Disclaimer: telecommunications is very unpolished and there might be stuff missing since this is condensed
Area of Engineering Practice
Biomedical
Bioengineering is the study of applied engineering practices in general biology. Bioengineers’ work often focuses on general
theory that can be applied to various areas of natural sciences to solve problems. The field supports several branches that
specialise in a specific element of biology and engineering cohesion, such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, natural resources,
and foodstuffs, among others. Many different sectors, including health care, technology, and the environment.
Biomedical Engineers often work as part of a team that creates or maintains a procedure or system aiding in healthcare. This
includes installing, repairing and monitoring biomedical equipment, evaluating and developing new ways of conducting
surgery and experimenting with delivering drugs. Biomedical engineering is a specialised area of bioengineering, the field
focuses on the production of tools and processes that can be used in various health care contexts.
Biomed Ethics - Biomedical engineers are aware of the ethical importance of their job as they are responsible for the
improvement of the quality of life. These include conflicts of interest, allocation of scarce resources, research misconduct,
animal experimentation, and clinical trials for new medical devices. E.g Testing on live animals such as rats and mice.
Civil
Civil Engineering is the study of applied engineering practices in the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure.
Civil engineers’ work often focuses on various areas of construction and urban development to solve problems. As such, its
practices are applied in urban planning, transportation, environmental protection, and public works.
Civil Engineers often work as part of a team that designs, constructs, or maintains infrastructure projects. This can include
planning, constructing, and supervising public works like roads, bridges, and water supply systems, evaluating and improving
structural integrity and efficiency. Civil engineering is a specialised area of engineering that focuses on the development and
implementation of infrastructure projects that support urban and rural development.
Civil Ethics - Civil engineers are aware of the ethical importance of their job as they are responsible for the safety and welfare
of the public through the development and maintenance of infrastructure. Civil engineers often face moral and ethical
challenges, sometimes without adequate training. These challenges include conflicts of interest, sustainable resource
allocation, ensuring public safety, and maintaining transparency in reporting and construction practices.
Aeronautics
Aeronautical Engineering is the study of applied engineering practices in the design, development, and testing of aircraft and
spacecraft. Aerospace engineers’ work often focuses on general principles that can be applied to various areas to solve
problems. Fields include commercial aviation, defence, space exploration, and satellite communications.
Aerospace engineers often work as part of a team that designs, develops, or maintains aircraft and spacecraft. This can
include installing, testing, evaluating and developing better propulsion systems and aerodynamic designs, and experimenting
with new materials and technologies for flight. Aerospace engineering is a specialised area of engineering that focuses on the
production of advanced tools and systems used in both aviation and space contexts. The field emphasises the creation of
innovative solutions that enhance the performance and safety of air and space travel.
Air Ethics - ensuring the safety of air travel is a fundamental ethical imperative in the aerospace industry. Aerospace
professionals must prioritise safety above all else, making decisions that prioritise human lives and well-being over
commercial interests or organisational goals.
Telecommunication
Telecommunications Engineering is the study of applied engineering practices in communication systems.
Telecommunications engineers’ work often focuses on general theory that can be applied to various areas of communication
technology to solve problems. The field supports several branches such as signal processing, network design, wireless
communications, and satellite technology, among others.
Telecommunications Engineers often work as part of a team that designs, instals, and maintains communication networks
and systems. This includes developing new ways to improve data transmission, optimising network performance, and
ensuring secure and reliable communication channels. Specialised area within electrical engineering, focusing on the
production of tools and processes that can be used in various communication contexts.
Telecommunications Ethics - aware of the ethical importance of their work, as they are responsible for ensuring the security,
privacy, and reliability of communication systems. These ethical considerations include issues such as data privacy, network
, neutrality, the digital divide, and the responsible use of communication technologies. For example, protecting user data from
unauthorised access or ensuring fair access to communication services for all populations.
