354 Engineering Fundamentals
polymer: An organic material made up of a long
chain of small molecules (primarily made up
of carbon and hydrogen atoms) that form a
much larger molecule. (7, 14)
positive impact: The benefi ts or successful
solutions to engineering design problems. (16)
potential energy: Energy that is stored and
waiting to be used. (10)
power: The rate at which work is done or the
amount of work done based on a period of
time. (8)
power system: A system that takes energy and
converts it into power to accomplish work. (10)
predictive analysis: A tool using many different
factors, including statistics and theoretical
models, to predict future events. (6)
pressure: A measurement that is force per unit
area. (15)
primary cell: A disposable cell. (8)
primary processing: The processing of raw
materials into standard stock. (14)
problem: An unknown quantity or something
that needs to be changed in a situation. (3)
problem statement: A statement that outlines
the problem in clear terms but is not so
specifi c that it limits creativity in design. (2)
process fl ow diagram: A detailed diagram that
includes main fl ow of chemicals, general
processes, and main equipment. (15)
process layout: The layout based on the location
of the equipment depending on the process it
performs. (14)
product layout: The layout based on the
entire facility being designed around the
manufacture of one product. It is commonly
used for continuous manufacturing. (14)
production engineer: An engineer who
plans, coordinates, and schedules the
manufacturing of consumer goods. (16)
Professional Engineer (P.E.): The designation
for engineers who have completed licensure
requirements, allowing engineers to approve,
sign, and stamp plans and documents. (16)
propeller: The rotating blades that force air
toward the rear of an aircraft causing the
aircraft to move forward. (13)
propulsion system: The system that creates
thrust for movement. (13)
proton: A subatomic particle with a positive
charge. (8)
prototype: A physical model of a fi nal product or
some aspect of a product. (2)
pulley: A simple machine that consists of a
wheel and rope used to move objects. (10)
pyrolysis: The thermochemical conversion
process that involves breaking down
biological materials with heat and reduced
oxygen. (11)
Q
quality control: The system whereby
manufacturers ensure the quality of their
products meets or exceeds expectations. (14)
R
radiography test: A test that uses x-rays that
pass through the material. (7)
rapid prototyping: A way of creating 3-D
models that uses machines and builds by
laying down many thin layers of material
until the entire shape has been created. (2)
raw materials: Natural resources found in the
earth, on the earth, and in the seas. The
materials are then made into industrial
materials. (14)
reciprocating motion: Linear back-and-forth
motion. (10)
refi ned sketch: A type of sketch that combines
all the components of the fi nal design, which
may be a combination of different ideas. (4)
rendering: A full-color drawing that shows what
the object will look like in a given light. (2)
research: A scientifi c way to discover facts about
a certain topic or situation. (4)
research engineer: An engineer who works
with scientists to fi nd uses of scientifi c
discoveries. (16)
resistance: The opposition to current fl ow. (8)
resistance temperature measurement device: A
measurement device that relies on the concept
that resistance, or conductivity of a conductor
changes as temperature changes. (15)
resistivity: The measurement of how well a
material resists the fl ow of electricity. (7)