What are non-metallic materials? Non-metallic materials are those materials which lack metallic attributes (lustrous, malleable, ductile, good conductors of heat and electricity etc.). They are generally used in engineering due to their flexibility, low cost and resistance to heat and electricity. Following are some important non-metallic materials used in the design of machine elements. Plastics… Read More »
What are Non-ferrous Metals? Metals containing elements other than iron as their chief constituents are usually referred to as non-ferrous metals. In other words Non-ferrous metals are the metals (including alloys) which do not contain Iron (or Ferrite) in an appreciable amount. Generally non-ferrous metals are costlier when compared to ferrous metals, but they are… Read More »
What is Steel? Steel is an alloy of Iron, Carbon and some other elements. These elements are Tungsten, Molybdenum, Chromium, Nickle, manganese, Silicon etc. Steel is by far the most important engineering material. It has high tensile strength in a low cost, which makes it a suitable choice for the construction of tools, bridges, ships,… Read More »
What is wrought iron? Wrought iron is an alloy of iron having very low (less than 0.08%) amount of carbon in it. It contains some amount (up to 2%) of slag which gives it fibrous appearance. It can also contain a very small amount of Silicon, Sulfur and Phosphorous. It is very pure iron where… Read More »
In this article we would study limits, fits and tolerances regarding machine parts (to be assembled). Limit When we have to assemble two machine parts (for example nut and bolt) then accuracy in the dimensions of each part is necessary. Otherwise it would be very difficult (sometimes impossible) to assemble them. The exact (or actual)… Read More »
Ericsson cycle is a thermodynamic cycle upon which an Ericsson Engine works. Ericsson engine is a closed cycle regenerative heat engine. It works on either air or any other gas. Ericsson cycle is invented by John Ericsson. Below are P-V and T-S Diagrams of the Ericsson Cycle. Ericsson Cycle is comprised of four processes Process… Read More »
Stirling cycle is a thermodynamic cycle upon which a Stirling Engine works. Stirling engine is a closed cycle regenerative heat engine. It works on either air or any other gas. Stirling cycle is invented by Robert Stirling with help from his brother (in 1816). Below are P-V and T-S Diagrams of the Stirling Cycle. Stirling… Read More »
Brayton cycle (or Joule Cycle) is a thermodynamic cycle upon which a Gas turbine works. Gas turbines are used to generate power at many places. Brayton cycle is named after George Brayton, an American engineer who developed it. Below are P-V and T-S Diagrams of the Brayton (or Joule) Cycle. Brayton Cycle is comprised of… Read More »
Diesel cycle is a thermodynamic cycle upon which a compression ignition engine works. Compression Ignition (or CI) engine uses diesel as fuel. Diesel cycle was invented by Rudolf Diesel in 1890s. Compression ignition engine is a type of internal combustion engines. Below are P-V and T-S Diagrams of the Diesel Cycle. Diesel Cycle is comprised… Read More »
Otto cycle is a thermodynamic cycle upon which a spark ignition engine works. Spark Ignition (or SI) engine uses petrol (or Gasoline) as fuel. Otto cycle was invented by Nicolas Otto in 1876. Spark ignition engine is a type of internal combustion engines. Below are P-V and T-S Diagrams of the Otto Cycle. Otto Cycle… Read More »