Historical and societal influences
Brake system Operation Advantages Disadvantages
External shoe brake ∑ hand operated by lever ∑ appropriate for horse-drawn ∑ needed a large force to
18th –20th century ∑ uses linkages vehicle operate
∑ pressure applied to ∑ cheap to produce ∑ worked only as a supplement to
Used on horse- shoe, forced against metal rim ∑ simple technology available the horses
drawn carts ∑ mainly a parking brake ∑ materials cheap and easy to ∑ not effective in wet and dusty
∑ supplemented the horse obtain conditions
∑ safety problem due to exposed
linkage
Contracting band ∑ contracting band acting on a hub ∑ appropriate for early model ∑ would not operate in reverse
brakes ∑ hand operated cars with rubber tyres ∑ not effective in wet and dusty
Late 19th century ∑ worked only in forward motion ∑ new technology needed conditions
Early model cars ∑ steel industry developing ∑ not effective as parking brakes
Drum brakes ∑ internal expanding-shoes ∑ operated in all types of weather ∑ brake fade
From 1902 ∑ mechanically/hydraulically ∑ servo-assisted ∑ heat dissipation problems
Cars and trucks operated ∑ two independent systems
Disc brakes ∑ callipers force pads against the ∑ more efficient ∑ special design needed for
1930s in trucks rotating disc ∑ improved heat dissipation parking brake
From 1952 in cars ∑ hydraulically operated with power ∑ lighter weight ∑ power assistance required
assistance ∑ easier pad design ∑ more expensive
∑ special design required to operate ∑ little or no fade
the disc brake as a hand brake
Regen Brakes ∑ Captures kinetic energy from ∑ Brake pad and rotor lasts ∑ Less effective at lower speeds
more prevalent in braking and converts it to electricity longer, works in conjunction with ∑ Braking feels different
the 21st century ∑ Regenerative braking also slows traditional hydraulic brakes ∑ Potentially less stopping power
with hybrid and the car, alongside traditional brakes. ∑ Extended range for EV
electric vehicles ∑ Brakes are connected to the motor ∑ Fuel efficiency for hybrids
Transport
Early forms of transport – First mechanical – bicycle in the late 1700’s Cars – started to be Trains – public transport
animals such as horses and Pedals developed in 1839 developed in the late 1800’s, Steam trains – 1803
oxen, either ridden or Velocipede developed in 1867 reduced the development in Electric trains – 1883
used to pull carts, wagons Penny-farthing developed in 1870 bicycle technologies Diesel trains - 1912
and carriages. horses from safety bicycle – first to use a chain, 1880 First cars mass produced in
the 14th-18th Centuries Pneumatic tyres – improved comfort 1888 1908 – the Ford Model T
Engineering Mechanics
Mass - Unit of mass within the SI system is the kilogram (kg). One tonne is another common unit for mass.
Force - Force is measured in Newtons (N) We cannot see forces but we can feel them. Force is a vector quantity.
F = ma or F=mg
Weight - mass is subject to the gravitational pull of the Earth. This is weight force also measured in Newtons (N)
W=mg
Moments and Couples
Torque is the measurement of the turning force of a body (more dynamic)
Moment is the measurement of the perpendicular distance from the point of rotation to the line of action
Moments are either clockwise or anti-clockwise. Clockwise is positive. Anti is negative.
, M = Fd -> Moment = Force x Distance
Newton metres is the unit of measurement (Nm) the unit of torque (also called moment)
Mc = F x d
Mc = Moment of a couple
F = force (N)
d = perpendicular distance between the forces
Most couples are reactive and actual rotation does not occur. The couple will act with a force to produce equilibrium
Scalar and Vector
Scalar - Scalars are quantities that are fully described by a magnitude (or numerical value) only, non-directional.
Vector - the quantity that has both directions as well as magnitude. Both direction and magnitude of these quantities must
be used in the solution of a problem involving vectors. Vectors must be added geometrically so the direction component of
the vector quantity is taken into account.
Direction of forces:
- Collinear, Concurrent, Coplanar, Non concurrent
Principle of Transmissibility
States that a force has the same effect wherever its point of application is along its line of action. In other words, a pull of 20
N will have the same effect as a push of 20 N along the same line of action.
