Understanding Machining Economics
|

Understanding Machining Economics

Machining economics encompasses a range of models and scenarios aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of machining processes. It involves optimizing the overall outcome of a machining process. At a micro-technological level, this means maximizing tool life, increasing the number of workpieces produced per cutting edge, adhering to pre-defined cycle times, minimizing tooling costs,…

Machining Operations Explained

Machining Operations Explained

Machining is a manufacturing process that involves shaping or creating a part by removing material, typically metal, from a larger workpiece through cutting. This method is known as subtractive manufacturing, as it removes material to achieve the desired shape, unlike additive manufacturing, such as 3D printing, which adds material. Machining is crucial in producing many…

Understanding Combined Axial Loading and Bending: How They Impact Structural Design
|

Understanding Combined Axial Loading and Bending: How They Impact Structural Design

What is a combined loading? The objective of combined loading is to evaluate the stresses of a structural member when exposed to a variety of loads. Basically, these are forces that act on a structure in different ways, and understanding how they interact is crucial for creating buildings, bridges, automotive chassis and internal combustion engines….

Exploring the Advantages and Challenges of Carbon Fiber in Cars

Exploring the Advantages and Challenges of Carbon Fiber in Cars

What is carbon fiber made from? Carbon fiber is a composite material that is made of long strings of molecules attached together by carbon atoms and resin. The majority of carbon fibers produced are derived from polyacrylonitrile (PAN). The other 10% is composed of rayon or petroleum pitch. As a result, carbon fiber is a high-performance…

Why is Heat Transfer Important?

Why is Heat Transfer Important?

Heat transfer is a branch of thermal engineering that deals with the production, utilization, transformation, and interchange of thermal energy caused by variations in temperature, leading to changes in temperature distribution. The field of transport phenomena explores the transfer of momentum, energy, and mass through conduction, convection, and radiation. Heat Transfer Background In the early…

Solidification of Metal
|

Solidification of Metal

Solidification of metal is a complex process where molten metals and alloys turn into solid forms. It includes dendrite formation, compositional segregation, zone formation in the final casting structure, and the creation of microporosity due to shrinkage. What is Solidification Solidification refers to the process of a substance changing from a liquid to a solid…

Metalworking Basics Explained
|

Metalworking Basics Explained

Metalworking is the art of shaping metals into various tools, equipment parts, and structures. It involves forming, cutting, and joining metal pieces using techniques like welding, casting, and molding. In the industrial age, metalworking has developed into a sophisticated science. The industrial revolution has led to exponential growth in the scale of modern metalworking processes,…

Common Engineering Materials
| |

Common Engineering Materials

What are common engineering materials and why are they important? Throughout history, the significant accomplishments of each era have consistently revolved around the development of new materials, playing a pivotal role in the advancement, prosperity, safety, and overall well-being of humanity. Since the dawn of civilization, it has consistently been the introduction of innovative materials…

Image of Side Impact
|

Crashworthiness 101

Crashworthiness refers to a structure’s ability to reduce the number of fatal and serious injuries that occur in an impact/ accident. Most commonly assessed in aviation and automotive safety. Various criteria determine crash safety, depending on impact type and vehicle. Evaluation can be performed through finite element analysis which is a form of computer-aided engineering…