Engineering Glossary
A comprehensive dictionary of technical terms for industrial mechanics, electrical engineering, and fluid dynamics.
AWG ELECTRICAL
American Wire Gauge. A standardized wire gauge system used predominantly in North America for the diameters of round, solid, nonferrous, electrically conducting wire. The higher the AWG number, the thinner the wire.
BHP MECHANICAL
Brake Horsepower. The measure of an engine's horsepower before the loss in power caused by the gearbox, alternator, differential, water pump, and other auxiliary components.
BTU THERMODYNAMICS
British Thermal Unit. A traditional unit of heat. It is defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. Widely used in HVAC systems.
Head Loss FLUID DYNAMICS
The reduction in the total head (pressure) of a fluid as it moves through a fluid system, typically caused by friction inside pipes and components like valves and elbows (commonly calculated using the Hazen-Williams or Darcy-Weisbach equations).
HVAC INDUSTRIAL
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. The technology of indoor and vehicular environmental comfort. Its goal is to provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality.
Power Factor (Cos φ) ELECTRICAL
The ratio of the working power (Active Power, kW) to the total power (Apparent Power, kVA) in an alternating current (AC) circuit. A low power factor indicates poor electrical efficiency and often leads to utility penalties.
Reactive Power (kVAR) ELECTRICAL
The portion of electricity that establishes and sustains the electric and magnetic fields of AC equipment (like motors and transformers). It does no actual work but is required for the system to function.
Torque MECHANICAL
A measure of the force that can cause an object to rotate about an axis. In industrial motors, it is the rotational force produced by the motor's shaft, usually measured in Newton-meters (Nm) or foot-pounds (ft-lbs).
Voltage Drop ELECTRICAL
The decrease of electrical potential (voltage) along the path of a current flowing in an electrical circuit, caused by the internal resistance of the conducting wires. Excessive voltage drop can cause equipment failure.