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English 202C: Technical Writing

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A Guide to Online Resources for Mechanical Engineering Majors





Sean Munck

February 6, 2014







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Contents

1 Introduction

2 Internet Resource Guide
Professional Journals
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
CRCnetBase Mechanical Engineering Handbook

Technical Databases
Engineering Village

U.S. Government Resources
Catalog of U.S. Government Publications
Statistical Abstract of the United States
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

General Technical Resources
Engineering Dictionary
ScienceDaily Engineering News














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1 Introduction
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Guide Contents
This guide contains a collection of internet resources for Mechanical Engineering majors. The
types of documents within the guide range from professional journals to university and
government documents and databases. Each resource is intended to provide varying levels of
detail regarding the field of mechanical engineering.

Audience
Whether readers are undergraduate students trying to decide if Mechanical Engineering is right
for them, students completing their degree or engineering professionals who have finished their
education, this guide can help increase knowledge about the major. It will expand readers
personal databases within their field.

Assumptions
This guide substitutes lengthy explanations of technical information in favor of more concise
phrasing. It can be safely assumed that readers at least have a basic understanding of
engineering vocabulary and concepts, and come from a scientific background. However, readers
do not need to be familiar with any of the included resources.

Organization
This guide is organized according to resource type. As listed in the Contents section, there are
three resource types; Professional Journals, Technical Databases and U.S. Government
Resources. Each type contains one or more resources. Each resource page follows the same
layout. The subject and specific resource titles are displayed at the top of the page. The web
URL for each source is listed beneath the title, followed by a brief description of the source and
of a sample search. Finally, a tips section is listed at the bottom of the page. Each resource can
be used differently, but all will help mechanical engineering students and professionals quickly
locate valuable publications.

Tips
It is best to log into your Penn State Web Portal before using the Internet Resource Guide.
Because many of the resources link directly to subscription resources, logging in beforehand will
speed up the process of searching. This guide is much more easily used as a web document (as
opposed to a printed packet). Otherwise, all of the links will have to be typed by hand.


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2 Internet Resource Guide
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Professional J ournals

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Digital
Collection
Professional Journal

Site Location
http://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/

Abstract
The ASME Digital Collection is a well-organized compilation of all Society Journals, eBooks,
Conference Notes, and other collections. There are over 20 journals from which to choose, each
organized by discipline within Mechanical Engineering. Once users decide on a journal, they are
taken to that specific homepage, and are able to either browse through issues or search. Each
journal is released at different intervals (Monthly, Quarterly, etc.) and users can easily view the
newest issue, or collect information from all past issues.

My sample search was done by first limiting by journal and then using the search bar. I began
searching within the Journal of Mechanical Design, and then typed automotive engines into the
search bar. After browsing through a few publications, I decided on a research paper which
examined emission control requirements for cold-starting an engine, and the relevant accuracy of
system models. Information like this could be quite useful to graduating engineers, as ASME
brings together MEs from across the country. The only drawback to the journal is the
membership requirement, but as ASME is a major organization in the field, I would recommend
that users consider membership.

Tips
Users can choose to receive email alerts from ASME on a specific journal. If you click
the Email Alerts icon beside the image of the current issue, you can have ASME send
you a notification on any topic.

Each journal homepage contains a Popular Content list of articles. Uses can quickly
browse through the page to see the most interesting articles within that journal.


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CRCnetBase Mechanical Engineering Handbook
Professional Journal

Site Location
http://www.crcnetbase.com/isbn/9781420041583

Abstract
CRCnetBase is a collection of eBooks and journals for professionals in Science, Technology,
and Medicine. The critical feature of the site is the digitization of its many technical handbooks,
including the Mechanical Engineering Handbook. The eBook is not available for free, but users
do have the option of viewing abstracts for every chapter. The homepage for the eBook is
organized in a similar fashion to a Google books search. The basic book information and cover
thumbnail is displayed on the left-hand side. The majority of the page is taken up by a list of
book chapters. Users can check individual chapters and view abstracts, or buy the book to view
entire chapters. Additionally, users can search through the book using the search bar on the left.
This allows users to know whether the handbook contains appropriate information before
purchasing.

