346 Engineering Fundamentals
C
cantilever bridge: A type of beam bridge that
can span greater distances than a simple
beam bridge and often includes trusses in the
framework. (9)
capacitor: A component that consists of two
conductive plats separated by an insulator
called a dielectric. Capacitors can store an
electrical charge on their plates. (8)
casting and molding: The process of changing
materials to a liquid or plastic state and then
shaping them in or around a mold. (14)
cell: A device that generates electricity through
chemical action. In biology, it is the structural
and functional units of all living things. (8, 11)
cell biology: The study of cell structures. (11)
central core: A reinforced concrete shaft at the
center of the building. (9)
ceramic: A very hard, inorganic, refractory,
nonmetallic material with little electrical
conductivity. (7, 14)
change-of-state temperature measurement device:
A device that permanently changes colors
when it reaches a certain temperature. (15)
chemical engineering: The branch of engineering
that deals with the research, development,
and design involved in the large-scale
production of chemical products. (1, 15)
chemistry: The scientifi c study of materials,
their properties, their interactions, and the
changes that they undergo. (15)
circuit board: Commonly known as a PCB
(printed circuit board). A rigid piece of
insulation (typically fi berglass) is used as
a platform for circuitry. Thin copper tracks
are laid on the fi berglass and electronic
components are soldered to the track. (8)
civil engineering: The engineering of both the
structures that we build and the use and control
of natural resources, especially water; the design
and construction of public works projects or
other large construction projects. (1, 9)
clean coal: A term that refers to numerous
techniques used to trap harmful gases like
carbon dioxide and other toxins, which
usually result from the burning of coal before
the escape into the atmosphere. (15)
cloning: The use of genetic engineering to create
an exact copy of a living organism. (11)
coal gasifi cation: A clean coal method where the
coal is broken down into its basic chemical
parts using heat and pressure with steam. The
parts can be easily separated and CO2 can
be sequestered. Sulfur and ammonia can be
removed and sold for profi t. Solids are either
removed during gasifi cation or are fi ltered
out downstream. Many solids can also be
sold. The result is a synthetic gas that can be
burned cleanly to produce electricity. (15)
codes of ethics: Sets of guidelines that should
be followed when engineers interact with
the public, their employers, their clients, and
other engineers. (16)
cohesion: The joining of two materials through
heat or pressure. (14)
column: A vertical structural member that
transmits the load from above to other
structural elements. (9)
combining: The process of joining parts through
mechanical assembly and bonding. (14)
combustion: The thermochemical conversion
process that involves burning of wood,
municipal waste, or other biomass to create
heat for humans, or to provide steam to
power electrical generators. (11)
common constraints: The conditions that are in
all engineering design problems. (3)
compact fl orescent lamp (CFL): A lamp
that works on the same principle as the
fl uorescent lamp but designed to fi t into
normal light sockets. (8)
composite: A material that combines two or
more materials. (7)
compost: A solid material used to fertilize
agricultural crops and other plant life. (11)
composting: A biochemical conversion process
that involves creating piles of biomass and
allowing the natural organisms to break
down the biological composition of the
material. (11)
compression: A crushing force down the axis of
a material that shortens the material. (9)
compression strength: The ability of a material
to withstand a load that compresses or
squeezes the material. (7)