UK Accredited Online Engineering College
Flexible online engineering courses and qualifications
The Largest Catalogue of Accredited Engineering Courses Anywhere!
With over 70 online courses spanning Mechanical, Electrical and Electronic, Civil, Computing, Aerospace, Industrialand General Engineering, iLearn Engineering® are proud to be the largest provider of UK-accredited online engineering qualifications worldwide.
Our flexible, fully online courses are designed to fit around your life. Whether you’re looking to upskill, advance your career, change industries, or gain accredited qualifications, we provide accessible, high-quality engineering education that puts you in control of your learning.
Jump Straight In – Explore the Range of Accredited Engineering Courses!
Awards and Accreditations
New for 2025
A Genuine Alternative to a Traditional Engineering Degree
The path to a degree-level engineering qualification has traditionally been limited by high costs, rigid schedules, and entry barriers. That is no longer the case…
At iLearn Engineering®, we are proud to offer a genuine alternative to the traditional university route—one that is low-cost, open-access, fully online, and completely flexible. Our new International Graduate Diplomas (Level 6) [360 Credits] provide a structured and recognised pathway equivalent in level and credits to a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering.
This now means that students can now gain a high-level engineering qualification in a way that fits around their work, family, and life commitments, without the need for a conventional university programme.
Popular Courses
Some of our more popular engineering courses are shown below:
International Graduate Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Level 6)
International Graduate Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Level 6)
International Graduate Diploma in Civil Engineering (Level 6)
Higher International Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (EduQual Level 5)
Higher International Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EduQual Level 5)
Higher International Certificate in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EduQual Level 4)
Higher International Certificate in Civil Engineering (EduQual Level 4)
Higher International Diploma in Aerospace Engineering (EduQual Level 5)
Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Diploma in Engineering
International Graduate Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Level 6)
International Graduate Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Level 6)
International Graduate Diploma in Civil Engineering (Level 6)
Higher International Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (EduQual Level 5)
Higher International Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EduQual Level 5)
Higher International Certificate in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EduQual Level 4)
Higher International Certificate in Civil Engineering (EduQual Level 4)
Higher International Diploma in Aerospace Engineering (EduQual Level 5)
Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Diploma in Engineering
International Graduate Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Level 6)
International Graduate Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Level 6)
International Graduate Diploma in Civil Engineering (Level 6)
A Fully Flexible Online Engineering Education
iLearn Engineering® offers a truly asynchronous learning experience, allowing students to study anytime, anywhere. Unlike traditional degree programmes, which require set lecture times and physical attendance, our courses are designed for ultimate flexibility—giving you complete control over your learning pace.
With no fixed start dates and an open-access enrolment policy, students can begin their studies whenever they choose and progress through the material at a speed that suits their lifestyle. Whether you want to accelerate your studies or take a more gradual approach, the choice is yours.
Through our interactive iLearn Portal, students gain access to:
- Comprehensive course materials, including detailed study guides, e-books, and worked examples.
- Engaging video tutorials and interactive learning resources.
- Self-assessment quizzes and practice exercises to reinforce understanding.
- Direct one-on-one tutor support from experienced engineering professionals.
Our approach ensures that you receive high-quality engineering education without the constraints of a traditional university model.
iLearn Engineering® is a UK Accredited Online Engineering College with a Global Reach.
iLearn Engineering® is a UK accredited online engineering college that offers high-quality engineering courses and programs to students all over the world. The college has a global reach, making it accessible to students from different parts of the world who are interested in pursuing an engineering career. iLearn Engineering® has a reputation for providing students with a quality education that meets the highest academic standards, thanks to its accreditation from recognized bodies in the UK.
Your passport to a global career in engineering.
An accredited engineering qualification can open up a world of career opportunities in various fields. With this qualification, one can work as a civil engineer, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, aerospace engineer, or computer engineer and many other engineering roles.
Engineering professionals are in high demand as they are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining infrastructure, machinery, transportation and equipment that are vital to the world we live in. Graduates can work in industries such as manufacturing, construction, aerospace, automotive, energy, and technology, amongst others. With the ever-growing demand for engineers, there are plenty of career opportunities available for those with an accredited engineering qualification. The potential for career growth, high salaries, and the ability to make a positive impact on society makes engineering a rewarding career path.
Learn with the Best: Chartered Engineers
All our teaching staff have many years industrial and teaching experience, and all courses have been designed by professionally registered Chartered Engineers. That makes us the only place you can get taught by 100% real current engineers.
Our engineering courses are specifically developed to meet the demands of modern engineering companies from our own experience, ensuring you learn the right skills for jobs relevant to today’s knowledge-based economy.
Furthermore, our courses are available internationally and are accredited by a UK Awarding Body.
Our engineering courses have a recognised learning pathway allowing you to progress directly to a ‘top-up’ degree (BEng) with a partner UK university, all whilst studying from home.
You Choose Where and When to Study
One of the benefits of iLearn Engineering® is its online learning model, which allows students to study at their own pace and from any location. The online platform is designed to provide students with a rich learning experience, complete with interactive modules, videos, worked examples, practise questions and detailed e-workbooks that help them understand and apply engineering concepts. Students can also benefit from the support of expert engineering faculty.
We provide a unique distance learning package which is flexible and homebased, furthermore we have no exams, no deadlines, and no timetables!
Why study with us?
UK Accredited
Benchmarked to the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
100% Online
Study from Home Anywhere in the World
No Exams, No Deadlines, No Classes
Assessment is by written assignment
Open Courses
Anyone can enrol – we teach you everything you need to succeed
Discover Our Qualifications
We deliver 4 main categories of UK accredited qualifications:
Higher International Diplomas
EduQual Level 5 (240 Credits) Benchmarked to the first two years of an undergraduate engineering programme Higher Education qualification equivalent to a Foundation Degree (UK) Prepare students for employment in engineering sector or top-up engineering degree
Higher International Certificates
EduQual Level 4 (120 Credits) Benchmarked to the first year of an undergraduate engineering programme. Prepare students for employment in engineering sector or a level 5 qualification
Engineering Diplomas
Level 4/5/6 (40 Credits) Popular Range of short courses leading to an accredited qualification. Perfect for CPD, to expand your knowledge and gain a qualification in a specific engineering subject. Ideal for those short of time or as an introduction to our Higher qualifications. Can be used as credit transfer into our main Higher International Certificate / Diplomas or International Graduate Diploma courses.
International Graduate Diploma
Level 6 (360 Credits) Accredited to be equivalent in credits and levels to an undergraduate bachelor’s degree.
International Graduate Diploma (top-up)
Level 6 (top-up) (120 Credits) Top-up an existing level 5 qualification to a Level 6 qualification
Higher International Diplomas
EduQual Level 5 (240 Credits) Benchmarked to the first two years of an undergraduate engineering programme Higher Education qualification equivalent to a Foundation Degree (UK) Prepare students for employment in engineering sector or top-up engineering degree
Higher International Certificates
EduQual Level 4 (120 Credits) Benchmarked to the first year of an undergraduate engineering programme. Prepare students for employment in engineering sector or a level 5 qualification
Engineering Diplomas
Level 4/5/6 (40 Credits) Popular Range of short courses leading to an accredited qualification. Perfect for CPD, to expand your knowledge and gain a qualification in a specific engineering subject. Ideal for those short of time or as an introduction to our Higher qualifications. Can be used as credit transfer into our main Higher International Certificate / Diplomas or International Graduate Diploma courses.
International Graduate Diploma
Level 6 (360 Credits) Accredited to be equivalent in credits and levels to an undergraduate bachelor’s degree.
International Graduate Diploma (top-up)
Level 6 (top-up) (120 Credits) Top-up an existing level 5 qualification to a Level 6 qualification
Higher International Diplomas
EduQual Level 5 (240 Credits) Benchmarked to the first two years of an undergraduate engineering programme Higher Education qualification equivalent to a Foundation Degree (UK) Prepare students for employment in engineering sector or top-up engineering degree
Higher International Certificates
EduQual Level 4 (120 Credits) Benchmarked to the first year of an undergraduate engineering programme. Prepare students for employment in engineering sector or a level 5 qualification
Engineering Diplomas
Level 4/5/6 (40 Credits) Popular Range of short courses leading to an accredited qualification. Perfect for CPD, to expand your knowledge and gain a qualification in a specific engineering subject. Ideal for those short of time or as an introduction to our Higher qualifications. Can be used as credit transfer into our main Higher International Certificate / Diplomas or International Graduate Diploma courses.
