Materials, thermodynamics, and mechanical design.
In mechanical design, stiffness and strength are not the same. We debunk common myths and show how to pick materials and geometry that actually survive real loads.
Stop guessing between aluminum and steel. Here's the blunt, number-driven process to pick your next material for a mechanically sound design.
Most mechanical engineers pick materials by yield strength. That's a mistake. Stiffness, not strength, should drive your material choice — here's why,...
In mechanical design, we often obsess over yield strength. But stiffness, fatigue, and manufacturability—not strength—decide whether a part survives. ...
Machinability ratings tell you how fast you can cut metal. Ignore them and you'll pay in cycle time and tool wear. Here's how to use them.
Thermodynamics isn't just about equations—it's about real engines, efficiency limits, and pitfalls. Here's what I've learned, including the truth abou...
Fatigue causes 90% of mechanical failures. Steel's endurance limit and stiffness make it the safer choice for cyclically loaded frames. Here's how to ...
Think high turbine inlet temperature is the key to efficiency? Wrong. Here's how Carnot limits and real-world losses actually shape gas turbine perfor...
Steel's stiffness and fatigue strength make it the default choice for load-bearing parts, despite aluminum's weight advantage. Here's why I still spec...
Thermodynamics is full of misconceptions. I explain why 100% efficiency is a pipe dream, why Carnot rules, and how to design better heat engines.
You're choosing materials wrong if you only look at strength. Machinability ratings, tolerances, and weldability matter more than yield strength. Here...
Cast aluminum's 450% machinability rating isn't just a number—it's a game-changer for small-batch production. Here's how to use it to cut costs and cy...
In machining, stiffness isn't strength. Aluminum's low E is often misread as weakness, but yield strength, machinability, and weight tell another stor...