaning a
thousandth or 1/1000 or 103;
symbol: m
Milling: A process of cutting or
material removal, which combines
a rotating cutter and a traversing
worktable allowing for processes
such as slotting, facing and
pocketing.
Millimeter: A metric unit of
linear measure equal to 1/1000 of
a meter.
Min: The smallest value in a data
set
Mock-up: Also referred to as an
Appearance Model. A model or
replica of a machine or structure
for instructional or experimental
purposes.
Mode: The value that occurs most
frequently in a given data set.
Model: A visual, mathematical, or
three-dimensional representation
in detail of an object or design,
often smaller than the original. A
model is often used to test ideas,
make changes to a design, and to
learn more about what would
happen to a similar, real object.
Modeling Process: The process
of creating a solid, mathematical,
or other representation for the
purpose of conducting a test.
Modulus of Elasticity: The
slope of the line in the linear elastic
region created by the stress on the
object divided by the strain
Moment: The tendency to rotate
about a point determined by the
product of a force multiplied by
the distance from this force to this
point
Moment of inertia: An
indication of the stiffness of a
particular shape. The higher the
moment of inertia, the less the
deflection.
Motor: A device used to convert
electrical energy to mechanical
energy.
Multiview Drawings: Views of
an object projected onto two or
more orthographic planes.
Multiview Sketches: Views of
an object projected onto two or
more orthographic planes.
N statistical curve that is bell shaped
Necking: Reduction of the cross-
sectional area of a material in a
localized area caused by uniaxial
tension.
Negotiation: Mutual discussion
and arrangement of the terms of a
transaction or agreement.
Newton’s First Law: (The Law
of Inertia) – Objects at rest tend to
stay at rest, and objects in motion
tend to stay in motion at a constant
speed in a straight line unless acted
upon by an unbalanced force.
Newton’s Second Law: The net
force acting on an object in a given
direction is equal to the mass of the
obj ect mu ltip lied b y the
acceleration of the object in the
same direction as the net force.
Newton’s Third Law: The force
of one object (object 1) acting on
another object (object 2) is equal in
magnitude and opposite in
direction to the force of the second
object acting upon the first.
Nitride: A compound of nitrogen
and a metal.
Non-Destructive Testing: Material
or product testing in which
information is learned about the
material/product via careful
measurements and recordings
without destroying the material/
product.
Normal distribution: A
and shows the frequency
distribution for measured data.
68% of data will be ± 1 standard
deviation from the mean, 95.5% of
data will be ± 2 standard deviation
from the mean, and 99.7% will be
± 3 standard deviation from the
mean.
Nominal Group Technique:
Utilizes a single, trained leader to
coordinate individual input ideas.
Nominal Size: The designation of
the size established for a
commercial product.
Non-Traditional: Unique,
creative, outside the norm.
Non-Renewable Resource: A
resource or raw material that
cannot be grown or replaced once
used.
Normalizing: A heat treatment
applied to steel. Involves heating
above the critical range followed
by cooling in still air. Is performed
to refine the crystal structure and
eliminate internal stress.
Normal Distribution: A
function that represents the
distribution of variables as a
symmetrical bell-shaped graph.
Normal Stress: Stress
perpendicular to the area within
the material that is resisting the
stress.
Norms: Principles of right action,
binding upon the members of a
group and serving to guide,
control, or regulate proper and
acceptable behavior.
Numeric Constraint: A number
value, or algebraic equation that is
used to control the size or location
of a geometric figure.
Nuclear energy: Nuclear energy
is the energy associated with
nuclear bonding of the nucleus of
an atom. (Nuclear energy is the
energy, E, represented in the
famous equation E=mc2. The mass
in this equation is not the mass of
the nucleus. The mass of an atom’s
nucleus is actually less than the sum
of the mass of the individual
protons and neutrons within the
nucleus. The difference between
these masses is known as the “mass
defect,” and is the “m” in the
E=mc2. In addition, “c” is the
speed of light.)
O
Object: Something visible or
tangible.
Object Line: A heavy solid line
used on a drawing to represent the
outline of an object.
Oblique: A form of pictorial
sketch in which two axes are at
right angles to each other (one
vertical, one horizontal) and the
depth axis is at an oblique angle.
Oblique Drawing: A type of
drawing involving a combination of
a flat, orthographic front with
depth lines receding at a selected
angle, usually 45 degrees.
Oblique Sketch: A type of sketch
involving a combination of a flat,
orthographic front with depth lines
receding at a selected angle, usually
45 degrees.
Observation: The act or instance
of noticing or perceiving.
Obtuse Triangle: A triangle with
one angle that is greater than 90
degrees.