Learning Resources
Interested in seeing some samples of our learning resources? Or maybe you’re just looking for free engineering resources. Read more from our selection of free engineering library of learning resources…
Aircraft Design – How to use Wing and Thrust Loading in your designs
This 18-minute video is the first tutorial in our new aircraft design series. The topic is how designers use thrust loading and wing…
Understanding Variation in Manufacturing
Variation is defined as “a change or slight difference in condition, amount, or level, typically within certain limits.” In this article…
Engineering Materials…What ‘stuff’ is made from
Engineering can be defined as the application of science and technology to create or produce something of use. In order to ‘produce’…
What Is The Work-Energy Theorem?
What Is The Work-Energy Theorem? The Work-Energy Theorem is a fundamental principle in classical mechanics that connects the concepts of work and kinetic energy. It provides a powerful tool for analysing the motion of objects without relying solely on Newton’s laws in their force-acceleration form. The principle of work and kinetic energy (also known as […]
How Motion in a Circle Affects System Dynamics
How Motion in a Circle Affects System Dynamics In engineering applications, circular motion is encountered in various systems such as rotating machinery, turbines, gears, flywheels, and vehicle dynamics. Unlike linear motion, circular motion involves continuously changing direction, resulting in dynamic effects that must be analysed to ensure safe and efficient design. Understanding these dynamics is […]
How to Analyse Force as a Function of Time
How to Analyse Force as a Function of Time In the previous post ( Dynamic Effects of Linear Motion) we considered the motion of a body (such as a vehicle or component in a machine) moving in a straight line when the acceleration was changing during the motion. We shall now consider the case where […]
Dynamic Effects of Linear Motion
Dynamic Effects of linear Motion Variable Acceleration Depending on Time In Engineering, motion is often analysed through quantities like displacement, velocity, and acceleration. While many introductory problems assume constant acceleration (like free-fall near Earth’s surface), real-world motion is frequently more complex. One important case is when acceleration changes with time, this is known as variable […]
How to Calculate Bending Stress
How to Calculate Bending Stress When a beam is subjected to loading acting on a plane passing through the beam’s axis, the beam deforms, or ‘bends’. The beam reacts to the external loads with the internal shear force and bending moments. Bending stress is a fundamental concept in structural engineering and mechanics of materials. It […]
A Quick Guide to Thermal Stress
A Quick Guide to Thermal Stress Thermal expansion and the resulting thermal stress are key concepts in engineering and physics. They describe how materials expand or contract when exposed to temperature changes. Understanding these principles is essential for designing structures and systems that can withstand environmental fluctuations without failure. What is Thermal Expansion? When materials […]
How to Calculate Shear Stress
Introduction to Shear Force and Shear Stress Shear force and shear stress are critical concepts in mechanics and materials science, often encountered in structural engineering and manufacturing. Shear Force refers to the internal force in a material that acts parallel to its cross-section. It is measured in Newtons (N). Shear force arises when two opposing […]
Kirchhoff’s current and voltage laws
Kirchhoff’s current and voltage laws In our last article, we looked at the principles and operation of a d.c motor. In this article, we’re going to investigate Kirchoff’s current and voltage laws, as well as how to apply them to engineering problems. Kirchoff’s law of current Kirchoff’s law of current states that the algebraic sum […]
What are the principles of operation of a DC electric motor?
What are the principles of operation of a DC electric motor? In our last article, we looked at the electrical parameters in series and parallel electrical circuits. In this article, we’re going to dive into the principles of operation of a DC electric motor. The motor effect When a current-carrying conductor is placed on a […]
What are the electrical parameters in series and parallel electrical networks?
What are the electrical parameters in series and parallel electrical networks? In our last article, we looked at the principles of operation of electrical cells. In this article we’re going to move on to the electrical parameters in both series and parallel electrical networks. When we have circuits with more than one resistor, we need […]
What are the principles of operation of electrical cells?
What are the principles of operation of electrical cells? In our last article, we looked at the basic electrical parameters in D.C. circuits. In this article, we’re going to move on to the principles of operation of electrical cells. We’ll look at the different types of cells and batteries, their mechanisms, and their applications. What […]
How can we calculate basic electrical parameters?
How can we calculate basic electrical parameters? In our last article, we looked at how we can select the best engineering material for the task. In this article, we’re going to move on to basic electrical parameters in D.C. circuits. As an engineer, we need to be able to define these key terms and apply […]
How can we select engineering materials?
How can we select engineering materials? In our previous article, we looked at elastic and magnetic hysteresis. In this article, we’re going to look at how we can select engineering materials. In other articles, we have previously looked at the different materials and their properties. However, it’s important that engineers understand how we can go […]
What is hysteresis?
What is hysteresis? In our previous article, we looked at the material modes of failure we need to be aware of in engineering. In this article we’re going to dive into elastic and magnetic hysteresis. Elastic Hysteresis Elastic hysteresis is the difference in strain of a material during loading of stress or strain, versus during […]
What are material modes of failure?
What are material modes of failure? In our previous article we looked at the properties of engineering materials. In this article, we’re going to dive into material modes of failure and what they are. What is failure? The definition of failure is that the component is no longer fit for use or its designed purpose. […]
What are the properties of engineering materials?
What are the properties of engineering materials? In our last article, we looked at engineering materials and their atomic structure. Now we’re going to dive into the properties of engineering materials. There are several different properties that apply to engineering materials, and we’re going to look at an overview of each of them. Physical Properties […]
Engineering materials and their atomic structure
Engineering materials and their atomic structure In our last article, we looked at how we can apply Bernoulli’s principle to engineering problems. Now we’re going to dive into engineering materials and their atomic structure. Engineering Materials Engineering can be defined as the application of science and technology to create or produce something. In order to […]
What is Bernoulli’s principle?
What is Bernoulli’s principle? In our previous article, we looked at ideal gas laws and how they can be used in engineering problems. In this article we’re going to look into Bernoulli’s principle and how it can affect engineering problems. Bernoulli’s principle Bernoulli’s principle is a fundamental law governing the motion of fluids. It relates […]
What are ideal gas laws?
What are ideal gas laws? In our previous article, we looked at how continuity can affect engineering problems. In this article, we’re going to look into what ideal gas laws are and how they can affect engineering problems. What are ideal gas laws? Ideal gas laws are a set of laws and equations that govern […]
How can continuity affect engineering problems?
How can continuity affect engineering problems? In our previous article, we looked at how heat and temperature can affect engineering problems. In this article, we’re going to look into continuity and how it affects engineering problems. What is continuity? If we consider a steady flow at velocity, v, of a fluid with a density of […]
How can heat and temperature affect engineering problems?
How can heat and temperature affect engineering problems? In our previous article, we looked at how pressure in fluids can affect engineering problems. In this article, we’re going to look into heat and temperature and how they affect engineering problems. Heat and temperature Heat is a type of energy, measured in Joules J. When heat […]
What is pressure in fluids, and how does it affect engineering problems?
What is pressure in fluids, and how does it affect engineering problems? In our previous articles, we looked at how to use various principles, such as moments of force, to solve engineering problems. In this article, we’re going to look into principles of fluids and how they affect engineering problems. Pressure due to height of […]
How do moments of force affect engineering problems?
How do moments of force affect engineering problems? In our last article, we looked at how we can apply principles of energy and power to engineering problems. Now we’re going to dive into how moments of force can be applied to engineering problems. Moments If we want to describe a force acting on a body, […]
How can we apply the principles of energy and power to practical problems?
How can we apply the principles of energy and power to practical problems? In our last articles, we looked at things like some of the forces that can affect engineering problems, and how we can solve problems involving distance and velocity. Now we’re going to look at how we can solve problems using the principles […]
What are the forces at a point that affect engineering problems?
What are the forces at a point that affect engineering problems? In our last article, we looked at how we can solve practical problems that involve distance and velocity. Now we’re going to look at forces at a point, what they are, and how they can affect engineering problems. Before we jump in, let’s check […]
How can we solve practical problems involving distance and velocity?
