Glossary 347
computational fl uid dynamics (CFD): A type
of software that focuses on the use of
fl uids (air) in relationship to the fl ight of
airplanes. Aerospace engineers can create
computational models before they produce
solutions to fl ight-based challenges. (6)
computer-aided drafting (CAD): The software
used to create 3-D drawings of design
solutions. (2)
computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)
software: The software used to import CAD
drawings while allowing users to input the
type of material to be cut, the type and size
of the cutter, the speed the cutter will move,
and more. (12)
computer-aided process planning (CAPP):
The use of a computer in order to design
the processes that are used to manufacture
parts. (12)
computer architecture: The way in which
computers are designed, with a focus on the
central processing unit (CPU), and how it
works internally and accesses memory. (12)
computer engineering: The design,
development, and testing of various aspects
of computer systems; a unique fi eld that
overlaps electrical engineering and software
engineering. (1, 12)
computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM):
The manufacturing process in which
computers control the entire production
process. (12)
computer modeling: A type of modeling that
uses computer software to create useful
models for engineers. (6)
computer numerical control (CNC): Equipment
used to convert CAD models into 3-D
shapes. (2)
computer simulation: A type of simulation used
for testing because it takes relatively little
time and money to set up and run, but much
can be learned. (2)
conductivity: The measurement of how well
electricity fl ows through a material. (7)
conductor: A material with low resistance that
easily passes electrons from one atom to
another. (8)
constraints: The limitations of the design, such
as materials, cost, size, and time. (1)
construction engineer: An engineer who
plans, coordinates, and schedules for
structures such as roads, bridges, and
skyscrapers. (16)
continuity tester: A tool used to test if there is a
complete path between two points. (8)
continuous chemical plant operations: A type of
operation in which materials are fed into the
facility, reactions occur, and materials are fed
out of the facility constantly. (15)
continuous manufacturing: The type of
manufacturing process that produces
the highest number of products at the
highest quality and the lowest cost because
plants are designed to produce a specifi c
product. (14)
corrosion: A reaction between a material and the
environment that leads to deterioration of
the material. (7)
cost control: The system of ensuring the
company is profi table by controlling the
resources used in the manufacture of
products, including materials, machine time,
and labor. (14)
cost feasibility: An evaluation of the
effectiveness of the potential solution from a
fi nancial perspective. (4)
coulombs: The measure of the amount of
electricity. One coulomb is equal to
6,240,000,000,000,000,000 (6.24 × 1018)
electrons. (8)
criteria: The guidelines to follow in order to
successfully solve the problem. (3)
crop yield: The farmer’s production per acre. (11)
current: The measure of electrons per unit
time. (8)
custom manufacturing: The type of
manufacturing process that is used to
produce a single product or a small number
of products, usually to meet a customer’s
particular need. (14)
cylinder: A device that uses the pressure of
fl uid to move a piston that is connected to a
rod. (10)