Occupation Safety and Health Organic: Designation of any
Administration (OSHA): A chemical compound containing
government organization whose carbon with the exception of some
mission is to assure the safety and of the simple compounds of
health of America's workers by carbon, such as carbon dioxide,
setting and enforcing standards; which are frequently classified as
providing training, outreach, and inorganic.
education; establishing
Origin: A fixed point from which
partnerships; and encouraging
coordinates are measured.
continual improvement in
workplace safety and health. Orthographic: Right angle
projection. The views of an object
Offset method: A way of
are drawn in perpendicular planes
determining the yield point on a
to one another.
stress-strain curve when it is not
visibly identifiable. Orthographic Projection: A
method of representing three-
Offset Section: A sectional
dimensional objects on a plane
drawing created by a cutting plane
having only length and breadth.
bent at right angles to features as
Also referred to as Right Angle
though they were in the same
Projection.
plane.
Output: The results of the
Ohm’s Law: The relationship of
operation of any system.
voltage, current and resistance in a
circuit I=V/R, V=IR, R=V/I Outside Suppliers: Vendors
who provide products or services
Open-Ended: ­Not having fixed
to a company.
limits; unrestricted; broad.
Out-sourcing: The process
Open loop: A control system
where by a company buys certain
where there is no feedback
products, subassemblies, or
circuitry.
services from outside vendors.
Optical: Of or relating to the
Oxide: Compound of oxygen with
science of optics or vision.
another element.
Optimization: Process of making
a system or design as functional or P
effective as possible.
Packaging: Materials used to
Order of Views: The relationship wrap or protect goods.
between the views in orthographic
Parallel: Multiple pathways in a
projection.
circuit.
Parallelogram: A quadrilateral
with opposite sides parallel.
Parameter: A quantity which is
fixed for the case in question but
may vary in other cases.
Parametric Modeling: A CAD
modeling method that uses
parameters to define the size and
geometry of features and to create
relationships between features.
Changing a parameter value
updates all related features of the
model at once.
Part Interaction: A kind of
action which occurs as two or
more objects have an effect upon
one another.
Particle: A body of negligible
dimensions or when the
dimensions of a body are irrelevant
to the description of its motion.
E.g. an airplane wing vs. the flight
from NY to LA.
Parts List: A list of materials or
parts specified for a project. Also
referred to as a bill of materials or
BOM.
Pascal’s Law: A law that states
when a force is exerted on a fluid,
the fluid transfers this force equally
against the walls of the vessel.
Pattern: A regular or repeated
design, form, order, or
arrangement. Duplicates one or
more components and arranges the
resulting occurrences in a circular
or rectangular pattern.
Pearlite: Lamellar structure
resembling mother of pearl. A
compound of iron and carbon
occurring in steel as a result of the
transformation of austenite into
aggregations of ferrite and iron
carbide.
Performance: The manner in
which a mechanism or part
behaves.
Period: (Re: cam) the time it
takes for one complete cycle of the
follower motion.
Perspective Drawing: A form
of pictorial drawing in which
vanishing points are used to
provide the depth and distortion
that is seen with the human eye.
Perspective drawings can be drawn
using one, two, and three vanishing
points.
Perspective Sketch: A form of
pictorial sketch in which vanishing
points are used to provide the
depth and distortion that is seen
with the human eye. Perspective
drawings can be drawn using one,
two, and three vanishing points.
Persuasiv e: 1 . G o o d a t
persuading someone to do or
believe something. 2. Providing
sound reasoning or argument.
Phantom Line: A line used to
show the alternate positions of an
object or matching part without
interfering with the main drawing.
Phase: A volume of material that
contains no discontinuity in either
composition or crystal structure.
Photo-resistor: A device that
changes resistance according to
light intensity.
Phototransistor: A
semiconductor switch that
produces an output when light falls
on it.
Physical: Having material
existence: perceptible especially
through the senses and subject to
the laws of nature.
Pi: The numerical value of the
ratio of the circumference of a
circle to its diameter of
approximately 3.14159.
Pictograph: A pictorial symbol
for a word or phrase.
Picture Plane: In a perspective
drawing, it is the plane of
projection.
Pictorial Drawing: A drawing
that shows an object’s height,
width, and depth in a single view.
Pictorial Sketch: A sketch that
shows an object’s height, width,
and depth in a single view.
Pie Chart: A chart that represents
data in the form of slices from a 3-
D circle.
Pitch: A distance of uniform
measure determined at a point on
one unit to the same corresponding
point on the next unit; used in
threads , springs, and other
machine parts.
Plane: A flat surface on which a
straight line joining any two points
would wholly lie.
Plastics: Any of numerous organic
synthetic or processed materials
that are mostly thermoplastic or
thermosetting polymers of high
molecular weight and that can be
made into objects.
Pneumatics: A type of fluid
power that uses compressed air or
other neutral gases.
Point: A very small dot or mark
on a surface that has position, but
not spatial extent, magnitude,
dimension, or direction.
