Actual question: what is the formula for the deflection of an intermediately loaded simply supported beam from multiple point loads? Reason for the question so you can question my assumptions
(and know that I'm not doing homework):
I am building a swing-set, from pretty much standard swing set parts, but want to deviate from the standard dimensions a bit - in particular, I want to make the top beam in a single bay setup 1.75' longer than the usual 10'. I am doing this so I can hang a longer bench swing that would hold a couple of people, so this is more length supporting more load, and I want to calculate some things. More inside!
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posted by flaterik
on May 16, 2013 -
18 answers
Several teams of engineering students are giving presentations. The class will vote for the winning teams. What kind of prizes can I give?
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posted by dublin
on May 6, 2013 -
20 answers
I want to be a sound/audio engineer. I found a 9-month program in Audio Technology that's $24,000. Is this a good use of my time and money?
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posted by laswingkid
on Apr 29, 2013 -
23 answers
So I started a little maker-project,but I am new to all this and don't know the correct vocabulary to get what I need. What I need is a screw-nut with a little threaded hole in it's side so I can secure it with a little screw on the threaded rod I screw the srew-nut onto. It looks like
this. Bonus points if you can tell me the german word for it.
My second question is for a nice Forum where I can ask those beginners questions about mechanical problems. Maybe a nice Maker forum where all kinds of stuff like this and Arduino, 3D printing etc. question can be asked.
Thanks!
posted by SweetLiesOfBokonon
on Apr 25, 2013 -
8 answers
Looking for videos to create a youtube playlist to entertain a group of science-minded teenagers for about 30 min that are largely visual. Sound is fine but the bulk shouldn't be someone talking to the class like an instructor - visualizations are best - ideally they should look really, really cool. Class is engineering focused, but chemistry, robotics, wobbly bridges, comp-sci, biology, are all welcome.
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posted by The Whelk
on Mar 24, 2013 -
6 answers
What kind of academic path (from the undergraduate level and beyond) prepares one for developing or working on interesting, innovative projects like Steve Mann's EyeTap (or Google Glass), or other cool interdisciplinary digital projects (e.g. medical cybernetics, space elevators, wearable computing, smart home devices)?
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posted by mayurasana
on Feb 28, 2013 -
18 answers
You graduated from an environmental engineering program, bachelor's or master's degree in hand. What was your first degree-related job, and was it what you expected?
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posted by curious nu
on Feb 4, 2013 -
5 answers
What are the best resources and references for a novice interested in modern electrical engineering?
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posted by clearly
on Jan 26, 2013 -
13 answers
I'm looking for a purely online course for an introductory electrical engineering course from a legitimate certified institution for the purposes of transferring to my current institution.
posted by gzimmer
on Jan 22, 2013 -
2 answers
Years ago I saw a flickr set (I think) of the covers of a vintage series of books on science and engineering. Each cover (under the dust jacket) was a single color and featured a simple embossed diagram of the book's topic (e.g rockets, electricity & magnetism), with no text. They were gorgeous. Please help me find the series title!
posted by you're a kitty!
on Jan 6, 2013 -
6 answers
When I was learning to program I enjoyed reading popular computer science books like Godel Escher Bach in my downtime for motivation and inspiration. Can anyone suggest good popular electrical/electronics books that are similarly inspiring and are suitable to be followed along while on a train or before bed?
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posted by Joe Chip
on Jan 2, 2013 -
5 answers
Is it possible to break into the Engineering/Physics field with a B.S. in something completely different?
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posted by Peregrin5
on Nov 18, 2012 -
12 answers
Data sets, Aggs and Smushes, oh my! Can you help me (a designer) learn to wrangle data?
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posted by halseyaa
on Nov 9, 2012 -
5 answers
I can't find a Wikipedia page I saw a while back. It was about a sort of design error or cognitive bias whereby designers or engineers reject as irrelevant (or are unaware of) a relevant factor in the requirements of a design because it is outside of their field. It gave an example which was about designing and providing water supplies in Africa. There were known ways to prevent a certain disease in the water, but the engineers were not familiar with them, so the disease spread.
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94
on Oct 9, 2012 -
3 answers
I'd like science-, scientist-, or engineering-related book recommendations for a 9th grade student reading at a 6th-7th grade level.
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posted by Salvor Hardin
on Sep 27, 2012 -
9 answers
Does anyone know a good science/engineering resume editing service? Having trouble figuring out what to leave/chop.
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posted by Paper rabies
on Sep 19, 2012 -
3 answers
Asking for a friend: just out of college and looking for a job. I've gotten as far as I can through Googling and my personal network, but browsing through endless generic online job sites hasn't brought results. I can move anywhere, commit to any length of time, and don't much care about the pay. How do I narrow it down?
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posted by Pwoink
on Aug 18, 2012 -
6 answers
What does it take to be a genetic engineer? The sort that modify gene sequences to make organisms better suited for humanity. Is it possible to be a self taught genetic engineer with textbooks and home made lab equipment without endangering myself? I can spend 10-20 hrs a week on this endeavor. Going to college doesn't seem like a good idea due to my work schedule and because I already have an advanced degree and don't see the appeal.
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posted by savitarka
on Aug 17, 2012 -
26 answers
I want to know the minimum thickness for a steel bracket that attaches a table leg to a table top.