I searched within the handbook for 2 Dimensional Heat Transfer, which returned fifteen
results. I clicked on the chapter titled Energy Conversion and saw that it was organized by
types of power plants, from IC engines to turbines. So if your heat transfer query was about any
of these subjects, you would very quickly know the relevance of this chapter. This handbook
could be a valuable quick reference for and overview of core ME concepts, and should definitely
be considered for purchase.

Tips
The simple search becomes a more advanced search once initial results are returned, with
filter options by chapter and additional keywords. This can be as useful way to refine
results.

Viewing the abstracts for each chapter can be a very useful way to determine the value of
the handbook. Simply check off which chapters you would like to view, and click
View Abstracts below the Chapters heading.




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Technical Databases

Engineering Village
Technical Database

Site Location
http://www.engineeringvillage.com/search/quick.url

Abstract
The Engineering Village is a comprehensive index for engineering publications. The site is
made available by the Penn State Library, and gives users access to all resources. The homepage
is simply laid out as a customizable search. Here, users can search using as many fields as
necessary, including author, subject, title, and many other options. In addition, searches can be
limited by document type, language and year. Because there are so many search fields,
navigating the homepage can be a bit overwhelming, but by typing in mechanical engineering
as a simple keyword search, users can easily find all publications relevant to the major.

For my sample search, I used mechanical engineering and automotive as keywords. The
publication I followed was a University of Florida document regarding changes to mechanical
engineering education to support todays automotive engineering. This study of undergraduate
ME programs examined how well they prepare students for a future career in automotive
engineering. This database is especially useful for mechanical engineering students because it is
simultaneously comprehensive and specific to engineers.

Tips
When search results are returned, you can click the Abstract link on each source to
quickly view the abstract and author information on that publication.

You can create folders to store publications. Just click on the Save to Folder link
beneath the main taskbar.






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U.S. Government Resources

Catalog of U.S. Government Publications
U.S. Government Resource

Site Location
http://catalog.gpo.gov/F/XU5PNTUVI21DT3P1RYIG38JGN3EGDFUHQKSX4L273RYNL4F
G4N-25444?func=full-set-set&set_number=240667&set_entry=000023&format=999

Abstract
The Catalog of U.S. Government Publications (CGP) provides a means of locating information
from the entire National Bibliography of U.S. Government Publications. Any online federal
publications can be found through this site. Although a bit archaic in design, the CGP is very
easy to navigate. A user has the options of using a Basic, Advanced or Expert search, or simply
browsing publications. Users can filter results by Keyword, Title, Author or Subject for their
basic search. Additionally, they can use Word or Phrase, Year, Format, Language or Catalog for
an advanced search.
For a topic as large as mechanical engineering, users can locate plenty of documents through a
basic keyword search. By just using mechanical engineering as a subject, I used the basic
search to locate a publication on aircraft engine design, specifically for a hybrid wing body
aircraft. This document was published by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration at
the Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, OH, in collaboration with the US Army Research
Laboratory. The publication is available as a link, and when opened, describes a study on hybrid
wing design for NASA. The new approach to aircraft manufacturing is a result of an
increasingly climate-aware industry, and designs must reflect a shift towards environmental
protection. Documents like this one provide valuable information for mechanical engineers on
past research, which may lead to future development of long-forgotten concepts. Engineers can
more easily collaborate on their ideas to avoid redundant experiments and methods.

Tips
If searching for a specific phrase, use the keyword search, and place quotation marks
around the phrase. This will tell the catalog to locate the phrase within publications.

If you are receiving too many results for a keyword search, try using the Advanced search
to narrow the location of keywords, or limit searches by year, format, language, or
catalog.


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Statistical Abstract of the United States
Government Database

Site Location
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/

Abstract
The Statistical Abstract of the United States is, according to the site, a comprehensive summary
of statistics on the social, political, and economic organization of the United States. This means
that this site can be used to access all U.S. statistical data since the late 19
th
century. On the
homepage, users can first narrow down their search by social, political, or economic sector, such
as Agriculture, Education, Commerce, etc. All sections are listed along the left-hand side of the
page. Moving the cursor over a section opens a more detailed list of subsections. There is also a
search bar in the upper right corner. The major issue that users will notice though, is the large
red warning in the center of the homepage, stating that the U.S. Census Bureau began
terminating the Statistical Abstract of the United States in late 2011, meaning that the Abstract is
no longer being updated. That being said, users can still search for past statistical data.