Polar Coordinates: The location
of a point as given by an angle and a
distance.
Pollute: Contaminate with
harmful or poisonous substances.
Polygon: A closed geometric
figure in a plane formed by
connecting line segements
endpoint to endpoint with each
segment intersecting exactly two
others. Polygons are classified by
the number of sides they have, such
as a triangle has three sides, a
quadrilateral has four sides, and a
pentagon has five sides.
Polymer: A high-molecular-
weight organic compound, natural
or synthetic, whose structure can Pressure: The force generated
be represented by a repeated small when energy is applied to a fluid;
unit (mer). These long molecular force per unit area.
chains consist of repeating chemical
Principle: The method of
units held together by covalent
formation, operation, or procedure
bonds formed by a polymerization
exhibited in a given instance.
reaction.
Prism: A solid geometric figure
Porosity: The quality or state of
whose two ends are similar, equal,
being porous; the ratio of the
and parallel rectilinear figures, and
volume of interstices of a material
whose sides are parallelograms.
to the volume of its mass.
Probability: The system of
Portfolio: A set of pieces of
mathematics that assigns odds or
creative work intended to
the chances of an event occurring
demonstrate a person’s ability.
given certain parameters.
Position control: A system that
Problem: An unwelcome or
uses the location of objects to
harmful matter needing to be dealt
control functions.
with.
Posture: A particular position of
Problem Identification The
the body.
recognition of an unwelcome or
Potential Energy: Stored harmful matter needing to be dealt
energy; (Gravitational potential with.
energy is stored energy due to
Problem Statement: A part of
elevated position of an object: PE
design brief that clearly and
= mgh; Elastic potential energy is
concisely identifies a client’s or
stored energy in elastic materials:
target consumer’s problem, need,
PE = ½ kx2).
or want.
Potentiometer: A variable
Problem solving method:
resistor.
Systematic efforts associated with
Power: Force over large-scale problems, projects, or
time. Measured in Ft Lbs Newton designs.
Meters or Watts.
Process: 1. Human activities used
Precise: Exact in measuring, to create, invent, design,
recording, etc. transform, produce, control,
maintain, and use products or
Precision: Exact in measuring,
systems; 2. A systematic sequence
recording, etc.
of actions that combines resources
to produce an output.
Process control: To monitor and
control a process so that the quality
of the output/product improves.
Processor: An electronic device
that operates on data.
Product: A tangible artifact
produced by means of either
human or mechanical work, or by
biological or chemical process.
Product Lifecycle: Stages a
product goes through from concept
and use to eventual withdrawal
from the market place.
Production: The act of
manufacturing a part or product.
Profile: An outline of something
as seen from one side.
Profile Line: In sketching, a dark
heavy line that outlines the object
drawn.
Programmable Logic
Controller (PLC): A
microprocessor used for control
engineering, primarily to replace
relay logic controllers.
Programming language: A set
of instructions used to operate a
machine or processor to perform a
task.
Projection Line: A horizontal or
vertical line that can be used to
locate entities in an adjacent view.
Projection Plane: An imaginary
surface on which the view of the
object is projected and drawn. This
surface is imagined to exist
between the object and the
observer.
Projectile Motion: The motion
of objects launched in space with
negligible air resistance.
Proportion: 1. The relationship
of one thing to another in size,
amount, etc. 2. Size or weight
relationships among structures or
among elements in a single
structure.
Protocol: The accepted code of
behavior in a particular situation.
Prototype: A full-scale working
model used to test a design concept
by making actual observations and
necessary adjustments.
Protractor: An instrument for
measuring angles, typically in the
form of a flat semicircle marked
with degrees along the curved
edge.
Public Welfare: Common good
of society
Pulley: A grooved wheel around
which a rope, belt, or chain passes
used to change the direction of a
force or change the amount of
force, increasing the mechanical
advantage.
Pump: A device that converts
mechanical energy to fluid energy.
Purpose: The reason for which
something is done or for which
something exists.
Puzzle: Something, such as a base alloys, quenching has no effect
game, toy, or problem that other than to hasten cooling.
requires ingenuity and often
persistence in solving or R
assembling.
Racial Bias: A settled or
Q prejudicial outlook toward various
races.
Q-A-D: A prewriting tool for
Radial Symmetry: Symmetry
students to brainstorm the key
about a central axis.
components and the details needed
for the essay. Radiation: (Thermal definition)
Transfer of heat by temporarily
Quadrilateral: A four-sided
transforming the heat (kinetic
polygon.
motion of an objects atoms or
Qualitative: Of, relating to, or molecules) into electromagnetic
involving the measurement of waves (in the infrared part of the
quality or kind without extensive EM spectrum). These waves then
mathematical analysis. travel until absorbed by another
object and transferred back into
Quality: The degree of excellence
atomic/molecular kinetic energy,
of something as measured against
which is heat.
other similar things.