Equilibrant - a force capable of balancing another force and producing equilibrium. An equilibrant force is equal in
magnitude and opposite in direction to the resultant of all the other forces acting on a body
- Three force rule: The lines of action are coplanar (in the same plane) The lines of action are convergent (they cross
at the same point) The vector sum of these forces is equal to the zero vector.
- No resultant force or the force polygon closes
Static equilibrium - in which the components of the system are at rest and the net force acting on a system should be zero.
All the forces acting on an object cancels each other due to which an object will be at rest
Friction
Friction is a force that opposes relative motion between surfaces in contact.
F = μN -> where F is the frictional force and N is the normal force. Because both F and N are measured in units of force (such
as newtons or pounds), the coefficient of friction is dimensionless and has different values for static and kinetic friction.
Ff = μn
Ff = force of friction (Fs is static friction coefficient)
μ = coefficient of friction
n = normal force (Fn is normal force)
Static friction is what keeps the box from moving without being pushed, and it must be overcome with a sufficient opposing
force before the box will move. Higher than kinetic.
Breakaway point is when static friction reaches its highest point. The kinetic friction after the point is lesser than the
breaking point because it's easier to move something in motion.
Kinetic friction (dynamic friction) is the force that resists the relative movement of the surfaces once they're in motion.
Pretty constant movement and applied force.
The coefficient of friction is used to describe the way two surfaces interact. The coefficient of friction is assigned the Greek
letter "mu" (μ), and it is unitless. The force of friction is μ times the normal force on an object. The unit for friction is the
Newton (N).
tan θ = μ
where θ is angle of friction and μ is coefficient of friction.
Angle of friction: It is the angle which the resultant of force of friction and normal reaction make with the normal reaction.
Friction = coefficient of friction x normal force
Rolling friction: is the friction exerted when an object rolls over another surface
Starting (static) friction: is the friction exerted on an object at rest
Sliding (kinetic) friction: is the friction exerted when an object slides over surface with a working fluid in between the two
bodies
ANGLE OF STATIC FRICTION
Area of Engineering Practice
Biomedical
Bioengineering is the study of applied engineering practices in general biology. Bioengineers’ work often focuses on general
theory that can be applied to various areas of natural sciences to solve problems. The field supports several branches that
specialise in a specific element of biology and engineering cohesion, such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, natural resources,
and foodstuffs, among others. Many different sectors, including health care, technology, and the environment.
Biomedical Engineers often work as part of a team that creates or maintains a procedure or system aiding in healthcare. This
includes installing, repairing and monitoring biomedical equipment, evaluating and developing new ways of conducting
surgery and experimenting with delivering drugs. Biomedical engineering is a specialised area of bioengineering, the field
focuses on the production of tools and processes that can be used in various health care contexts.
Biomed Ethics - Biomedical engineers are aware of the ethical importance of their job as they are responsible for the
improvement of the quality of life. These include conflicts of interest, allocation of scarce resources, research misconduct,
animal experimentation, and clinical trials for new medical devices. E.g Testing on live animals such as rats and mice.
Civil
Civil Engineering is the study of applied engineering practices in the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure.
Civil engineers’ work often focuses on various areas of construction and urban development to solve problems. As such, its
practices are applied in urban planning, transportation, environmental protection, and public works.
Civil Engineers often work as part of a team that designs, constructs, or maintains infrastructure projects. This can include
planning, constructing, and supervising public works like roads, bridges, and water supply systems, evaluating and improving
structural integrity and efficiency. Civil engineering is a specialised area of engineering that focuses on the development and
implementation of infrastructure projects that support urban and rural development.
Civil Ethics - Civil engineers are aware of the ethical importance of their job as they are responsible for the safety and welfare
of the public through the development and maintenance of infrastructure. Civil engineers often face moral and ethical
challenges, sometimes without adequate training. These challenges include conflicts of interest, sustainable resource
allocation, ensuring public safety, and maintaining transparency in reporting and construction practices.
