The top plate in wood frame construction provides support to the joists, rafters, and roof beams. Improperly seasoned wood, rot, insects, and mold can cause structural problems. Regular inspections and using seasoned wood can prevent issues. Structural engineers can identify problems during inspections. In wood frame construction, the top plate is the horizontal framing that […]
Project change management minimizes the impact of design changes on meeting project deadlines. A predetermined plan handles changes systematically, evaluating their impact and implementing them if they add value and don’t require major modifications. Key stakeholders approve change orders, and unnecessary changes are resolved later. Project change management is a process that allows teams to […]
The Kort nozzle is a ducted propeller design that improves thrust efficiency at lower speeds, allowing for smaller propellers and power plants. It was developed from the intubated propeller design of Italian engineer Luigi Stipa and perfected by German inventor Ludwig Kort in 1934. The inner surface of the casing must be contoured like an […]
Stockholm tar, a high-quality pine tar, is used for outdoor furniture and ropes. It’s made by burning pine in kilns, and was originally used for shipbuilding. Stockholm tar is recommended for waterproofing and is also used in baseball and veterinary medicine. Stockholm tar is a particularly high quality pine tar which is used among mariners […]
Polystyrene insulation is a waterproof, long-lasting material commonly used in residential and commercial settings. Two types are used for insulation: expanded and extruded polystyrene. Extruded polystyrene is a superior choice due to its smooth surface and ability to be shaped into stackable panels or blocks. It can be expensive but can save money on heating […]
Directional gyros are used in aircraft cockpits to indicate direction of travel, as magnetic compasses can be inaccurate during flight. Gyroscopes maintain orientation, and the need for periodic correction is greater near the poles. Sophisticated aircraft use electronic slave gyros. Gyroscopes also work in space. A directional gyroscope, with the word gyroscope meaning gyroscope, is […]
Desulfurization removes sulfur to prevent contamination and reduce emissions. Natural gas is desulfurized through adsorption, while flue gas is treated with scrubbers. Coal desulfurization is achieved through separation by density, flotation, or magnetic susceptibility. Oil desulfurization uses activated carbon filters or microbial desulfurization. Desulfurization is the process of removing sulfur from something to prevent contamination. […]
The Fisher effect is a theory that states that when inflation rises, interest rates will also rise by the same amount. Irving Fisher, an economist, developed this theory and became well-known for it. The International Fisher effect allows economists to compare the currencies of two countries based on interest rates. However, some economists do not […]
The P-38 Lightning was a versatile fighter aircraft used in World War II, credited with revolutionizing the US Air Force. It had a distinctive appearance with twin engines and was used for ground bombardment, reconnaissance, and escort duty. The aircraft quickly became obsolete with the advent of the jet age, but replicas are still in […]
Barley baby cereal is a good alternative to rice cereal for babies starting solid foods. It is easily digested and can be bought prepackaged or made at home. It can be mixed with milk or other pureed baby food and can be served hot or cold. Barley baby cereal is a single grain cereal that […]
Raw sewage is untreated liquid waste from homes, businesses, and industrial processes that can contain harmful pathogens and contaminants. It can cause illnesses like gastroenteritis, Weil’s disease, and occupational asthma. Exposure is possible for those in certain occupations or due to malfunctions in sewage systems. Raw sewage is wastewater that has not been treated. It […]
A socket screwdriver is a hand tool designed for removing nuts and bolts, with a handle, shaft, and socket head area. They come in various sizes and can be used on hard-to-reach bolts. Magnetic socket drivers are designed for metal nuts in difficult areas. Socket drivers can also be used for light electronic equipment and […]
An electrical room houses a building’s electrical equipment and is usually located in an industrial or residential building. The size of the room depends on the size of the building and it must meet safety codes. The room contains circuit breaker or fuse boxes controlled by switches and should be well-lit. Breaker boxes have different […]
Elastography is a non-invasive imaging procedure similar to ultrasound that can distinguish between malignant tumors and normal body tissue. It has been used since the 1990s to detect cancerous tumors and can be done as an outpatient procedure in less than an hour. Elastography has the potential to diagnose other conditions and make biopsies and […]
A stepped pulley system consists of two to four pulleys that can change operating speeds by changing the belt to a different pulley size. They can be cast or forged from billet material and can use V-belts or flat belts. Adjusting the speed is easy by opening the belt cover and changing the pulley system. […]
Carrot cake is commonly topped with cream cheese frosting, which can be flavored with nuts, yogurt, lemon, white chocolate, maple syrup, or pineapple. The traditional recipe mixes cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla, while a diabetic version uses light cream cheese and unsweetened fruit juice. Other variations include almond extract, orange zest, coconut, and […]
A crane beam is a preformed metal beam on which the crab or lifting head of a mobile overhead crane slides. It can feature different crane girder layouts such as single girders, double girders or bridge girders. Crane beams are subjected to severe stresses during hoisting operations and require regular inspection and maintenance. Crane girders […]
Corporate visual identity is the combination of graphics, type, color, and slogan that forms the public face of a corporation, making it recognizable. It includes the company’s culture, personality, and philosophy, and is protected as intellectual property. Corporate visual identity is the combination of graphics, type, color and slogan that forms the public face of […]
Wagon axles connect wheels to the wagon and are dead axles. Bearings are used to attach the axle to the wagon, and collars secure the wheel to the axle. Wheelsets have a design problem, but advanced wagon designs allow for independent wheel rotation. A wagon axle is an axle with which one or two of […]
Metalworking recycles scrap metal into new products. The industry covers sheet metal, steel, and noble metal working. Some centers buy metal from the public at a fraction of the spot price. Metal processors may specialize in specific metals and work with vendors to offer premium prices. Large metalworking centers buy partially worked metal from small […]
