The engineering appreciation thread

Pumpkinstew · 7 Jun 2007 at 23:02

Jonnycoupe said:
Just out of interest how much fluid mechanics and thermofluids is covered on a typical physics course?

It probably varies but my course made me aware of Bernoulli's equation and left it at that.

One of the departments research areas was low temperature superfluids though so maybe some other modules covered it in more detail.

Biohazard · 7 Jun 2007 at 23:10

I've read it and do agree, not something I feel strongly about but I have signed it.

I agree with the OP, I have concerns about the future of the engineering sector in this country. We have erroded enough industry over the years.

PhilthyPhil · 7 Jun 2007 at 23:13

Jonnycoupe said:
Just out of interest how much fluid mechanics and thermofluids is covered on a typical physics course?

I didn't do any of the fluid dynamics modules, sounded too much like hard work

Simon · 7 Jun 2007 at 23:21

I'm an Automotive Engineer. The amount of times people think I was studying to a mechanic was silly. I don't know any mechanics who could explain thermodynamic heat flux to me.

Never mind, I am now a Development technologist

Even I don't have engineer in my job title and hate to see engineer used for the man whos fixes the photocopier at work!

Beansprout · 7 Jun 2007 at 23:24

Psyk said:
I do computer science in the faculty of engineering. Is it science or is it engineering? I'd say it's more engineering than science.

I'm in the faculty of technology, sub-sectioned into the 'school of computing, communications and engineering' which isn't very helpful as the degree is a BSc.

I suppose it's the science of making things work and things such as algorithm design that make it a science, but that in turn depends on the angle of the cours.

Maybe the people who design things like processors etc are electronics engineers?

Then you'll ask me about software engineering...no idea how that fits in

Apparently the engineers get annoyed at CS students who call themselves engineers though

Dave · 7 Jun 2007 at 23:24

Jonnycoupe said:
Just out of interest how much fluid mechanics and thermofluids is covered on a typical physics course?

Hardly any if my physics mate is anything to go by. I did Fluid Mechanics & Thermal Transfer in Fluids this year, and I've got 40 credits of fluid modules next year, and 20 more the year after that. The joys

SpeedFreak · 7 Jun 2007 at 23:47

Jonnycoupe said:
All 3 of those of covered by Engineering IME. With the engineer aware of the flight envelope, manufacturing and high lift devices its more a real design for the wing, the physicist will design an optimal wing in theory but it will be an engineer who makes it happen through understanding of materials and manufacturing processes.

Just out of interest how much fluid mechanics and thermofluids is covered on a typical physics course?

I did two terms of thermodynamics. Advanced mechaincs and Experimental Physics also covered a lot of relevant science.(relevant to flight I mean)

All Physicsts have to be a theorist before they can be an experimentalist, no matter what they tell you.