Aeronautics
Aeronautical Engineering is the study of applied engineering practices in the design, development, and testing of aircraft and
spacecraft. Aerospace engineers’ work often focuses on general principles that can be applied to various areas to solve
problems. Fields include commercial aviation, defence, space exploration, and satellite communications.
Aerospace engineers often work as part of a team that designs, develops, or maintains aircraft and spacecraft. This can
include installing, testing, evaluating and developing better propulsion systems and aerodynamic designs, and experimenting
with new materials and technologies for flight. Aerospace engineering is a specialised area of engineering that focuses on the
production of advanced tools and systems used in both aviation and space contexts. The field emphasises the creation of
innovative solutions that enhance the performance and safety of air and space travel.
Air Ethics - ensuring the safety of air travel is a fundamental ethical imperative in the aerospace industry. Aerospace
professionals must prioritise safety above all else, making decisions that prioritise human lives and well-being over
commercial interests or organisational goals.
Telecommunication
Telecommunications Engineering is the study of applied engineering practices in communication systems.
Telecommunications engineers’ work often focuses on general theory that can be applied to various areas of communication
technology to solve problems. The field supports several branches such as signal processing, network design, wireless
communications, and satellite technology, among others.
Telecommunications Engineers often work as part of a team that designs, instals, and maintains communication networks
and systems. This includes developing new ways to improve data transmission, optimising network performance, and
ensuring secure and reliable communication channels. Specialised area within electrical engineering, focusing on the
production of tools and processes that can be used in various communication contexts.
Telecommunications Ethics - aware of the ethical importance of their work, as they are responsible for ensuring the security,
privacy, and reliability of communication systems. These ethical considerations include issues such as data privacy, network
, neutrality, the digital divide, and the responsible use of communication technologies. For example, protecting user data from
unauthorised access or ensuring fair access to communication services for all populations.
Historical and societal influences
Brake system Operation Advantages Disadvantages
External shoe brake ∑ hand operated by lever ∑ appropriate for horse-drawn ∑ needed a large force to
18th –20th century ∑ uses linkages vehicle operate
∑ pressure applied to ∑ cheap to produce ∑ worked only as a supplement to
Used on horse- shoe, forced against metal rim ∑ simple technology available the horses
drawn carts ∑ mainly a parking brake ∑ materials cheap and easy to ∑ not effective in wet and dusty
∑ supplemented the horse obtain conditions
∑ safety problem due to exposed
linkage
Contracting band ∑ contracting band acting on a hub ∑ appropriate for early model ∑ would not operate in reverse
brakes ∑ hand operated cars with rubber tyres ∑ not effective in wet and dusty
Late 19th century ∑ worked only in forward motion ∑ new technology needed conditions
Early model cars ∑ steel industry developing ∑ not effective as parking brakes
Drum brakes ∑ internal expanding-shoes ∑ operated in all types of weather ∑ brake fade
From 1902 ∑ mechanically/hydraulically ∑ servo-assisted ∑ heat dissipation problems
Cars and trucks operated ∑ two independent systems
Disc brakes ∑ callipers force pads against the ∑ more efficient ∑ special design needed for
1930s in trucks rotating disc ∑ improved heat dissipation parking brake
From 1952 in cars ∑ hydraulically operated with power ∑ lighter weight ∑ power assistance required
assistance ∑ easier pad design ∑ more expensive
∑ special design required to operate ∑ little or no fade
the disc brake as a hand brake
Regen Brakes ∑ Captures kinetic energy from ∑ Brake pad and rotor lasts ∑ Less effective at lower speeds
more prevalent in braking and converts it to electricity longer, works in conjunction with ∑ Braking feels different
the 21st century ∑ Regenerative braking also slows traditional hydraulic brakes ∑ Potentially less stopping power
with hybrid and the car, alongside traditional brakes. ∑ Extended range for EV
electric vehicles ∑ Brakes are connected to the motor ∑ Fuel efficiency for hybrids
Transport
Early forms of transport – First mechanical – bicycle in the late 1700’s Cars – started to be Trains – public transport
animals such as horses and Pedals developed in 1839 developed in the late 1800’s, Steam trains – 1803
oxen, either ridden or Velocipede developed in 1867 reduced the development in Electric trains – 1883
used to pull carts, wagons Penny-farthing developed in 1870 bicycle technologies Diesel trains - 1912
and carriages. horses from safety bicycle – first to use a chain, 1880 First cars mass produced in
the 14th-18th Centuries Pneumatic tyres – improved comfort 1888 1908 – the Ford Model T
Engineering Mechanics
Mass - Unit of mass within the SI system is the kilogram (kg). One tonne is another common unit for mass.