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posted by jewzilla
on Aug 7, 2012 -
9 answers
Where can I find more detailed technical information about the International Space Station? In particular, how the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) and various atmospheric control systems (like the Elektron system) function?
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posted by Narrative Priorities
on Jun 28, 2012 -
4 answers
Suggest me a rewarding and inspiring career side-step.
I desperately need to find a new job, but the obvious ones directly on my career path are just not working for me.
I'm looking for a more creative/design environment which will value my engineering skills and to which I can bring my unusual innovative experience.
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posted by BadMiker
on Jun 26, 2012 -
5 answers
Getting a 2nd Bachelor's in a European country "as a local" - no courses in English. Please share any and all of your experiences! More details inside.
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posted by Pieprz
on Jun 16, 2012 -
6 answers
Recent biochemistry graduate wants to change direction and pursue engineering, specifically aerospace (but I'd settle for mechanical) engineering. Is this possible? And if so, how the heck do I plan to get from here to there, hopefully without bankrupting myself? I'll take any advice I can get.
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posted by escapist53211
on May 23, 2012 -
4 answers
What ambient temperatures are safe for typical consumer electronic devices?
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posted by jon1270
on May 20, 2012 -
5 answers
I'm 24, I've been kicked out of college twice, and I want a degree that will be a good springboard for going into the guitar effects/amplification field. Also, a >$40k salary starting out would be nice. Is electrical engineering the right fit for what I'm looking for?
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posted by bumpjump
on Apr 27, 2012 -
30 answers
I'm an engineering student that's been applying for internships since the start of the year but with no offers. Can any MeFi members give me any advice on landing one and how to keep my motivation?
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posted by This Is Reality
on Apr 13, 2012 -
7 answers
Can anyone tell me the density of water at 200GPa (pressure) and 210deg Celsius. The volume of water in questions is 1,500,000L or 1.5km3 at 0GPa and 0degC.
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posted by Under the Sea
on Mar 18, 2012 -
12 answers
Australian civil engineer wanting to work over in france, and possibly stay - is there anyway this will work?
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posted by parryb
on Mar 10, 2012 -
5 answers
I've gotten my college picks down to Marquette University or Iowa State University. I can't decide where I want to go, several variables to consider...HELP!!!
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posted by NotSoSiniSter
on Mar 5, 2012 -
23 answers
Can you keep this old house from falling down -- or help me stop pointlessly worrying about nothing -- by helping me ask my licensed structural engineer this question the right way? (Long.)
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posted by slidell
on Feb 22, 2012 -
11 answers
Is there an online community or forum for engineers (or engineering grad students) who majored in humanities in college?
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posted by elucydate
on Jan 23, 2012 -
0 answers
Engineering master's degree: worth it in my special situation? I have an engineering BS, the MS would be in the same sort of engineering, and it would be free (sort of). I've been working in non-engineering academic research, but I want to get into industry R&D.
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posted by your mom's a sock puppet
on Jan 9, 2012 -
9 answers
Chemists, Engineers, Tinkerers, and Adhesion experts of MeFi: Is there some sticky substance I can put in these metal ball+plates joints that will do the opposite of lubricating them -- increasing the friction between the surfaces? This is for a slightly nicer (chrome) version of
this lamp that I just got (new in box) at a flea market.
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posted by amtho
on Jan 7, 2012 -
16 answers
Can you tell me about this large reservoir just east of Mexico City, apparently called Lago Nabor Carrillo?
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posted by brightghost
on Jan 6, 2012 -
1 answer
Is one field of engineering more suited to entrepreneurial endeavors? How does one become an entrepreneur in engineering or otherwise?
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posted by strekker
on Dec 24, 2011 -
8 answers
Weird art/design/engineering filter: I need help designing a small, self-contained unit that will make a beam of light "visible" by filling the unit with smoke.
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posted by Ms. Toad
on Dec 18, 2011 -
12 answers
I'm in my 3rd year of my mechanical engineering program and I hate it. I've dropped 30% in grades since my second year and now I'm tip-toeing failing/passing every class. I've gotten stomach ulcers and anxiety attacks as a result of the stress and I've started to just give up. I want to switch but I'm already sacked with 40k of loans. What should I do?
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posted by CreativeUsername
on Dec 18, 2011 -
30 answers
Should I just put in my two weeks or try to get a counter-offer from my current company? (or something else I haven't thought of?)
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posted by graphitix
on Dec 14, 2011 -
12 answers
UK Giftfilter: My mid-20s younger brother is currently teaching himself about workshop stuff and electrical & mechanical engineering. Help me find the perfect christmas gift for him on my minuscule budget! More detail? There's more inside...
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posted by Magnakai
on Dec 12, 2011 -
14 answers
Knowing full well I will be pilloried for this: We have a library at work (13,000 mostly-technical books and about 100 active periodical subscriptions, 200 users), but the 1 full-time librarian will retire in 2012 and a new hire is not going to happen ... What's next? (please read the questions inside)
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posted by whatzit
on Dec 8, 2011 -
12 answers
I have been in college for 4 years and still don't know what to do in life. How do I find out what I want in life?
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posted by Parh6512
on Nov 28, 2011 -
16 answers
Should I drop out of Engineering and change my major? I have Really bad transcript.
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posted by Parh6512
on Oct 19, 2011 -
18 answers