Ram: Random Access Memory.
Quality assurance: The use of
quality control techniques Radius: A straight line from the
associated with a process. center to the circumference of a
circle or sphere.
Quality control: The prevention
of bad parts by the use of statistical Range: 1-The measure of
techniques variation that is the difference
between the highest and lowest
Quantitative: Relating to, or
scores. 2-Range, Indicates amount
expressible in terms of quantity,
of variation that exists in the
typically displayed in a line graph.
machine process.
Quenching: In the heat-treating
Range: a) The horizontal distance
of metals, the step of cooling
traveled by a projectile. b) The
metals rapidly in order to obtain
difference between the largest and
desired properties; most
smallest piece of numerical data.
commonly accomplished by
immersing the metal in oil or
water. In the case of most copper
Ratio: The quantitative relation
between two amounts showing the
number of times one value contains
or is contained within the other.
Ratchet: a mechanism that
consists of a bar or wheel having
inclined teeth into which a pawl
drops so that motion can be
imparted to the wheel or bar,
governed, or prevented and that is
used in a hand tool (as a wrench or
screwdriver) to allow effective
motion in one direction only.
Raw Material: Any natural
resource that is used to make
finished products.
Rise: The segment of cam rotation
that causes the follower to move
upward.
Rivet: Mechanical fastener with a
large head used for joining two
parts together through a hole. The
rivet is clinched by forming a
second head on the opposite side.
Readability: How easy an
extended amount of text is to read.
Reaction: Reactions are passive
forces that are induced at the
supports of a structure.
Receiver: A device that accepts
signals from the emitter and is used
in control systems.
Reciprocating: Motion back and
forth along a linear path.
Rectification: The process of
converting AC into DC.
Rectangle: A parallelogram with
90 degree angles. A square is also a
rectangle.
Recycle: To reclaim or reuse old
materials in order to make new
products.
Redundant: An additional part or
subsystem that is added to a system
to increase the overall system
reliability. Redundant components
serve their function in parallel; as
long as any one redundant
component is functional, the entire
system still functions as designed.
Reference Dimension: A
dimension, usually without a
tolerance, used for information
purposes only. A reference is a
repeat of a given dimension or
established from other values
shown on a drawing. Reference
dimensions are enclosed in ( ) on
the drawing.
Refurbish: To renovate or
redecorate.
Refuse: Matter thrown away as
worthless.
Regular Polygon: A polygon
with equal angles and equal sides.
Relative Coordinates: The
location of a point as given by the
distance from the last point
specified.
Relay: Electromechanical switch
where contacts are opened or
closed by a control circuit in order
to switch a secondary circuit.
Reliability: The probability of
satisfactory operation of the
product in a given environment
over a specified time interval.
Removed Section: A sectional
view removed from the area of the
cutting plane and positioned in
another location.
Renewable Resource: A
resource or raw material that can
be grown and replaced.
Repeatability: The ability to
replicate or duplicate a result.
Research: The systematic study of
materials and sources in order to
establish facts and reach new
conclusions.
Residue: A small amount of
something that remains after the
main part has gone or been taken
or used.
Resilience: The tendency of a
material to return to its original
shape after the removal of a stress
that has produced elastic strain.
Resistance: The ratio of the
potential difference across an
electrical component to the
current passing through it. It is
thus a measure of the component's
opposition to the flow of electric
charge. In general, the resistance of
a metallic conductor increases with
temperature whereas the resistance
of a semiconductor decreases with
temperature.
Resistor: A component used for
introducing resistance into a
circuit.
Reverse Engineering: The
process of taking something apart
and analyzing its workings in
detail, usually with the intention to
understand function, prepare
documentation, electronic data, or
construct a new or improved
device or program, without
actually copying from the original.
Resume: A document which
briefly summarizes who you are; it
contains your education, work
experience, accomplishments, and
other necessary personal
information.
Revision Block: A brief listing of
revisions made to a drawing since it
was initially released to
manufacture.
Revolution: Creating a 3D solid
or surface by revolving a 2D shape
about an axis.
Revolved Section: A sectional
view that is revolved 90 degrees
and perpendicular with the plane of
projection.
Rhythm: A regularly recurring
sequence of events or actions.
Rib: A relatively thin flat member
acting as a brace support. Also
called a web.
Right Triangle: A triangle that
has a 90 degree angle.
Robotics: The specialized field of
engineering and computer science
that deals with the design and
application of robots.
Role Model: A person whose
behavior in a particular role is
imitated by others.
Rolling: A process in which a
heated or cold material is passed
between rollers, squeezing it into
various shapes and thickness. Some
applications include rods, bars,
sheet, plates, and foils.
ROM: Read Only Memory.
