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Engineering : Jargon buster

More in this section

  1. Overview
  2. Job roles
  3. Entry and progression
  4. Typical employers
  5. Opportunities abroad
  6. Future trends
  7. Jargon buster
  8. Contacts and resources

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Case studies

  • ARMT - availability, reliability, maintainability and testability.
  • CAD - computer-assisted design. Using software such as AutoCAD.
  • CAE - computer-assisted engineering. Engineering systems controlled in their operation by computer.
  • CAM - computer-assisted manufacturing. Controlling machine tools by computer so that parts are made automatically.
  • CEng - chartered engineer status. The highest UK professional qualification requiring a Masters degree or equivalent qualification plus industrial training.
  • CFD - computational fluid dynamics.
  • CPD - continuing professional development.
  • DSP - digital signal processing.
  • EngTech - technician engineer status. A qualification requiring an HND or equivalent qualification and training.
  • EPSRC - Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council - responsible for funding research in engineering and the sciences and for funding some postgraduate studies. Nearly all the other research councils, including the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the Medical Research Council (MRC), employ engineers at their research laboratories.
  • EurIng - European engineering qualification, which is equivalent to chartered engineer status and granted to those who have reached that standard of professionalism in their own country.
  • Eurocodes - a pan-European set of structural design codes for builders, civil and structural engineers.
  • FEANI - Fédération Européenne d’Associations Nationales d’Ingénieurs - European engineering umbrella organisation that grants the EurIng qualification, recognised in 26 countries in Europe.
  • Finite element analysis - a mathematical system for analysing stresses and strains in material under certain conditions, e.g. aeroplane wings, building structures, cars and masts, for example.
  • IEng - incorporated engineer status. A qualification requiring a Bachelors degree plus industrial training.
  • ILS - integrated logistical support, e.g. for maintenance, repair or supply of equipment. 
  • IP - internet protocol. The protocols required so that a computer user can access a remote internet website.
  • IPD - initial personal development.
  • ISO - International Organisation for Standardisation. Coordinating engineering standards in around 100 countries.
  • MPDS - monitored professional development scheme of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), leading to chartered engineer status.
  • N-type/P-type - semiconductors in which most carriers are electrons and holes respectively.
  • Powertrain - the system that transfers power from the engine to the wheels in an automobile.
  • RF - radio frequency.
  • STEM - science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
  • Stochastic - statistically random variation.
  • TQI - total quality improvement. Many organisations have a commitment to TQI and the continual improvement of their systems, processes, techniques and organisation.
 
 
 
AGCAS
Written by Linda Murdoch, University of Glasgow
Date: 
September 2010
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