Mechanical Engineering Vocabulary

A comprehensive vocabulary list of mechanical engineering terms, including machine parts, materials, measurements, and workshop safety, based on lecture notes.

Machine

A device that uses power to do work

Engine

A machine that converts energy into motion

Gear

A toothed wheel that transmits motion

Drive Shaft

A rotating rod that transmits power

Bearing

A part that supports a rotating shaft and reduces friction

Piston

A part that moves up and down in a cylinder

Cylinder

A tube in which a piston moves and fuel burns

Valve

A device that controls fluid flow or releases pressure

Pump

A device that moves liquid or gas through a pipe

Bolt

A metal pin used to fasten parts

Nut

A fastener that screws onto a bolt

Screw

A fastener with a spiral thread tightened by turning clockwise

Wrench

A tool for turning bolts and nuts

Weld

To join metals by heating them

Lathe

A machine that shapes material by rotating it against a cutting tool

Drill

A tool used for making holes

Grind

To smooth or sharpen a surface using friction

Electric Motor

A machine that produces motion using electricity

Torque

A twisting force that causes rotation

Friction

The resistance encountered between two surfaces

Lubricant

A substance applied to moving parts to reduce friction

Pressure

Force applied over an area

Load

The weight or force applied to a structure

Weld Seam

The joint line created during the welding process

Alloy

A mixture of two or more metals

Steel

A strong metal made primarily of iron and carbon

Iron

A common heavy metal that rusts when exposed to moisture

Aluminium

A lightweight silver metal that is both light and strong

Copper

A reddish metal used in wires due to its ability to conduct electricity

Corrosion

The gradual damage or weakening of metal caused by chemicals

Rust

A reddish coating formed on iron when exposed to moisture

Coolant

A fluid used to reduce the temperature of an engine

Radiator

A device that releases heat to cool engine water

Filter

A device used to remove impurities from fluids like oil

Belt

A loop used to transfer motion between pulleys

Pulley

A wheel used with a belt to transmit motion

Chain

Connected metal links used to transmit power, often to a wheels

Spring

An elastic device that stores energy and absorbs shock

Clamp

A tool used to hold workpieces firmly in place

Vice

A tool that grips an object tightly during work

Hammer

A tool used for striking objects, like hitting a nail

File

A tool used for smoothing metal surfaces or edges

Measuring Instrument

An instrument like a pressure gauge used to measure a quantity

Caliper

A tool used for measuring thickness or diameter

Micrometer

A precise instrument used to measure very small distances

Thread

The spiral ridge found on a screw or bolt

Axle

A rod on which wheels rotate

Flange

A projecting rim used to connect parts such as pipes

Gasket

A seal placed between two surfaces to prevent leakage

Seal

A part designed to prevent leakage of fluids like water or oil

Coupling

A device used to connect two shafts together

Assembly

A set of parts fitted together into a complete unit

Component

An individual part belonging to a machine

Blueprint

A detailed technical drawing used as a guide

Dimension

A measurement of size in terms of length, width, or height

Tolerance

The allowed variation or margin of error in a measurement

Calibration

The act of adjusting an instrument to ensure its accuracy

Vibration

Rapid back-and-forth movement that can damage bearings

Rotation

Turning or spinning around a center point

Speed

The rate of motion

Velocity

Speed measured in a given direction

Acceleration

The rate at which speed changes over time

Force

A push or pull exerted on an object

Energy

The capacity to perform work

Power

The rate at which work is performed

Voltage

The electric potential difference measured in $volts$

Current

The flow of electric charge through a conductor

Resistance

The opposition to the flow of electric current

Circuit

A closed path through which electric current flows

Switch

A device used to open or close an electric circuit

Fuse

A safety device that breaks a circuit during an overload

Wire

A thin metal conductor used to carry electricity

Conductor

A material, like copper, that allows electricity to flow through it

Insulator

A material, like rubber, that blocks the flow of electricity

Battery

A device that stores electrical energy

Generator

A machine that produces electricity for backup power

Transformer

A device used to change the voltage of electricity

Sensor

A device that detects changes in the environment, such as temperature

Actuator

A device that produces motion to move a part like a valve

Hydraulic

A system operated by the pressure of liquids

Pneumatic

A system operated by the pressure of compressed air

Compressor

A machine that compresses gas into a tank

Turbine

A rotary machine driven by the movement of fluid or steam

Boiler

A vessel used to heat water into high-pressure steam

Nozzle

A spout used to control the flow of fluid

Pipe

A rigid tube used for carrying fluids

Hose

A flexible tube used for transporting fluids

Fitting

A part used to connect pipes together

Leak

An unwanted escape of fluid from a system

Overheat

To become excessively hot under load

Cooling

The process of reducing temperature

Heating

The process of increasing temperature

Temperature

The degree of heat measured by an instrument

Thermometer

An instrument used to measure the degree of heat

Expansion

An increase in size caused by heat

Contraction

A decrease in size caused by cooling

Casting

Shaping metal by pouring it into a hollow mold

Mold

A hollow form used for shaping material

Forging

Shaping metal through the process of hammering

Machining

Giving a part its final shape using machine tools