How can we solve practical problems involving distance and velocity? In our last article we looked at SI units, what they are and why we use them, giving us a solid introduction to Engineering Science. In this article, we’re going to see how we can solve some practical problems with engineering. Introduction to definitions Before […]
How can we describe SI units?
How can we describe SI units? If you’ve read any of our previous articles, you’ll see that we dive into various engineering topics, such as mechanical resonance or deflection of cantilever beams. In this article, we’re going to learn all about SI units, standard engineering prefix notation, and how we can describe them. Introduction to […]
Unleashing the Potential of Online Engineering Courses: Embracing Flexibility and Open Access
Unleashing the Potential of Online Engineering Courses: Embracing Flexibility and Open Access Introduction In recent years, the landscape of education has undergone a significant transformation with the rise of online learning platforms. Among the various fields benefiting from this shift, engineering education stands out as a prime example. Today, more students are turning to online […]
How do we test and debug our PLC code?
How do we test and debug our PLC code? In our previous articles, we dived into PLC systems, how they work, and how we can program them to carry out tasks. Now let’s find out how we can test and debug this programming to make sure everything runs correctly. PLC start-up Before we turn on […]
What are logic functions and how are they applied?
What are logic functions, and how are they applied? In our previous article, we dived into PLC Programming techniques. In this article, we’re going to check out logic functions and how they are applied to PLC systems. What is a PLC timer? A PLC timer is an instruction that controls and operates the device for […]
Understanding different programming techniques
Understanding different programming techniques In our previous articles, we looked at PLC systems and what they are, as well as their interface requirements. Now we’re going to look at the different programming techniques we can use in a PLC system. PLC programming A PLC program is a set of instructions representing the logic that governs […]
Interface requirements and their internal structure
Interface requirements and their internal structure In our previous article we looked at PLC systems and what they are. Now we’re going to look at the interface requirements we would see in a PLC system and look at their internal structure. To connect input/output modules to the processor in a PLC, we can use a […]
What is a PLC system?
What is a PLC system? In our previous articles, we discussed various aspects of digital electronics, including the application of Thevenin’s theorem. Now we’re going to look at PLC systems, what they are and why they might be used. What is a PLC? PLC stands for “programmable logic controller”. They are used to automate industrial […]
How do we apply Thevenin’s theorem?
How do we apply Thevenin’s theorem? In our previous articles, we discussed various aspects of digital electronics, including things such as logic gates. Now we’re going to look at Thenevin’s theorem and how we can apply it. What is Thevenin’s theorem? The theorem is an analytical method that’s used to change a complex circuit into […]
Understanding logic gates and truth tables.
Understanding logic gates and truth tables. In our previous articles, we discussed the binary number system in relation to digital electronics. Now we’ll focus on logic gates and truth tables. As we mentioned before, binary represents the on-off state. Boolean functions (true or false) can be implemented using electronic gates. There are a couple of […]
Understanding the characteristics of digital electronics
Understanding the characteristics of digital electronics In our previous articles, we discussed the mechanisms of a voltage amplifier and analogue signals in general. Now, in this article, we’re going to switch focus a little and look at digital electronics. The binary number system (Base2) Before we look at digital electronics, we need to understand the […]
Understanding the mechanisms involved in a voltage amplifier
Understanding the mechanisms involved in a voltage amplifier In our previous articles, we discussed analogue signals and their characteristics. We’re going to dive a little deeper into analogue signals and see how a voltage amplifier works. What is an operational amplifier? Operational amplifiers, or op-amps, are one of the basic building blocks of analogue electrical […]
Characteristics of analogue electronics
Characteristics of analogue electronics In our previous articles, we’ve discussed subjects such as the different types of semiconductors and how they work. We’re now going to focus on analogue electronics—what it is and its characteristics. What is an analogue signal? An analogue signal is continuous; in other words, it can have an infinite number of […]
The structure and mechanism of a Bipolar transistor
The structure and mechanism of a Bipolar transistor In our previous article, we discussed the operation of metal oxide transistors, and now we’re going to have a look at bipolar transistors. We’ll look at their mechanism and how they work. What is a bipolar transistor? A bipolar junction transistor is a semiconductor device which can […]
The operation of metal oxide semiconductors
The operation of metal oxide semiconductors In our previous article, we discussed how semiconductors operate. We’re now going to get a bit more specific and look in detail at metal oxide semiconductors. Junction Field-effect Transistors (JFET) We first need to understand Junction Field-effect Transistors before focusing on a metal oxide semiconductor. A transistor is a […]
How do common semiconductors operate?
How do common semiconductors operate? In our last article, we checked out some of the different types of semiconductors. Now we’re going to have a look at how the common types of semiconductors operate. Zener Diode A normal p-n junction diode allows electric current in forward-biased condition. When forward-biased voltage is applied to the p-n […]
Different types of semiconductors
Different types of semiconductors In our previous article, we looked at the characteristics of a semiconductor. We’re now going to move on to looking at different types of semiconductors and how they work. N-type and P-type semiconductors The image below shows an n-type conductor: Phosphorus has one more electron than silicon does, so when it […]
The characteristics of basic semiconductors
The characteristics of basic semiconductors In some of our previous articles on Electrical and Electronic Engineering we’ve looked at induction, waveforms and capacitance. We’re now going to move on to looking at semiconductors and how they fit in to these principles. What is a semiconductor? Semiconductors form the basis of all microprocessors and integrated circuits. […]
Trigonometric representation of periodic waveforms.
Trigonometric representation of periodic wave forms While we’ve already looked at periodic wave forms in a previous article, we’re going to jump into the trigonometric representations and see some of the essential calculations we need. Before we jump in, just to refresh our memory, let’s look at an image of two sinusoidal waveforms ‘in phase’: […]
What are the principles of inductance and capacitance?
What are the principles of inductance and capacitance? In our previous article on inductance, we jumped into the behaviour of inductance and what it is. Now we’re going to look at the principles of inductance, as well as the principles of capacitance. Inductance and Capacitance. We’ve already touched on the surface of inductance in our […]
How can we analyse a single-degree-of-freedom lumped parameter systems with damping?
How can we analyse a single-degree-of-freedom lumped parameter system with damping? In our previous article on undamped vibration, we looked at solving vibration problems with a single degree of freedom. In this article, we’re going to look at systems with damping and how to analyse them. We’ll focus on the mathematical analysis of a single-degree-of-freedom […]
How can we analyse undamped vibration problems.
How can we analyse undamped vibration problems. In our previous article on harmonic motion, we looked at how we can analyse problems involving simple harmonic motion, now we’re going to look at solving vibration problems with a single degree of freedom. Vibration Analysis In vibration analysis, there are two approaches we are interested in. One […]
How do we analyse problems involving harmonic motion?
How do we analyse problems involving harmonic motion? In our previous article on mechanical resonance, we looked at harmonic motion and how it affects structures. Now we’re going to jump into how we can solve issues that involve simple harmonic motion. What is simple harmonic motion? Many systems consist of components that vibrate in the […]
What are mechanical resonance and damping in engineering?
What are mechanical resonance and damping in engineering? In our previous articles, such as our article on axial load-carrying capacity, we focused on buckling and load-carrying calculations. In our next few articles, we’ll move on to focusing on the vibration of structures and how it can affect them. What is vibration in engineering? Let’s dive […]
How can we calculate the axial load-carrying capacity of a reinforced concrete column and classify it?
How can we calculate the axial load-carrying capacity of a reinforced concrete column and classify it? Following on from our previous article on the axial load-carrying capacity of a steel column, we’re going to look at the axial load-carrying capacity of a concrete column and also see how we can classify it. What is a […]
How do we calculate the axial load-carrying capacity of a steel column?
How can the axial load-carrying capacity of a steel column be determined? Following on from our previous article on evaluating the Euler buckling load, we’re going to look at some other calculations we need when looking at buckling of columns. Eccentrically loaded steel column design. The axial force can’t act centrically on the column, so, […]
How do we calculate the Euler buckling load?
How do we calculate the Euler buckling load? Following on from our previous article on evaluating the slenderness ratio in columns, we’re going to look at some other calculations we need when looking at the buckling of columns. Axial Resistance For the axial resistance of a column to be satisfied, the following conditions must be […]
Evaluating the slenderness ratio in columns.