Rotation: 1-Turning around an
axis or center point. 2-Clockwise
or counterclockwise spin of an
object about its own axis.
Round: A rounded exterior blend
between two surfaces.
R-Value: A numeric expression of
thermal insulation. R-values are
the reciprocals of U-values.
Rupture Strength: The stress at
which a material ruptures.
S to represent the material through
Sample: A portion of the product
randomly taken for testing so
decisions can be made about the
whole.
Scale: 1. A straight-edged strip of
rigid material marked at regular
intervals and used to measure
distances. 2. A proportion between
two sets of dimensions used in
developing accurate, larger or
smaller prototypes, or models of
design ideas.
Scalar Quantity: A quantity that
can be described by magnitude
only; answers the question “how
much?” Examples: mass, time.
Scale Model: An enlarged or
reduced representation of an object
that is usually intended for study
purposes.
Scoring: Making an impression or
crease in a box blank to facilitate
bending, folding, or tearing.
Screw: 1. An inclined plane
wrapped around a cylinder, used as
a threaded fastener and to translate
torque into linear force. 2. A
simple machine that uses threads to
apply force; a spiral inclined plane
surrounding a center shaft.
Seals: A device to prevent the
passage or return of gas, liquid or
air into a pipe or container, a tight
and perfect closure.
Section Lines: Lines that are used
which a cut is made in order to
show an interior sectional view.
Sectional View: A drawing that
shows the interior of an object as it
would appear if cut in half or
quartered.
Semiconductor: Materials whose
electrical conductivity can be
precisely altered by appropriate
manufacturing processes.
Separating: The process by which
a material is divided into two or
more parts.
Sequential: Forming or following
a logical order or sequence.
Series: A circuit with only one
pathway for electrons.
Shading: The representation of
light and shade on a drawing or
map.
Shafts: Cylindrical rods that
support pulleys, gears, and
sprockets to transmit torque.
Shape: 1. The two-dimensional
contour that characterizes an object
or area, in contrast to three-
dimensional form. 2. The physical
geometry of a model.
Shear: Force that acts parallel to
the surface of the material.
Shearing: The process of
separating a material by applying
pressure from opposing directions;
the area of separation is parallel to
the force applied.
SI: (System International) see
metric system.
Sigma: Greek letter that is
associated with the standard
deviation in statistics and stress in
strengths of materials; s
Simple Machine: Any of several
elementary mechanisms that are
used to transmit or modify force or
motion. Simple machines include
the lever, wheel and axle, pulley,
screw, wedge, and inclined plane.
Size: How large or small a person
or thing is.
Size Dimensions: Placed directly
on a feature to identify a specific
size or may be connected to a
feature in the form of a note.
Sketch: 1. A rough drawing
representing the main features of
an object or scene and often made
as a preliminary study. 2. A
freehand drawing of an idea, or
solution to a problem without
concern for detail.
Slope: An incline or decline
mathematically calculated as the
rise divided by the run.
Snap-Fit: A molded-in piece in a
plastic assembly that is designed to
form a mechanical joint system
where part-to-part attachment is
accomplished with locating and
locking features to connect
components together.
Soldering: The joining of metal
surfaces with a different metal
(solder) that melts at a
temperature below the red heat
temperature of iron.
Solenoid: An electromagnetic
device that converts electrical
energy into linear motion.
Solid: A three-dimensional body
or geometric figure.
Solid Modeling: 1. A type of 3D
CAD modeling that represents the
volume of an object, not just its
lines and surfaces. This allows for
analysis of the object’s mass
properties. 2. Three-dimensional
CAD representation used to
describe, simulate, and predict the
behavior of objects.
Solution: 1. A method or process
for solving a problem. 2. The
answer to or disposition of a
problem. 3. A satisfactory or
possibly satisfactory answer to a
problem.
Space: 1. The dimensions of
height, depth, and width within
which all things exist and move. 2.
A free or unoccupied area or
expanse.
Space Age: Relating to, or
befitting the age of space
exploration.
Spatial Configuration: The
relative arrangement of parts or
elements within three-dimensional
space.
Specification Limits: (Lower
and upper specification limits (LSL
and USL)); these are the actual
limits that are usually set based on
customer needs.
Specific Gravity: The ratio of
the density of a substance to the
density of some substance (as pure
water) taken as a standard when
both densities are obtained by
weighing in air.
Spinning: The procedure of
making sheet metal discs into
hollow shapes by pressing the
metal against a rotating form
(spinning chuck) by a tool.
Spline: One of a series of keyways
cut around a shaft and mating hole,
used to transfer power from a shaft
to a hub while allowing a sliding
action between the parts.
Spotface: A shallow recess like a
counterbore, used to provide a
good bearing surface for a fastener.
Spread: The distribution of data
within a statistical sample.