For my sample search, I typed mechanical engineering into the search bar, and found a link
from the Census Bureau which described pathways a graduate could take upon completing a
Bachelors Degree in Engineering. The document, which opens in PDF format, uses simple
graphics and charts to explain the value of different engineering degree levels. This information
could be very useful for a recent graduate who is deciding whether a higher level degree is right
for them. Unlike the other resources in this guide, the focus of this database is on statistical data.

Tips
Using the Section Browser can really help narrow results, and even highlight previously
unknown subsections. Users can effectively limit their searches to relevant topics before
knowing exactly what they are looking for, which saves time.

If there are too many results given for a keyword search, you can click on the Advanced
Search link beneath the search bar. Now you can narrow results by more keywords, as
well as document type.







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U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Technical Database

Site Location
http://patft.uspto.gov/

Abstract
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office website can be used to browse all filed U.S. since 1790.
Users can do a basic search for patents by date, patent number, classification, or keyword. There
is also the option of many more search criteria, from applicant name to inventor city, and many
more. The site itself is very basic, and seems to be a stereotypical outdated government website,
but that also means that navigating is very easy.

The search I did was by keyword for automotive engine. I could see that the search results
were listed by patent number in reverse order, from newest to oldest. I explored a patent titled,
Engine speed control systems and methods. This patent describes a stop/start engine control
system. This type of system is being widely used in new car designs to avoid idling and save
fuel. A patent search database like this is very helpful. Not only can engineers search for
existing designs and methods, but also use the site to make sure they are not risking patent
infringement with a new product or system design. A patent search is a vital part of any new
design process, so this source is invaluable.

Tips
You can specify that you wish to search for patents since 1976. This not only narrows
down results and offers more relevant data, but makes search loading times much shorter.

The Help link can actually be quite useful as a quick guide to the site. The frequently
asked questions are listed for a reason, so you should check them first.











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General Technical Resources

Engineering Dictionary
General Technical Resource

Site Location
http://www.engineering-dictionary.com/

Abstract
Engineering Dictionary is an easy way to get clarification on many engineering terms. The site
is about as bare as possible while still maintaining its function. There is a simple search bar
across the top, or the option to browse by letter. When users click on a word to define, the
dictionary returns a one to two sentence definition and nothing more. The intent of this site is
not as a detailed resource. It is only meant to quickly help someone who is stuck on a certain
engineering word or phrase within another technical document.

As a sample definition search, I typed air filter into the search bar. The site returned a single
result; Air Filters: Industrial Air Filter. The definition succinctly let me know what an industrial
filter does and for what it is used. The main advantage of this site is how quick and easy it is to
use. Although you really will not get much more than a definition, you need only to refer to the
engineering dictionary when stuck on a term. As a technical resource, it performs is role very
well.

Tips
If your term is not returning results, try using a more general term, or using the search by
letter to find related terms.

If words within the definition of your term are still unclear, just continue using the
dictionary to define all terms.










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ScienceDaily Engineering News
General Technical Resource

Site Location
http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/engineering/

Abstract
ScienceDaily offers users an up to date source for science-related news. Within the site,
Mechanical Engineering students can search for news within the field of engineering. The
homepage is set up very similarly to many other online news sources, with a list of topics down
the left-hand side. New and popular articles and videos are featured in the center of the page,
with additional popular stories listed by subject down the right. The site is quite easy to
navigate, and users can quickly and effectively browse current engineering news at their leisure.
For more specific searches, users can type keywords or phrases into the search bar.

My sample article, titled Engineering: A career that pays, new salary survey suggests was
found using the search bar. Once the list of results appears, you can see that the percent match to
the search query is displayed beside each result. My article, taken from the American Society of
Mechanical Engineers, describes how beneficial a career in engineering can be. This
information could help convince students that an engineering career is a secure and rewarding
path to take.

Tips
After typing keyword(s) into the search bar, you then have the option to refine your
search by date and site location. This can help reduce an overwhelming list of articles.

Each article displays the original source of information. If you need more details on the
article, you can use the source info to leave the site and follow the source.