Evaluating the slenderness ratio in columns. Following on from our previous article on buckling failure modes, we’re going to dive deeper into the types of buckling in columns. Column Buckling. Column buckling, or column stability, can be expressed as the failure of load-bearing capacity cause by the effect of pressure. It’s manifested as bending, or […]
What are buckling failure modes?
What are buckling failure modes? In our previous articles on beams, we discussed various types of deflection and how we go about calculating it in various structures. We’re going to pivot into buckling and how it can affect structures. What is buckling? Buckling occurs when a structure, such as a column or strut, is under […]
How do we analyse the deflection of simply supported beams using calculus.
How do we analyse the deflection of simply supported beams using calculus. In our previous article on deflection in simply supported beams, we looked at calculating deflection using standard tables. In this article, however, our focus will be on calculating deflection using calculus. Relationship Between Deflection, Slope and Radius of Curvature As we mentioned in […]
Determine the deflection of en-castre beams.
Determine the deflection of en-castre beams. Following on from our previous article on deflection of beams with a combined load, we’re going to look at deflection in a different type of beam. What is an en-castre beam? En-castre beams, or fixed beams, have fixed supports at both ends. So, they don’t allow horizontal, vertical or rotational […]
Determine the deflection of beams due to combined loads
Determine the deflection of beams due to combined loads If you read our article deflection of beams with a single load, you’ll know about deflection of a beam. Now we’re going to investigate how deflection affects a beam with combined loads. Calculating deflections on a beam with combined loads. Deflections from combined loading on a […]
Determine the deflection of cantilever beams with a single load.
Determine the deflection of cantilever beams with a single load. If you read our previous article on what is deflection, you’ll have some idea of deflection and it’s magnitude. Now we’re going to investigate how we determine deflection. What is a cantilever beam? Cantilever beams are constrained at one end and free at their other […]
What is the deflection of a structure and what determines its magnitude?
What is the deflection of a structure and what determines its magnitude? If you’ve read our previous articles on how to determine forces on a joint or structure, you’ll know that there are many different calculations used in civil engineering. Now we’re going to change direction slightly and take a look at deflection and what […]
How do we analyse the effects of loading on cylinders?
How do we analyse the effects of loading on cylinders? Continuing on in our series looking at the various calculations used in Civil Structural Analysis, we’re going to dive into analysing the effects of loading on cylinders. What is a cylinder? Firstly, what is a cylinder? Many items like steam boilers or large pipes are […]
How to determine the forces acting in pin-jointed frame structures.
How to determine the forces acting in pin-jointed frame structures. We’re going to continue our series of articles on the calculations used to determine various forces and effects by jumping in to another calculation. What is a pin joint. Before looking at the forces acting in a pin joint, we need to know what a […]
Determine the effects of torsional loads on shafts.
Determine the effects of torsional loads on shafts. We’re going to continue our series of articles on the calculations used in civil and mechanical engineering by diving into torsional loads on shafts and their effects. The image below shows a motor supplied with power which causes a shaft to rotate. The rotating shaft causes the […]
Calculating the reaction forces and bending moment distributions in a simply supported beam.
Calculating the reaction forces and bending moment distributions in a simply supported beam. This is the second in a series of articles diving into the various calculations used in civil and mechanical engineering, such as our article on calculating stress. For this one, we’re going to look at reaction forces in a simply supported beam. […]
How to calculate stress for direct loading of components.
How to calculate stress for direct loading of components. If a rubber strip is pulled it stretches, and the more you pull it the more it stretches. There’s a relationship between the extension and the force applied, known as Hooke’s Law, and it can be expressed as a force extension graph: The top graph above […]
Best practice standards used in the construction industry
Best practice standards used in the construction industry. If you’ve read our article on the civil engineering code of conduct, you’ll be familiar with some best practices in construction projects. In this article we’re going to focus on the best practice standards used in the construction industry. What are best practices? In civil engineering and […]
Civil Engineering Code of Conduct
Civil Engineering Code of Conduct If you’ve read our article on sustainable design in a construction project you’ll already be familiar with some ethics around construction. However, there’s a lot more to it than that, and we’ll find out some of the considerations an engineer must think about in this article. Business ethics for engineers […]
What is sustainable design in a construction project?
What is sustainable design in a construction project? Before we can understand sustainable design, we first need to understand sustainable development. Sustainable development The World Commission on Environment and Development defines it as “a strategy that…meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. However, […]
What is a cantilever beam and how can we calculate its deflection?
What is a cantilever beam and how can we calculate its deflection? You may have read our previous article about beams and their deflection. The article talked about deflection in general – what it is and how can it be determined. Now we’re going to dive a little deeper and focus on cantilever beams and […]
What is the magnitude of deflection in beams and how do we determine it?
What is the magnitude of deflection in beams and how do we determine it? When a beam is subjected to a load, it deflects from its original position. In other words, it bends to a certain extent. The amount of deflection depends on the beam’s cross-section and its strength. There are two criteria for […]
Cost management used in construction projects.
How cost management is used in construction projects. You may have read some previous articles about construction projects, and noticed cost management mentioned as being the responsibility of a few different project roles. Cost management is an important part of a construction project to ensure a budget is in place. It also ensures that the […]
What is important in flooring construction?
What is important in flooring construction? In our previous articles we discussed the uses of materials such as timber and masonry in construction. Now we’re going to talk about floors, and what is important in constructing them, including materials. What is a floor? Let’s confirm what a floor is so everyone knows what we’re dealing […]
Key roles in a construction project.
Key roles in a construction project. In a previous article we discussed specifying client needs before we launch into a construction project. But where does the client fit into the project? Is this the only time we see them, and who else is involved? Let’s find out! Collaboration in a construction project Collaboration is crucial […]
Masonry and its uses in construction
Masonry and its uses in construction You’re maybe familiar with the term masonry, and maybe even that it’s used in construction. But many of us aren’t much more familiar that, so let’s dive in and find out more! What is masonry? The materials covered by the term masonry include natural stone, manufactured forms made of […]
How do we go about specifying customer needs?
How do we go about specifying customer needs? In any construction project there will be a customer – the person or organisation who wants the building(s) detailed in the project. It’s the customer who tells us what they want, when, and how much of a budget they might have. It’s easy to see how what […]
What are the different types of construction projects?
What are the different types of construction projects? A construction project is as a series of interrelated construction tasks which are undertaken in a systematic order over a temporary timeframe. It results in the completion of the project and the creation of a tangible product or outcome. The type of processes involved in a construction […]
Understanding imperative and declarative programming
Understanding imperative and declarative programming While we discussed programming paradigms in a previous article, the most common explanation of the difference between imperative and declarative programming is that imperative tells the computer how to do things, whereas declarative focuses on what we want to get from the computer. Statements vs expressions Imperative code uses statements […]
What is a programming paradigm and what types are there?
What is a programming paradigm and what types are there? Programming paradigms are different ways or styles in which a programming language can be organised. Each paradigm consists of certain structures, features, and ways to tackle common programming problems. Some paradigms are more suited to certain types of problems, so you would use different paradigms […]
What is the Scrum Methodology?
What is the Scrum Methodology? You might remember from our article on Agile software development that we mentioned there were several Agile features. These are things like what aspects of Agile will we use or not use and what way will we implement Agile into our business in a way that works for us. One […]
How timber can be used as a construction material
How timber can be used as a construction material One of the most valuable building materials we have is timber. This is because wood has an internal structure that results in an extremely anisotropic material (properties are different in different directions), making it a typical natural composite material. Although a wide variety of industries use […]
How can buildings be classified?
How can buildings be classified? We spend a lot of time in various structures, more so than we ever do outside. There are different types of buildings we spend our time in and might be involved in constructing, so let’s have a look at how we can classify these buildings. Classification of buildings based on […]
What is Agile Software Development?
What is Agile Software Development? Agile development is an approach that is a combination of iterative and incremental sequences with a focus on process adaptability and customer satisfaction via a rapid delivery of the working product. Unlike the more traditional waterfall model previously used in development, where each step is completed sequentially, agile promotes an […]
What is the Software Development LifeCycle?
What is the Software Development LifeCycle? The SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle) is a breakdown of all the steps involved in the creation of software and will normally move through the following steps: Why is it used? The SDLC gives a business or team a tried-and-tested foundation for every software related project that they produce. […]
What are coding standards? Do we really need them?