Spreadsheet: Software packages
designed to simplify the
manipulation and presentation of
numbers and text; spreadsheets
allow the user to change
parameters of the calculation and
see the effect on all calculations;
also, most spreadsheets have
powerful presentation software,
such as graphs, bar charts, etc.
Spring A mechanical device that
stores energy by expansion or
contraction due to pressure, force,
or stress applied, that will release
energy and return to shape when
the force or stress is removed.
Sprocket: A circular mechanical
device with teeth that is used to
impart motion to chains.
Square: A regular polygon with
four equal sides and four 90 degree
angles.
Standard: Something considered
by an authority or by general
consent as a basis of comparison.
Standard deviation: A
mathematical measure of the
spread in a data sample. Symbol: s,
“sigma”
Standards: Benchmarks used to
measure or combine results.
Station Point: The point where
the viewer stands to observe the
image on the picture plane.
Statistical Process Control:
SPC is a method of monitoring,
controlling and, ideally, improving
a process through statistical
analysis. Its four basic steps include
measuring the process, eliminating
variances in the process to make it
consistent, monitoring the process,
and improving the process to its
best target value.
Statistics: 1. Collection of
methods for planning experiments,
obtaining data, organizing,
summarizing, presenting,
analyzing, interpreting, and
drawing conclusions based on data.
2. The study of objects in a state of
equilibrium.
Stereotyping: Something
conforming to a fixed or general
pattern.
Stone Age: The first known
period of prehistoric human
culture characterized by the use of
stone tools.
Storming: A phase of team
development that is marked by
conflict.
Strain: 1. The elongation of a
material under stress divided by
the material’s length prior to
stress; symbol: e, “epsilon.” 2. A
material’s internal resistance to
force; symbol: s, “sigma”;
calculated by dividing the force in
the material by the area of the
material that is subjected to the
force:
Stress: The pressure or tension
exerted on a material object.
Stress-Strain Curve: A graph of
stress (on the y-axis) versus strain
(on the x-axis) for materials under
stress; enables engineers to learn
about the strength of material as it
deforms elastically and plastically.
Stud: Vertical Structural member.
Subassembly: An assembled part
that is a part of a larger assembly.
Surface: A two-dimensional area
on a plane.
Surface Area: 1. The sum of all
the areas of all the faces or surfaces
that enclose a solid. 2. The sum of
all the areas of all surfaces of a
solid.
Surface Finish: The waviness,
roughness, lay, and flaws of a
surface. Also referred to as surface
texture.
Survey: An investigation of the
opinions or experience of a group
of people, based on a series of
questions.
Suspension Bridge: “a bridge
having a road or deck hung from a
pair of steel cables, each carried by
two towers, one at each bank; e.g.,
the Golden Gate Bridge over San
Francisco Bay”
Switch: Device used to control
the flow of current in a circuit.
Symbol: A thing that represents
or stands for something else,
especially a material object
representing something abstract.
Symbolism: 1. The use of
symbols to represent ideas or
qualities. 2. The symbolic meaning
attached to material objects.
Symmetry: The correspondence
in size, shape, and relative position
of parts on opposite sides of a
median line or about a central axis.
Also referred to as formal balance.
Synchronous: An AC electric
motor whose speed is dependent
upon the frequency of the input
current.
Synergy: When the unit or team
becomes stronger than the sum of
the individual members.
Synetics: A group interaction,
utilizing seemingly unrelated ideas,
to bring about one or two
solutions.
Synthesis: The process of
forming, generating or putting
together ideas or parts to form a
whole.
S yn th et ic: Not naturally
occurring, manufactured.
System: A group of interacting,
interrelated, or interdependent
elements or parts that function
together as a whole to accomplish a
goal.
Systematic: Marked by
thoroughness and regularity, also
methodical in procedure or plan
T
Table: A table is made up of rows
and columns of cells that you can
fill with text and graphics. Tables
are often used to organize and
present information.
Tank: A usually large receptacle
for holding, transporting, or
storing liquids.
Tap: To cut internal threads.
Taper: Gradual diminution of
width or thickness in an elongated
object.
Tapping: The process of cutting
an internal thread using a tap.
Target Consumer: A person or
group for which product or service
design efforts are intended.
Team: A collection of individuals,
each with his/her own expertise,
brought together to benefit a
common goal.
Teardown: The process of taking
apart a product to better
understand it.
Technical Report: A document
that conveys the results of scientific
and technical research, and
provides recommendations for
action.
Technical Working Drawing:
A drawing that is used to show the
material, size, and shape of a
product for manufacturing
purposes.
Technical writing: Treating a
document with the goal of
providing clear and concise
information, rather than
entertainment or story telling; a
technical document/report
incorporates diagrams and multi-
media information to provide
technical information.
heated to a specific, predetermined
temperature.