Force - Force is measured in Newtons (N) We cannot see forces but we can feel them. Force is a vector quantity.
F = ma or F=mg
Weight - mass is subject to the gravitational pull of the Earth. This is weight force also measured in Newtons (N)
W=mg
Moments and Couples
Torque is the measurement of the turning force of a body (more dynamic)
Moment is the measurement of the perpendicular distance from the point of rotation to the line of action
Moments are either clockwise or anti-clockwise. Clockwise is positive. Anti is negative.
, M = Fd -> Moment = Force x Distance
Newton metres is the unit of measurement (Nm) the unit of torque (also called moment)
Mc = F x d
Mc = Moment of a couple
F = force (N)
d = perpendicular distance between the forces
Most couples are reactive and actual rotation does not occur. The couple will act with a force to produce equilibrium
Scalar and Vector
Scalar - Scalars are quantities that are fully described by a magnitude (or numerical value) only, non-directional.
Vector - the quantity that has both directions as well as magnitude. Both direction and magnitude of these quantities must
be used in the solution of a problem involving vectors. Vectors must be added geometrically so the direction component of
the vector quantity is taken into account.
Direction of forces:
- Collinear, Concurrent, Coplanar, Non concurrent
Principle of Transmissibility
States that a force has the same effect wherever its point of application is along its line of action. In other words, a pull of 20
N will have the same effect as a push of 20 N along the same line of action.
Equilibrant - a force capable of balancing another force and producing equilibrium. An equilibrant force is equal in
magnitude and opposite in direction to the resultant of all the other forces acting on a body
- Three force rule: The lines of action are coplanar (in the same plane) The lines of action are convergent (they cross
at the same point) The vector sum of these forces is equal to the zero vector.
- No resultant force or the force polygon closes
Static equilibrium - in which the components of the system are at rest and the net force acting on a system should be zero.
All the forces acting on an object cancels each other due to which an object will be at rest
Friction
Friction is a force that opposes relative motion between surfaces in contact.
F = μN -> where F is the frictional force and N is the normal force. Because both F and N are measured in units of force (such
as newtons or pounds), the coefficient of friction is dimensionless and has different values for static and kinetic friction.
Ff = μn
Ff = force of friction (Fs is static friction coefficient)
μ = coefficient of friction
n = normal force (Fn is normal force)
Static friction is what keeps the box from moving without being pushed, and it must be overcome with a sufficient opposing
force before the box will move. Higher than kinetic.
Breakaway point is when static friction reaches its highest point. The kinetic friction after the point is lesser than the
breaking point because it's easier to move something in motion.
Kinetic friction (dynamic friction) is the force that resists the relative movement of the surfaces once they're in motion.
Pretty constant movement and applied force.
The coefficient of friction is used to describe the way two surfaces interact. The coefficient of friction is assigned the Greek
letter "mu" (μ), and it is unitless. The force of friction is μ times the normal force on an object. The unit for friction is the
Newton (N).
tan θ = μ
where θ is angle of friction and μ is coefficient of friction.
Angle of friction: It is the angle which the resultant of force of friction and normal reaction make with the normal reaction.
Friction = coefficient of friction x normal force
Rolling friction: is the friction exerted when an object rolls over another surface
Starting (static) friction: is the friction exerted on an object at rest
Sliding (kinetic) friction: is the friction exerted when an object slides over surface with a working fluid in between the two
bodies
ANGLE OF STATIC FRICTION