What are coding standards? Do we really need them? Coding standards are rules and guidelines that help developers create cleaner, more readable, and more efficient code with minimal bugs and errors. They also offer a uniform way for developers to build highly functional code. Coding standards aren’t the personal opinions of any one developer. They […]
How does the grain size affect the strength of a material?
How does the grain size affect the strength of a material? In this article we are going to focus on how the grain size impacts on yield strength. What is a grain? A crystal can be modelled as a unit lattice in which atoms are arranged in a specific position, when a group of crystals […]
Material deformation techniques
Material deformation techniques This article discusses various methods where materials are forcibly deformed, and their physical or microstructural properties are altered. This is done to enhance certain mechanical or electrical properties. The deformation usually takes place at high or low temperatures, and this is reflected in the naming of the process. Cold Working This process […]
The Four Fundamental Forces that Enable Aircraft to Fly
In this article, we will identify the four main forces concerned with aircraft in flight. We will discuss the nature of these forces and deduce mathematical and descriptive definitions
What is pseudocode and why do we use it in programming?
What is pseudocode and why do we use it in programming? As much as software developers would love to jump straight into programming when they get a new project or feature, that’s not a good idea and can lead to poor design and mistakes being made. Firstly, the developer(s) will create algorithms to represent what […]
What is an algorithm and why do we use them in computing?
What is an algorithm and why do we use them in computing? An algorithm is implemented via a programming language. Although different programming languages have different syntax, similar to French and Italian having different syntax, and may be designed for different purposes, how they implement an algorithm remains roughly the same. They have the same […]
How to Draw and Analyse Free Body Diagrams (FBDs)
In this free engineering tutorial we shall review What is a Free Body Diagram (FBD), Steps to draw a Free Body Diagram and Examples
What is Mechanical Testing of Engineering Materials?
This article will investigate the various ways in which mechanical testing techniques can be applied to engineering materials.
What is the Difference between Transformers and Rectifiers in Power Supplies?
What is the Difference between Transformers and Rectifiers? We shall first need to recap on some background knowledge relating to induction
Solid Solution Strengthening
High purity metals, while useful, are often softer and weaker than their alloys. The mechanical properties such as yield strength and…
Dispersion strengthening
What is dispersion strengthening? Dispersion strengthening is a process carried out to improve the properties of metals by adding…
Flight Mechanics of a Typical Aircraft Flight
Flight Mechanics of a Typical Aircraft Flight. This article will give a brief overview of a typical flight of an aircraft
What is Meant by Inductance
Introduction to Inductance. The behaviour of the inductor is based on the properties of the magnetic field generated in a coil of wire.
Capacitors Explained for Engineers
Flight Mechanics of a Typical Aircraft Flight. This article will give a brief overview of a typical flight of an aircraft
How do we Measure Airspeed and Altitude of Aircraft?
Measuring the airspeed and altitude of an aircraft it is not as simple as you might first think, and requires the consideration of a…
What are Flight Control Surfaces?
This section will identify the main components within an aircraft, more from the point of view of large external parts, more specifically,
What are Periodic Waves?
Periodic waves are discussed including engineering examples worked calculations
What is Electromagnetic Induction?
Principles and Worked Examples Electromagnetic (EM) induction occurs when an electromagnetic field (emf) is induced in a wire, or more…
Engineering Projects – The critical path
Following on from our last article on engineering projects – planning for success (catch up here), this article expands on project…
Engineering Projects – Planning for success!
Being an engineer is much more than just performing calculations and making drawings. In the real-world, professional engineers are…
Aircraft Design – Aerofoil and Wing Design for Preliminary Aircraft Design
Part 2 of 3 of our Aircraft Design series. In this 20-minute video you will learn about aerofoil and wing design. If this video interests…
Aircraft Design – How to use Wing and Thrust Loading in your designs
This 18-minute video is the first tutorial in our new aircraft design series. The topic is how designers use thrust loading and wing…
Understanding Variation in Manufacturing
Variation is defined as “a change or slight difference in condition, amount, or level, typically within certain limits.” In this article…
Engineering Materials…What ‘stuff’ is made from
Engineering can be defined as the application of science and technology to create or produce something of use. In order to ‘produce’…
What Is The Work-Energy Theorem?
What Is The Work-Energy Theorem? The Work-Energy Theorem is a fundamental principle in classical mechanics that connects the concepts of work and kinetic energy. It provides a powerful tool for analysing the motion of objects without relying solely on Newton’s laws in their force-acceleration form. The principle of work and kinetic energy (also known as […]
How Motion in a Circle Affects System Dynamics
How Motion in a Circle Affects System Dynamics In engineering applications, circular motion is encountered in various systems such as rotating machinery, turbines, gears, flywheels, and vehicle dynamics. Unlike linear motion, circular motion involves continuously changing direction, resulting in dynamic effects that must be analysed to ensure safe and efficient design. Understanding these dynamics is […]
How to Analyse Force as a Function of Time
How to Analyse Force as a Function of Time In the previous post ( Dynamic Effects of Linear Motion) we considered the motion of a body (such as a vehicle or component in a machine) moving in a straight line when the acceleration was changing during the motion. We shall now consider the case where […]
Dynamic Effects of Linear Motion
Dynamic Effects of linear Motion Variable Acceleration Depending on Time In Engineering, motion is often analysed through quantities like displacement, velocity, and acceleration. While many introductory problems assume constant acceleration (like free-fall near Earth’s surface), real-world motion is frequently more complex. One important case is when acceleration changes with time, this is known as variable […]
How to Calculate Bending Stress
How to Calculate Bending Stress When a beam is subjected to loading acting on a plane passing through the beam’s axis, the beam deforms, or ‘bends’. The beam reacts to the external loads with the internal shear force and bending moments. Bending stress is a fundamental concept in structural engineering and mechanics of materials. It […]
A Quick Guide to Thermal Stress
A Quick Guide to Thermal Stress Thermal expansion and the resulting thermal stress are key concepts in engineering and physics. They describe how materials expand or contract when exposed to temperature changes. Understanding these principles is essential for designing structures and systems that can withstand environmental fluctuations without failure. What is Thermal Expansion? When materials […]
How to Calculate Shear Stress
Introduction to Shear Force and Shear Stress Shear force and shear stress are critical concepts in mechanics and materials science, often encountered in structural engineering and manufacturing. Shear Force refers to the internal force in a material that acts parallel to its cross-section. It is measured in Newtons (N). Shear force arises when two opposing […]
Kirchhoff’s current and voltage laws
Kirchhoff’s current and voltage laws In our last article, we looked at the principles and operation of a d.c motor. In this article, we’re going to investigate Kirchoff’s current and voltage laws, as well as how to apply them to engineering problems. Kirchoff’s law of current Kirchoff’s law of current states that the algebraic sum […]
What are the principles of operation of a DC electric motor?
What are the principles of operation of a DC electric motor? In our last article, we looked at the electrical parameters in series and parallel electrical circuits. In this article, we’re going to dive into the principles of operation of a DC electric motor. The motor effect When a current-carrying conductor is placed on a […]
What are the electrical parameters in series and parallel electrical networks?
What are the electrical parameters in series and parallel electrical networks? In our last article, we looked at the principles of operation of electrical cells. In this article we’re going to move on to the electrical parameters in both series and parallel electrical networks. When we have circuits with more than one resistor, we need […]
What are the principles of operation of electrical cells?
What are the principles of operation of electrical cells? In our last article, we looked at the basic electrical parameters in D.C. circuits. In this article, we’re going to move on to the principles of operation of electrical cells. We’ll look at the different types of cells and batteries, their mechanisms, and their applications. What […]
How can we calculate basic electrical parameters?
How can we calculate basic electrical parameters? In our last article, we looked at how we can select the best engineering material for the task. In this article, we’re going to move on to basic electrical parameters in D.C. circuits. As an engineer, we need to be able to define these key terms and apply […]
How can we select engineering materials?
How can we select engineering materials? In our previous article, we looked at elastic and magnetic hysteresis. In this article, we’re going to look at how we can select engineering materials. In other articles, we have previously looked at the different materials and their properties. However, it’s important that engineers understand how we can go […]
What is hysteresis?