Temperature: A measurement of
how warm something is; also the
average kinetic energy of the
individual molecules of a substance
Tempering: A heat treating
process that reduces the brittleness
of a hardened piece of steel by
heating it to a point below the
critical temperature and cooling it
at some rate.
Temple Stick: A temperature-
sensing device that looks like a
crayon and only melts when
applied to the surface of a material
Tensile: Of or relating to tension;
a “tensile” force is a force that
serves to stretch, expand, or
lengthen an object.
Tension: 1. A force that pulls on
a material. 2. A situation in which
force is applied to an object that
stretches, expands or lengthens the
object.
Texture: The feel, appearance, or
consistency of a surface, substance,
or fabric.
Theory: A plausible or
scientifically acceptable general
principle or body of principles
offered to explain phenomena;
(scientifically quite Thermal: of,
relating to, or caused by heat.
Thermal energy: Thermal
energy is basically kinetic energy.
It is the sum of the individual
atoms’ kinetic energies. Even in a
completely motionless object, the
atoms from which the object is
made are in constant motion and
thus have thermal energy.
Thermodynamics: The study of
thermal energy as it moves from
one substance to another.
Thermoplastic: A material
capable of being repeatedly
softened by increases in
temperature and hardened by
decreases in temperature.
Thermoplastics are those materials
whose change upon heating is
substantially physical rather than
chemical. They are largely one- or
two-dimensional molecular
structures such as: nylons,
polycarbonates, acetals,
polysulfones, and vinyls.
Thermoset: A material, such as
an epoxy or polyester resin, which
has the property of undergoing a
chemical reaction by the action of
heat, catalyst, ultraviolet light,
etc., to become a relatively
insoluble and infusible substance.
They develop a well-bonded three-
dimensional structure upon curing.
Once hardened or cross-linked,
they will decompose rather than
melt.
Thread: A spiral groove cut into
the outside of a shaft or the inside
of a hole used to hold parts
together.
Threading: The process of
cutting spiral mating surfaces for
the purpose of providing
mechanical tension between two
parts. (The process of using a tap
or die)
Three-Dimensional: Having the
dimensions of height, width, and
depth.
Time Line: A table listing
important events for successive
years within a particular historical
period.
Time Line Chart: A one-axis
chart used to display past and/or
future events, activities,
requirements, etc., in the order
they occurred or are expected to
occur for the purposes of analysis
and communication.
Timetable: Estimated timeline for
completion of a process.
Title Block: A table located in the
bottom right-hand corner of an
engineering drawing that identifies,
in an organized way, all of the
necessary information that is not
given on the drawing itself. Also
referred to as a title strip.
Tolerance: 1. The total
permissible variation in a size or
location dimension. 2. The
difference between the maximum
and minimum dimensions allowed
within the design of a product.
Tone: The general effect of color
or of light and shade in a picture.
Torque: A turning or twisting
force that produces or tends to
produce rotation or torsion
Torsion: 1. The twisting of a
material. 2. The twisting or
wrenching of a body by the
exertion of forces tending to turn
one end or part about a
longitudinal axis while the other is
held fast or turned in the opposite
direction.
Toughness: The energy required
to break a material, which is equal
to the area under the stress-strain
curve. The toughest materials are
those with very great elongations
to break accompanied by high
tensile strengths such materials
nearly always have yield points.
Toxin: A poison produced by a
micro-organism or other organism
and acting as an antigen in the
body.
Trade-off: An exchange of one
thing in return for another:
especially relinquishment of one
benefit or advantage for another
regarded as more desirable.
Traditional: Standard or
established practice.
Transducer: A device used to
inform various control systems.
Transformation: A
constitutional change in a solid
metal, e.g., the change from
gamma to alpha iron, or the
formation of pearlite from
austenite.
Transition Fit: have limits of size
indicating that either a clearance or
an interference may result when
mating parts are assembled.
Translation: Motion in which all
particles of a body move with the
same velocity along parallel paths.
Transverse axis: In the Cartesian
coordinate system, this would be
the “Z“ axis. Machine tools are
generally designed for the axis of
motion (X, Y, Z) and a axis of
rotation.
Triangle: A polygon with three
sides.
Triple beam balance:
Equipment to measure mass using
gravitational pull.
Tuck: The end portion of the top
or bottom flap of a folding carton,
which is inserted into the container
to hold the end flaps in place.
Turning: Using a lathe.
Two-Dimensional: Having the
dimensions of height and width,
height and depth, or width and
depth only.
Type: Printed characters or
letters.
Typography: The style and
appearance of printed matter.
U
UCL: Upper Control Limit (see
definition for control limits)
Ultimate Strength: The
maximum stress a material
withstands prior to necking.
Unidirectional Dimension: A
dimensioning system which
requires all numerals, figures, and
notes to be lettered horizontally
and be read from the bottom of the
drawing sheet.
