In the first part of our basic glossary of engineering design, we explored some terms essential to navigate this exciting discipline. Today we bring you the second part of this selection of useful terms.
Proof of Concept
Also known as proof of principle, this is a rough model made to test if an idea is feasible. While the aim of a proof is to test a single aspect of a project, a prototype incorporates several aspects in a fully-functioning model
Scope
The range of an activity or operation. In engineering design, this project management term is used often in two separate ways.
- Product scope: the features of a finished product.
- Project scope: the necessary work to complete a project.
Schematic Diagram
A graphic representation of the elements of a system using abstract symbols instead of realistic images or pictures. An everyday life example of a schematic diagram is the graphics that show the lines and stations of a subway system. In that case, you don’t see pictures of the trains and the actual stations, but just lines and symbols that make it easy for users to make sense of the system.
Scale
The proportion between the actual size of an object and its graphic representation on a drawing. Scale is usually expressed using two numbers that represent the relation between a drawing and its real-life counterpart. For example, in a drawing with a scale 1:10, every object with a size of 1 has a size of 10 in real life; every object with a size of 2 has an actual size of 20, and so on and so forth.
Learn More About Engineering Design
Engineering design is an exciting field with myriad real-life applications. For example, these are some previous posts you can read to learn more about this fascinating topic.
- What is engineering design?
- Engineering design for children: 5 useful benefits
- What is the engineering design process?
- The amazing history behind Roman bridges
- What is Portland Cement?
- What is tilt-up construction?
- The Golden Gate, a photogenic marvel of engineering
Darnell Technical Services is an engineering design firm with extensive experience in a vas array of projects.
Our headquarters are located in Santa Ana, California, and we have an office in Las Vegas, Nevada. Contact us today by telephone (714-285-0082 (CA), 702-945-2899 (NV)) or through our social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to learn more about all the technical instruments and materials we put at your disposal.