What is hysteresis? In our previous article, we looked at the material modes of failure we need to be aware of in engineering. In this article we’re going to dive into elastic and magnetic hysteresis. Elastic Hysteresis Elastic hysteresis is the difference in strain of a material during loading of stress or strain, versus during […]
What are material modes of failure?
What are material modes of failure? In our previous article we looked at the properties of engineering materials. In this article, we’re going to dive into material modes of failure and what they are. What is failure? The definition of failure is that the component is no longer fit for use or its designed purpose. […]
What are the properties of engineering materials?
What are the properties of engineering materials? In our last article, we looked at engineering materials and their atomic structure. Now we’re going to dive into the properties of engineering materials. There are several different properties that apply to engineering materials, and we’re going to look at an overview of each of them. Physical Properties […]
Engineering materials and their atomic structure
Engineering materials and their atomic structure In our last article, we looked at how we can apply Bernoulli’s principle to engineering problems. Now we’re going to dive into engineering materials and their atomic structure. Engineering Materials Engineering can be defined as the application of science and technology to create or produce something. In order to […]
What is Bernoulli’s principle?
What is Bernoulli’s principle? In our previous article, we looked at ideal gas laws and how they can be used in engineering problems. In this article we’re going to look into Bernoulli’s principle and how it can affect engineering problems. Bernoulli’s principle Bernoulli’s principle is a fundamental law governing the motion of fluids. It relates […]
What are ideal gas laws?
What are ideal gas laws? In our previous article, we looked at how continuity can affect engineering problems. In this article, we’re going to look into what ideal gas laws are and how they can affect engineering problems. What are ideal gas laws? Ideal gas laws are a set of laws and equations that govern […]
How can continuity affect engineering problems?
How can continuity affect engineering problems? In our previous article, we looked at how heat and temperature can affect engineering problems. In this article, we’re going to look into continuity and how it affects engineering problems. What is continuity? If we consider a steady flow at velocity, v, of a fluid with a density of […]
How can heat and temperature affect engineering problems?
How can heat and temperature affect engineering problems? In our previous article, we looked at how pressure in fluids can affect engineering problems. In this article, we’re going to look into heat and temperature and how they affect engineering problems. Heat and temperature Heat is a type of energy, measured in Joules J. When heat […]
What is pressure in fluids, and how does it affect engineering problems?
What is pressure in fluids, and how does it affect engineering problems? In our previous articles, we looked at how to use various principles, such as moments of force, to solve engineering problems. In this article, we’re going to look into principles of fluids and how they affect engineering problems. Pressure due to height of […]
How do moments of force affect engineering problems?
How do moments of force affect engineering problems? In our last article, we looked at how we can apply principles of energy and power to engineering problems. Now we’re going to dive into how moments of force can be applied to engineering problems. Moments If we want to describe a force acting on a body, […]
How can we apply the principles of energy and power to practical problems?
How can we apply the principles of energy and power to practical problems? In our last articles, we looked at things like some of the forces that can affect engineering problems, and how we can solve problems involving distance and velocity. Now we’re going to look at how we can solve problems using the principles […]
What are the forces at a point that affect engineering problems?
What are the forces at a point that affect engineering problems? In our last article, we looked at how we can solve practical problems that involve distance and velocity. Now we’re going to look at forces at a point, what they are, and how they can affect engineering problems. Before we jump in, let’s check […]
How can we solve practical problems involving distance and velocity?
How can we solve practical problems involving distance and velocity? In our last article we looked at SI units, what they are and why we use them, giving us a solid introduction to Engineering Science. In this article, we’re going to see how we can solve some practical problems with engineering. Introduction to definitions Before […]
How can we describe SI units?
How can we describe SI units? If you’ve read any of our previous articles, you’ll see that we dive into various engineering topics, such as mechanical resonance or deflection of cantilever beams. In this article, we’re going to learn all about SI units, standard engineering prefix notation, and how we can describe them. Introduction to […]
Unleashing the Potential of Online Engineering Courses: Embracing Flexibility and Open Access
Unleashing the Potential of Online Engineering Courses: Embracing Flexibility and Open Access Introduction In recent years, the landscape of education has undergone a significant transformation with the rise of online learning platforms. Among the various fields benefiting from this shift, engineering education stands out as a prime example. Today, more students are turning to online […]
How do we test and debug our PLC code?
How do we test and debug our PLC code? In our previous articles, we dived into PLC systems, how they work, and how we can program them to carry out tasks. Now let’s find out how we can test and debug this programming to make sure everything runs correctly. PLC start-up Before we turn on […]
What are logic functions and how are they applied?
What are logic functions, and how are they applied? In our previous article, we dived into PLC Programming techniques. In this article, we’re going to check out logic functions and how they are applied to PLC systems. What is a PLC timer? A PLC timer is an instruction that controls and operates the device for […]
Understanding different programming techniques
Understanding different programming techniques In our previous articles, we looked at PLC systems and what they are, as well as their interface requirements. Now we’re going to look at the different programming techniques we can use in a PLC system. PLC programming A PLC program is a set of instructions representing the logic that governs […]
Interface requirements and their internal structure
Interface requirements and their internal structure In our previous article we looked at PLC systems and what they are. Now we’re going to look at the interface requirements we would see in a PLC system and look at their internal structure. To connect input/output modules to the processor in a PLC, we can use a […]
What is a PLC system?
What is a PLC system? In our previous articles, we discussed various aspects of digital electronics, including the application of Thevenin’s theorem. Now we’re going to look at PLC systems, what they are and why they might be used. What is a PLC? PLC stands for “programmable logic controller”. They are used to automate industrial […]
How do we apply Thevenin’s theorem?
How do we apply Thevenin’s theorem? In our previous articles, we discussed various aspects of digital electronics, including things such as logic gates. Now we’re going to look at Thenevin’s theorem and how we can apply it. What is Thevenin’s theorem? The theorem is an analytical method that’s used to change a complex circuit into […]
Understanding logic gates and truth tables.
Understanding logic gates and truth tables. In our previous articles, we discussed the binary number system in relation to digital electronics. Now we’ll focus on logic gates and truth tables. As we mentioned before, binary represents the on-off state. Boolean functions (true or false) can be implemented using electronic gates. There are a couple of […]
Understanding the characteristics of digital electronics
Understanding the characteristics of digital electronics In our previous articles, we discussed the mechanisms of a voltage amplifier and analogue signals in general. Now, in this article, we’re going to switch focus a little and look at digital electronics. The binary number system (Base2) Before we look at digital electronics, we need to understand the […]
Understanding the mechanisms involved in a voltage amplifier
Understanding the mechanisms involved in a voltage amplifier In our previous articles, we discussed analogue signals and their characteristics. We’re going to dive a little deeper into analogue signals and see how a voltage amplifier works. What is an operational amplifier? Operational amplifiers, or op-amps, are one of the basic building blocks of analogue electrical […]
Characteristics of analogue electronics
Characteristics of analogue electronics In our previous articles, we’ve discussed subjects such as the different types of semiconductors and how they work. We’re now going to focus on analogue electronics—what it is and its characteristics. What is an analogue signal? An analogue signal is continuous; in other words, it can have an infinite number of […]
The structure and mechanism of a Bipolar transistor
The structure and mechanism of a Bipolar transistor In our previous article, we discussed the operation of metal oxide transistors, and now we’re going to have a look at bipolar transistors. We’ll look at their mechanism and how they work. What is a bipolar transistor? A bipolar junction transistor is a semiconductor device which can […]
The operation of metal oxide semiconductors
The operation of metal oxide semiconductors In our previous article, we discussed how semiconductors operate. We’re now going to get a bit more specific and look in detail at metal oxide semiconductors. Junction Field-effect Transistors (JFET) We first need to understand Junction Field-effect Transistors before focusing on a metal oxide semiconductor. A transistor is a […]
How do common semiconductors operate?
