Mechanics
Nowadays modem mechanics is presented by two sub-fields: classical and quantum. Classical mechanics is one of the two major sub-fields of study in the science of mechanics, which is concerned with the set of physical laws governing and mathematically describing the motions of bodies. It is a huge body of knowledge about the natural world. It also constitutes a central part of technology. That is, how to apply this knowledge for human purposes. Briefly stated, mechanics is concerned with the motion of physical bodies, and with the forces that cause, or limit, these motions, as well as with forces which such bodies may, in turn, give rise to. The other sub-field is quantum mechanics. The term classical mechanics was coined in the early 20th century to describe the system of mathematical physics developed in the 400 years since the groundbreaking works of Kepler, and Galileo, but before the development of quantum physics. Quantum physics (and more specifically quantum mechanics) refers to developments since approximately 1900, starting with similarly decisive discoveries by Planck, Einstein.
The initial stage in the development of classical mechanics is often referred to as Newtonian mechanics, and is associated with the mathematical methods invented by Newton himself, in parallel with Ixnbniz, and others. While the terms classical mechanics and Newtonian mechanics are usually considered equivalent, the conventional content of classical mechanics was created in the 19th century and differs considerably (particularly in its use of analytical mathematics) from the work of Newton.
Classical mechanics produces very accurate results within the domain of everyday experience. It is enhanced by special relativity for objects moving with high velocity, more than about a third the speed of light. Classical mechanics is used to describe the motion of macroscopic objects, from projectiles to parts of machinery, as well as astronomical objects, such as spacecraft, planets, stars, and galaxies, and even microscopic objects such as large molecules. Besides this, many specialties exist, dealing with gases, liquids, and solids, and so on. It is one of the largest subjects in science and technology.
Vocabulary
Sub-fields
Quantum mechanics
To give rise
Briefly stated
To be coined
Motion
Decisive
Approximately
To be referred to
Conventional
Accurate
Domain
Projectile
Liquid
Solid
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THE HISTORY OF THE ENGINEERING PROFESSION
Engineering is one of the oldest occupations in history. Without the skills included in the broad field of engineering, our present-day civilization never could have evolved. The first toolmakers who chipped arrows and spears from rock were the forerunners of modem mechanical engineers The craftsmen who discovered metals in the earth and found ways to refine and use them were the ancestors of mining and metallurgical engineers. And the skilled technicians who devised irrigation systems and erected the marvelous buildings of the ancient world were the civil engineers of their time. One of the earliest great names in history is that of Imhotep, designer of the stepped pyramid at Saqqarah in Egypt, built in the twenty-seventh century . C.
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Engineering is often defined as making practical application of theoretical sciences such as physics and mathematics. Many of the early branches of engineering were based not on science but on empirical information that depended on observation and experience rather than on theoretical knowledge. 'Those who devised methods for splitting the massive blocks that were needed to build Stonehenge in England or the unique pyramids of Egypt discovered the principle of the wedge by trial and error rather than by mathematical calculations. The huge blocks of stone for the pyramids were probably raised into place by means of ramps of earth that surrounded the structures as they rose; it was a practical application of the inclined plane, even though the concept was not understood in terms that could be quantified or expressed mathematically.
Quantification has been one of the principal reasons for the explosion of scientific knowledge since the beginning of the modem age in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Another important factor has been the development of the experimental method to verify theories. Quantification involves putting the data or pieces of information resulting from experimentation into exact mathematical terms. It cannot be stressed too strongly that mathematics is the language of modem engineering.
Vocabulary
Engineering
Toolmaker
To chip
Forerunner
To refine
Empirical
Wedge
Trial
Inclined plane
To quantify
Quantification
To verify
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