Mechanical Engineering Common English
Mechanical engineering is the discipline that applies engineering, physics, engineering mathematics, and materials science principles to design, analyze, manufacture, and maintain mechanical systems. It is one of the oldest and broadest engineering disciplines. Mechanical engineers use the principles of energy, materials, mechanics, and electronics to design and analyze motor vehicles, aircraft, heating and cooling systems, watercraft, medical devices, robotics, industrial equipment, and mechanical systems for the residential and industrial use.
The common English required by mechanical engineers mainly revolves around design, manufacturing and testing. This article will outline the mechanical engineering common English related to such topics.
Design: Although mechanical engineers use CAD software like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and CATIA to design mechanical components and systems, they still need common English related to design. Some common design terminologies are:
¨ 3D Model: A three-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) model of an object or system.
¨ Assembly: A type of CAD software used to create a model of an object or system.
¨ Blueprint: A diagram that shows the details of an assembly, such as the parts and their measurements.
¨ Contour line: A line in a CAD drawing that outlines a shape or boundary.
¨ Draft angle: Angle at which a surface changes from a vertical to a horizontal position.
Manufacturing: Mechanical engineering common English related to manufacturing include:
¨ Assembly line: A type of manufacturing production system in which a product passes through a series of operations.
¨ Fabrication: The process by which parts and components are made by cutting, bending, and joining raw materials.
¨ Forge: The process by which metals are heated, hammered, and worked into their desired shapes.
¨ Casting: The process of making metal or plastic molds into desired shapes.
¨ Machining: The process of cutting, grinding, and drilling metal or plastic parts to specified sizes and shapes.
Testing: There are a variety of tests that mechanical engineers may use to ensure that a product meets the expected performance specifications. Common English associated with testing are:
¨ Load test: A test to determine the strength, rigidity, and durability of a product.
¨ Thermal test: A test to determine the effect of temperature on a product.
¨ Life test: A test to determine the expected lifetime of a product.
¨ Fatigue test: A test to determine the fatigue resistance of a product.
¨ Vibration test: A test to determine the vibration resistance of a product.
Overall, the mechanical engineering common English required to design, manufacture, and test products are important for successful processes. The above common English should provide you with a good foundation to expand your knowledge and understanding of the terms used in mechanical engineering.