How do common semiconductors operate? In our last article, we checked out some of the different types of semiconductors. Now we’re going to have a look at how the common types of semiconductors operate. Zener Diode A normal p-n junction diode allows electric current in forward-biased condition. When forward-biased voltage is applied to the p-n […]
Different types of semiconductors
Different types of semiconductors In our previous article, we looked at the characteristics of a semiconductor. We’re now going to move on to looking at different types of semiconductors and how they work. N-type and P-type semiconductors The image below shows an n-type conductor: Phosphorus has one more electron than silicon does, so when it […]
The characteristics of basic semiconductors
The characteristics of basic semiconductors In some of our previous articles on Electrical and Electronic Engineering we’ve looked at induction, waveforms and capacitance. We’re now going to move on to looking at semiconductors and how they fit in to these principles. What is a semiconductor? Semiconductors form the basis of all microprocessors and integrated circuits. […]
Trigonometric representation of periodic waveforms.
Trigonometric representation of periodic wave forms While we’ve already looked at periodic wave forms in a previous article, we’re going to jump into the trigonometric representations and see some of the essential calculations we need. Before we jump in, just to refresh our memory, let’s look at an image of two sinusoidal waveforms ‘in phase’: […]
What are the principles of inductance and capacitance?
What are the principles of inductance and capacitance? In our previous article on inductance, we jumped into the behaviour of inductance and what it is. Now we’re going to look at the principles of inductance, as well as the principles of capacitance. Inductance and Capacitance. We’ve already touched on the surface of inductance in our […]
How can we analyse a single-degree-of-freedom lumped parameter systems with damping?
How can we analyse a single-degree-of-freedom lumped parameter system with damping? In our previous article on undamped vibration, we looked at solving vibration problems with a single degree of freedom. In this article, we’re going to look at systems with damping and how to analyse them. We’ll focus on the mathematical analysis of a single-degree-of-freedom […]
How can we analyse undamped vibration problems.
How can we analyse undamped vibration problems. In our previous article on harmonic motion, we looked at how we can analyse problems involving simple harmonic motion, now we’re going to look at solving vibration problems with a single degree of freedom. Vibration Analysis In vibration analysis, there are two approaches we are interested in. One […]
How do we analyse problems involving harmonic motion?
How do we analyse problems involving harmonic motion? In our previous article on mechanical resonance, we looked at harmonic motion and how it affects structures. Now we’re going to jump into how we can solve issues that involve simple harmonic motion. What is simple harmonic motion? Many systems consist of components that vibrate in the […]
What are mechanical resonance and damping in engineering?
What are mechanical resonance and damping in engineering? In our previous articles, such as our article on axial load-carrying capacity, we focused on buckling and load-carrying calculations. In our next few articles, we’ll move on to focusing on the vibration of structures and how it can affect them. What is vibration in engineering? Let’s dive […]
How can we calculate the axial load-carrying capacity of a reinforced concrete column and classify it?
How can we calculate the axial load-carrying capacity of a reinforced concrete column and classify it? Following on from our previous article on the axial load-carrying capacity of a steel column, we’re going to look at the axial load-carrying capacity of a concrete column and also see how we can classify it. What is a […]
How do we calculate the axial load-carrying capacity of a steel column?
How can the axial load-carrying capacity of a steel column be determined? Following on from our previous article on evaluating the Euler buckling load, we’re going to look at some other calculations we need when looking at buckling of columns. Eccentrically loaded steel column design. The axial force can’t act centrically on the column, so, […]
How do we calculate the Euler buckling load?
How do we calculate the Euler buckling load? Following on from our previous article on evaluating the slenderness ratio in columns, we’re going to look at some other calculations we need when looking at the buckling of columns. Axial Resistance For the axial resistance of a column to be satisfied, the following conditions must be […]
Evaluating the slenderness ratio in columns.
Evaluating the slenderness ratio in columns. Following on from our previous article on buckling failure modes, we’re going to dive deeper into the types of buckling in columns. Column Buckling. Column buckling, or column stability, can be expressed as the failure of load-bearing capacity cause by the effect of pressure. It’s manifested as bending, or […]
What are buckling failure modes?
What are buckling failure modes? In our previous articles on beams, we discussed various types of deflection and how we go about calculating it in various structures. We’re going to pivot into buckling and how it can affect structures. What is buckling? Buckling occurs when a structure, such as a column or strut, is under […]
How do we analyse the deflection of simply supported beams using calculus.
How do we analyse the deflection of simply supported beams using calculus. In our previous article on deflection in simply supported beams, we looked at calculating deflection using standard tables. In this article, however, our focus will be on calculating deflection using calculus. Relationship Between Deflection, Slope and Radius of Curvature As we mentioned in […]
Determine the deflection of en-castre beams.
Determine the deflection of en-castre beams. Following on from our previous article on deflection of beams with a combined load, we’re going to look at deflection in a different type of beam. What is an en-castre beam? En-castre beams, or fixed beams, have fixed supports at both ends. So, they don’t allow horizontal, vertical or rotational […]
Determine the deflection of beams due to combined loads
Determine the deflection of beams due to combined loads If you read our article deflection of beams with a single load, you’ll know about deflection of a beam. Now we’re going to investigate how deflection affects a beam with combined loads. Calculating deflections on a beam with combined loads. Deflections from combined loading on a […]
Determine the deflection of cantilever beams with a single load.
Determine the deflection of cantilever beams with a single load. If you read our previous article on what is deflection, you’ll have some idea of deflection and it’s magnitude. Now we’re going to investigate how we determine deflection. What is a cantilever beam? Cantilever beams are constrained at one end and free at their other […]
What is the deflection of a structure and what determines its magnitude?
What is the deflection of a structure and what determines its magnitude? If you’ve read our previous articles on how to determine forces on a joint or structure, you’ll know that there are many different calculations used in civil engineering. Now we’re going to change direction slightly and take a look at deflection and what […]
How do we analyse the effects of loading on cylinders?
How do we analyse the effects of loading on cylinders? Continuing on in our series looking at the various calculations used in Civil Structural Analysis, we’re going to dive into analysing the effects of loading on cylinders. What is a cylinder? Firstly, what is a cylinder? Many items like steam boilers or large pipes are […]
How to determine the forces acting in pin-jointed frame structures.
How to determine the forces acting in pin-jointed frame structures. We’re going to continue our series of articles on the calculations used to determine various forces and effects by jumping in to another calculation. What is a pin joint. Before looking at the forces acting in a pin joint, we need to know what a […]
Determine the effects of torsional loads on shafts.
Determine the effects of torsional loads on shafts. We’re going to continue our series of articles on the calculations used in civil and mechanical engineering by diving into torsional loads on shafts and their effects. The image below shows a motor supplied with power which causes a shaft to rotate. The rotating shaft causes the […]
Calculating the reaction forces and bending moment distributions in a simply supported beam.
Calculating the reaction forces and bending moment distributions in a simply supported beam. This is the second in a series of articles diving into the various calculations used in civil and mechanical engineering, such as our article on calculating stress. For this one, we’re going to look at reaction forces in a simply supported beam. […]
How to calculate stress for direct loading of components.
How to calculate stress for direct loading of components. If a rubber strip is pulled it stretches, and the more you pull it the more it stretches. There’s a relationship between the extension and the force applied, known as Hooke’s Law, and it can be expressed as a force extension graph: The top graph above […]
Best practice standards used in the construction industry
Best practice standards used in the construction industry. If you’ve read our article on the civil engineering code of conduct, you’ll be familiar with some best practices in construction projects. In this article we’re going to focus on the best practice standards used in the construction industry. What are best practices? In civil engineering and […]
Civil Engineering Code of Conduct
Civil Engineering Code of Conduct If you’ve read our article on sustainable design in a construction project you’ll already be familiar with some ethics around construction. However, there’s a lot more to it than that, and we’ll find out some of the considerations an engineer must think about in this article. Business ethics for engineers […]
What is sustainable design in a construction project?
What is sustainable design in a construction project? Before we can understand sustainable design, we first need to understand sustainable development. Sustainable development The World Commission on Environment and Development defines it as “a strategy that…meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. However, […]
What is a cantilever beam and how can we calculate its deflection?
What is a cantilever beam and how can we calculate its deflection? You may have read our previous article about beams and their deflection. The article talked about deflection in general – what it is and how can it be determined. Now we’re going to dive a little deeper and focus on cantilever beams and […]
What is the magnitude of deflection in beams and how do we determine it?
What is the magnitude of deflection in beams and how do we determine it? When a beam is subjected to a load, it deflects from its original position. In other words, it bends to a certain extent. The amount of deflection depends on the beam’s cross-section and its strength. There are two criteria for […]
Cost management used in construction projects.