Unilateral Tolerance: A
tolerance in which variation is
permitted in only one direction
from the specified dimension.
Unit: A standard quantity in terms
of which other quantities may be
expressed.
Unity: The state of being united
or forming a whole.
USL: Upper Specification Limit
(see definition for specification
limits)
U-Value: A numeric expression of
a material’s thermal conductivity;
the degree that heat energy can
pass through a material.
V Vernier caliper: Instrument to
Value: The lightness or darkness
of a color in relation to a scale
ranging from white to black.
Valve: Any of numerous
mechanical devices by which the
flow of liquid, gas, or loose
material in bulk may be started,
stopped, or regulated by a movable
part that opens, shuts, or partially
obstructs one or more ports or
passageways.
Vanishing Point: A vanishing
point is a point in space, usually
located on the horizon, where
parallel edges of an object appear
to converge.
Variation: 1. A change or slight
difference in condition, amount, or
level. 2. Differences that exist in
any manufacturing process.
Abnormal variations need to be
removed; random or normal
variations cannot be removed.
Variety: A thing which differs in
some way from others of the same
general class.
Vector Quantity: A quantity that
must be described by both
magnitude and direction; answers
the questions “how much?” and
“which way?” Examples: velocity,
Force.
Velocity: The ratio of the
displacement of a particle and the
time interval
precisely measure inside and
outside diameters.
Vernier Scale: A physical scale
that is used on a variety of
measurement tools that allows the
user to measure to one ten
thousandths of an inch.
Vertex: Each angular point of a
polygon, polyhedron, or other
figure.
Vertical: Perpendicular to the
horizon.
Vertical axis: In the Cartesian
coordinate system, this would be
the “Y“ axis. Machine tools are
generally designed for three axes of
motion (X,Y,Z) and an axis of
rotation.
Views: 1. Views is shorthand for
multiview projection, which is a
system used to view an object. The
six mutually perpendicular
directions any object may be
viewed are top, front, right-side,
rear, left-side, and bottom. Top,
front, and right-side views are also
referred to as the three regular
views because they are the three
views most frequently used. 2. The
different viewing perspectives
found in mechanical drawing.
Virtual Team: A group of people
that rely primarily or exclusively
on electronic forms of
communication to work together
in accomplishing goals.
Viscosity: The thickness or flow
characteristic of a liquid; the more
viscous, the slower a liquid will
flow.
Visual Aids: Instructional devices
(as a chart, map, or model) that
appeals chiefly to vision use to
convey difficult concepts.
Visualization: To form a mental
image of something.
Visualize: To form a mental
image of; imagine.
Vita: A document which briefly
summarizes who you are; it
contains your education, work
experience, accomplishments, and
other necessary personal
information.
Voltage: The electromotive force
in a circuit.
Volume: 1. The amount of space
occupied by a substance or object
or enclosed within a container. 2.
The amount of space occupied by a
three-dimensional object as
measured in cubic units.
W
Waste: Material which is
eliminated or discarded as no
longer useful or required.
Water jet: A separating process
that uses a high-velocity stream of
water as the cutting agent.
(abrasive material is sometimes
used in the water)
Watt’s Law: The mathematical
relationship expressing that power
is the product of Voltage and
Current
Wedge: 1. A piece of wood,
metal, etc. with a thick end that
tapers to a thin edge, that is driven
between two objects or parts of an
object to secure or separate them.
2. A simple machine used to
change the direction of applied
force via its triangular shape; used
for splitting wood and rocks,
raising heavy bodies, or for Working Drawings: Drawings
tightening by being driven into that convey all of the information
something. needed to manufacture and
assemble a design.
Weight: The gravitational pull
(force) on an object. Working Relationship: A
mutually satisfying and productive
Welding: The process of joining
ongoing interaction.
metal together by heating to the
fusion point Working Sketches: Sketches
that convey all of the information
Wheel and Axle: a. A simple
needed to manufacture and
machine in which a larger diameter
assemble a design.
wheel requires less force to turn
than a smaller diameter axle (e.g.
valve handles, steering wheel); b.
Z
A simple machine that turns rotary Zoning: A system of numbers
motion into linear motion whereby along the top and bottom margins,
increasing the diameter of the and letters along the left and right
wheel, the linear distance traveled margins of a drawing sheet that
for one revolution of the axle can allows the viewer to identify
be increased; c. a rotating lever drawing features within a specific
location or zone on the drawing.
Whistle Blowing: Public
disclosure of a moral or ethical
problem.
Width: The measurement or
extent of something from side to
side.
Work: Done by a force acting on
an object when the point of
application of that force moves
through some distance and the
force has a component along the
line of motion
Working Circle: A circle in a
displacement diagram that has a
radius equal to the distance from
the center of the cam to the highest
point on the cam.