How cost management is used in construction projects. You may have read some previous articles about construction projects, and noticed cost management mentioned as being the responsibility of a few different project roles. Cost management is an important part of a construction project to ensure a budget is in place. It also ensures that the […]
What is important in flooring construction?
What is important in flooring construction? In our previous articles we discussed the uses of materials such as timber and masonry in construction. Now we’re going to talk about floors, and what is important in constructing them, including materials. What is a floor? Let’s confirm what a floor is so everyone knows what we’re dealing […]
Key roles in a construction project.
Key roles in a construction project. In a previous article we discussed specifying client needs before we launch into a construction project. But where does the client fit into the project? Is this the only time we see them, and who else is involved? Let’s find out! Collaboration in a construction project Collaboration is crucial […]
Masonry and its uses in construction
Masonry and its uses in construction You’re maybe familiar with the term masonry, and maybe even that it’s used in construction. But many of us aren’t much more familiar that, so let’s dive in and find out more! What is masonry? The materials covered by the term masonry include natural stone, manufactured forms made of […]
How do we go about specifying customer needs?
How do we go about specifying customer needs? In any construction project there will be a customer – the person or organisation who wants the building(s) detailed in the project. It’s the customer who tells us what they want, when, and how much of a budget they might have. It’s easy to see how what […]
What are the different types of construction projects?
What are the different types of construction projects? A construction project is as a series of interrelated construction tasks which are undertaken in a systematic order over a temporary timeframe. It results in the completion of the project and the creation of a tangible product or outcome. The type of processes involved in a construction […]
Understanding imperative and declarative programming
Understanding imperative and declarative programming While we discussed programming paradigms in a previous article, the most common explanation of the difference between imperative and declarative programming is that imperative tells the computer how to do things, whereas declarative focuses on what we want to get from the computer. Statements vs expressions Imperative code uses statements […]
What is a programming paradigm and what types are there?
What is a programming paradigm and what types are there? Programming paradigms are different ways or styles in which a programming language can be organised. Each paradigm consists of certain structures, features, and ways to tackle common programming problems. Some paradigms are more suited to certain types of problems, so you would use different paradigms […]
What is the Scrum Methodology?
What is the Scrum Methodology? You might remember from our article on Agile software development that we mentioned there were several Agile features. These are things like what aspects of Agile will we use or not use and what way will we implement Agile into our business in a way that works for us. One […]
How timber can be used as a construction material
How timber can be used as a construction material One of the most valuable building materials we have is timber. This is because wood has an internal structure that results in an extremely anisotropic material (properties are different in different directions), making it a typical natural composite material. Although a wide variety of industries use […]
How can buildings be classified?
How can buildings be classified? We spend a lot of time in various structures, more so than we ever do outside. There are different types of buildings we spend our time in and might be involved in constructing, so let’s have a look at how we can classify these buildings. Classification of buildings based on […]
What is Agile Software Development?
What is Agile Software Development? Agile development is an approach that is a combination of iterative and incremental sequences with a focus on process adaptability and customer satisfaction via a rapid delivery of the working product. Unlike the more traditional waterfall model previously used in development, where each step is completed sequentially, agile promotes an […]
What is the Software Development LifeCycle?
What is the Software Development LifeCycle? The SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle) is a breakdown of all the steps involved in the creation of software and will normally move through the following steps: Why is it used? The SDLC gives a business or team a tried-and-tested foundation for every software related project that they produce. […]
What are coding standards? Do we really need them?
What are coding standards? Do we really need them? Coding standards are rules and guidelines that help developers create cleaner, more readable, and more efficient code with minimal bugs and errors. They also offer a uniform way for developers to build highly functional code. Coding standards aren’t the personal opinions of any one developer. They […]
How does the grain size affect the strength of a material?
How does the grain size affect the strength of a material? In this article we are going to focus on how the grain size impacts on yield strength. What is a grain? A crystal can be modelled as a unit lattice in which atoms are arranged in a specific position, when a group of crystals […]
Material deformation techniques
Material deformation techniques This article discusses various methods where materials are forcibly deformed, and their physical or microstructural properties are altered. This is done to enhance certain mechanical or electrical properties. The deformation usually takes place at high or low temperatures, and this is reflected in the naming of the process. Cold Working This process […]
The Four Fundamental Forces that Enable Aircraft to Fly
In this article, we will identify the four main forces concerned with aircraft in flight. We will discuss the nature of these forces and deduce mathematical and descriptive definitions
What is pseudocode and why do we use it in programming?
What is pseudocode and why do we use it in programming? As much as software developers would love to jump straight into programming when they get a new project or feature, that’s not a good idea and can lead to poor design and mistakes being made. Firstly, the developer(s) will create algorithms to represent what […]
What is an algorithm and why do we use them in computing?
What is an algorithm and why do we use them in computing? An algorithm is implemented via a programming language. Although different programming languages have different syntax, similar to French and Italian having different syntax, and may be designed for different purposes, how they implement an algorithm remains roughly the same. They have the same […]
How to Draw and Analyse Free Body Diagrams (FBDs)
In this free engineering tutorial we shall review What is a Free Body Diagram (FBD), Steps to draw a Free Body Diagram and Examples
What is Mechanical Testing of Engineering Materials?
This article will investigate the various ways in which mechanical testing techniques can be applied to engineering materials.
What is the Difference between Transformers and Rectifiers in Power Supplies?
What is the Difference between Transformers and Rectifiers? We shall first need to recap on some background knowledge relating to induction
Solid Solution Strengthening
High purity metals, while useful, are often softer and weaker than their alloys. The mechanical properties such as yield strength and…
Dispersion strengthening
What is dispersion strengthening? Dispersion strengthening is a process carried out to improve the properties of metals by adding…
Flight Mechanics of a Typical Aircraft Flight
Flight Mechanics of a Typical Aircraft Flight. This article will give a brief overview of a typical flight of an aircraft
What is Meant by Inductance
Introduction to Inductance. The behaviour of the inductor is based on the properties of the magnetic field generated in a coil of wire.
Capacitors Explained for Engineers
Flight Mechanics of a Typical Aircraft Flight. This article will give a brief overview of a typical flight of an aircraft
How do we Measure Airspeed and Altitude of Aircraft?
Measuring the airspeed and altitude of an aircraft it is not as simple as you might first think, and requires the consideration of a…
What are Flight Control Surfaces?
This section will identify the main components within an aircraft, more from the point of view of large external parts, more specifically,
What are Periodic Waves?
Periodic waves are discussed including engineering examples worked calculations
What is Electromagnetic Induction?
Principles and Worked Examples Electromagnetic (EM) induction occurs when an electromagnetic field (emf) is induced in a wire, or more…
Engineering Projects – The critical path
Following on from our last article on engineering projects – planning for success (catch up here), this article expands on project…
Engineering Projects – Planning for success!
Being an engineer is much more than just performing calculations and making drawings. In the real-world, professional engineers are…
Aircraft Design – Aerofoil and Wing Design for Preliminary Aircraft Design
Part 2 of 3 of our Aircraft Design series. In this 20-minute video you will learn about aerofoil and wing design. If this video interests…
Aircraft Design – How to use Wing and Thrust Loading in your designs
This 18-minute video is the first tutorial in our new aircraft design series. The topic is how designers use thrust loading and wing…
Understanding Variation in Manufacturing
Variation is defined as “a change or slight difference in condition, amount, or level, typically within certain limits.” In this article…
Engineering Materials…What ‘stuff’ is made from
Engineering can be defined as the application of science and technology to create or produce something of use. In order to ‘produce’…
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Ian, Higher International Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering“I successfully graduated my Higher International Certificate in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. The studies was good, tutor provide much support. I recommend iLearn Engineering for distance learning Engineering studies.”
Fuad, Higher International Certificate in Electrical and Electronic Engineering“So far, in two weeks study I have understood more content with these guys than in one year at part time university. Really good content especially in maths and makes learning a nice smooth progressive path rather than being rushed and pressured. Top notch service 👍”
Simon, Higher International Certificate in Mechanical Engineering“This program is providing me with the opportunity to finally finish my engineering degree at the most reasonable cost I’ve seen in the market to date…I highly recommend iLearn Engineering for anyone who wants to get into the field or pickup where they left off.”
Ian, Higher International Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering