Adam, Brian, Carmen, and Jeff discuss the importance of accurately estimating time and budget as a practicing engineer. Brian frequently makes estimates as part of his professional duties. Detrimental effects of our anchoring bias are noted by Jeff. We reference lecture notes from Francine Warner of Kennesaw State University in this episode. In making estimates, … Continue reading Episode 139 — Estimation →

Adam, Brian, Carmen, and Jeff discuss the importance of accurately estimating time and budget as a practicing engineer. Brian frequently makes estimates as part of his professional duties. Detrimental effects of our anchoring bias are noted by Jeff. We reference lecture notes from Francine Warner of Kennesaw State University in this episode. In making estimates, … <a href="https://theengineeringcommons.com/episode-139-estimation/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Continue reading Episode 139 — Estimation →</a>

Episode 139 — Estimation

We catch up with Sam Feller (who previously joined us in Episode 70), discussing his interests, projects, and latest entrepreneurial ventures. Having left industry to pursue an academic career, Jeff isn’t chomping at the bit to move back into the entrepreneurial world. Our guest for this episode is Sam Feller, a mechanical engineer who may … Continue reading Episode 138 — Still Awkward →

We catch up with Sam Feller (who previously joined us in Episode 70), discussing his interests, projects, and latest entrepreneurial ventures. Having left industry to pursue an academic career, Jeff isn’t chomping at the bit to move back into the entrepreneurial world. Our guest for this episode is Sam Feller, a mechanical engineer who may … <a href="https://theengineeringcommons.com/episode-138-still-awkward/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Continue reading Episode 138 — Still Awkward →</a>

Episode 138 — Still Awkward

In an episode that was recorded in early October, Adam, Carmen, and Jeff reflect on their summer activities, and on plans for the remaining months of 2017. Carmen spent a lot of his summer traveling, both domestically and internationally. Although he spends a good deal of time dealing with marketing people, Carmen claims that he’s … Continue reading Episode 137 — Late Summer →

In an episode that was recorded in early October, Adam, Carmen, and Jeff reflect on their summer activities, and on plans for the remaining months of 2017. Carmen spent a lot of his summer traveling, both domestically and internationally. Although he spends a good deal of time dealing with marketing people, Carmen claims that he’s … <a href="https://theengineeringcommons.com/episode-137-late-summer/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Continue reading Episode 137 — Late Summer →</a>

Episode 137 — Late Summer

Circle

Adam, Brian, Carmen, and Jeff consider the boundaries of one’s own competence in this episode of The Engineering Commons. Competencies seem to be driven by past failures, notes Brian. For learning about “magical potions” developed with “unicorn science” (chemical engineering), Brian recommends the NurdRage channel on YouTube. Brian takes a cruel pleasure in seeing Mehdi … Continue reading Episode 136 — Circle of Competence →

Adam, Brian, Carmen, and Jeff consider the boundaries of one’s own competence in this episode of The Engineering Commons. Competencies seem to be driven by past failures, notes Brian. For learning about “magical potions” developed with “unicorn science” (chemical engineering), Brian recommends the NurdRage channel on YouTube. Brian takes a cruel pleasure in seeing Mehdi … <a href="https://theengineeringcommons.com/episode-136-circle-of-competence/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Continue reading Episode 136 — Circle of Competence →</a>

Episode 136 — Circle of Competence

In this episode of The Engineering Commons, the gang discusses tailoring a presentation to meet the needs and interests of your intended audience. Adam’s favorite form of communication is an old-fashioned face-to-face conversation. The data throughput of smoke signals is a bit too slow for Carmen’s needs. Jeff suggests flag semaphore as an alternative means … Continue reading Episode 135 — Target Audience →

In this episode of The Engineering Commons, the gang discusses tailoring a presentation to meet the needs and interests of your intended audience. Adam’s favorite form of communication is an old-fashioned face-to-face conversation. The data throughput of smoke signals is a bit too slow for Carmen’s needs. Jeff suggests flag semaphore as an alternative means … <a href="https://theengineeringcommons.com/episode-135-target-audience/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Continue reading Episode 135 — Target Audience →</a>

Episode 135 — Target Audience

Adam, Carmen and Jeff discuss how engineering might change by the year 2040 in this episode of The Engineering Commons. Adam hopes to move a little higher into middle management over the next decade… unless he wins the lottery and can immediately proceed to retirement! We begin by looking back 23 years, to what engineering … Continue reading Episode 134 — Twenty Forty →

Adam, Carmen and Jeff discuss how engineering might change by the year 2040 in this episode of The Engineering Commons. Adam hopes to move a little higher into middle management over the next decade… unless he wins the lottery and can immediately proceed to retirement! We begin by looking back 23 years, to what engineering … <a href="https://theengineeringcommons.com/episode-134-twenty-forty/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Continue reading Episode 134 — Twenty Forty →</a>

Episode 134 — Twenty Forty

This episode finds the gang discussing engineering projects that went awry, but did not result in the loss of human life. While map makers include trap streets to catch copyright violators, Adam reassures us he’s never been asked to physically construct such a street. It seems that mapping software sometimes makes traffic worse. At the … Continue reading Episode 133 — Embarrassed Engineer →

This episode finds the gang discussing engineering projects that went awry, but did not result in the loss of human life. While map makers include trap streets to catch copyright violators, Adam reassures us he’s never been asked to physically construct such a street. It seems that mapping software sometimes makes traffic worse. At the … <a href="https://theengineeringcommons.com/episode-133-embarrassed-engineer/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Continue reading Episode 133 — Embarrassed Engineer →</a>

Episode 133 — Embarrassed Engineer

We discuss the case of an Oregon man fined for “practicing engineering without a license” in this episode of The Engineering Commons. Both Jeff and Adam have attended a few plays authored by William Shakespeare. A line from Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet is often used to assert that names do not change what something … Continue reading Episode 132 — By Any Other Name →

We discuss the case of an Oregon man fined for “practicing engineering without a license” in this episode of The Engineering Commons. Both Jeff and Adam have attended a few plays authored by William Shakespeare. A line from Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet is often used to assert that names do not change what something … <a href="https://theengineeringcommons.com/episode-132-by-any-other-name/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Continue reading Episode 132 — By Any Other Name →</a>

Episode 132 — By Any Other Name

Chris Gammell returns to The Engineering Commons to discuss how his views on engineering education (and the engineering profession) have evolved over the past five years. Jeff is coming to appreciate that learning is a social event. Massively open online courses (MOOCs) were once thought to be the next “big thing” in education. Our guest … Continue reading Episode 131 — Five Years →

Chris Gammell returns to The Engineering Commons to discuss how his views on engineering education (and the engineering profession) have evolved over the past five years. Jeff is coming to appreciate that learning is a social event. Massively open online courses (MOOCs) were once thought to be the next “big thing” in education. Our guest … <a href="https://theengineeringcommons.com/episode-131-five-years/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Continue reading Episode 131 — Five Years →</a>

Episode 131 — Five Years

In this episode of The Engineering Commons, we discuss an electromechanical component commonly used to achieve physical motion; the ubiquitous direct-current (DC) motor. Carmen admits to getting turned on by electricity… and sugar! Although differences between engines and motors can be argued, at least one definition claims that an engine converts chemical energy to mechanical … Continue reading Episode 130 — DC Motors →

In this episode of The Engineering Commons, we discuss an electromechanical component commonly used to achieve physical motion; the ubiquitous direct-current (DC) motor. Carmen admits to getting turned on by electricity… and sugar! Although differences between engines and motors can be argued, at least one definition claims that an engine converts chemical energy to mechanical … <a href="https://theengineeringcommons.com/episode-130-dc-motors/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Continue reading Episode 130 — DC Motors →</a>

Episode 130 — DC Motors

Practical insights for the engineering crowd

I’m an Engineering Tech, formerly a Field Service Tech, and a plumber by trade.  This podcast is so relatable.  New up and coming techs and engineers should be listening to this.

Relatable

Knowledgeable guests plus guys who are great at asking questions

Great podcast

The Engineering Commons Podcast

Electrical engineer James Lewis stops by to share his insights on the surprisingly complex world of capacitors. Carmen introduces the show as covering “passives.” This refers to passive electrical devices that have no control over voltage, current, or signal gain. Our guest for this episode is electrical engineer James Lewis, a Marketing Director for capacitor … Continue reading Episode 93 — Capacitors →

Electrical engineer James Lewis stops by to share his insights on the surprisingly complex world of capacitors. Carmen introduces the show as covering “passives.” This refers to passive electrical devices that have no control over voltage, current, or signal gain. Our guest for this episode is electrical engineer James Lewis, a Marketing Director for capacitor … <a href="https://theengineeringcommons.com/episode-93-capacitors/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Continue reading Episode 93 — Capacitors →</a>

Episode 93 — Capacitors

This episode of The Engineering Commons finds Adam, Brian and Jeff talking about steel, the most common of engineering metals. Jeff and Brian consider whether comic book hero Superman should have been called the “Man of Osmium,” or the “Man of Molybdenum,” rather than the “Man of Steel.” Steel is not an element one can … Continue reading Episode 107 — Steel →

This episode of The Engineering Commons finds Adam, Brian and Jeff talking about steel, the most common of engineering metals. Jeff and Brian consider whether comic book hero Superman should have been called the “Man of Osmium,” or the “Man of Molybdenum,” rather than the “Man of Steel.” Steel is not an element one can … <a href="https://theengineeringcommons.com/episode-107-steel/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Continue reading Episode 107 — Steel →</a>

Episode 107 — Steel

We discuss some of the considerations that go into choosing a threaded fastener in this episode of The Engineering Commons podcast. It can be more complicated than you might think! Carmen has a tendency to make up words every now and then; this leads to quizzical reactions from his co-workers. For many years, Jeff has … Continue reading Episode 66 — Nuts and Bolts →

We discuss some of the considerations that go into choosing a threaded fastener in this episode of The Engineering Commons podcast. It can be more complicated than you might think! Carmen has a tendency to make up words every now and then; this leads to quizzical reactions from his co-workers. For many years, Jeff has … <a href="https://theengineeringcommons.com/episode-66-nuts-and-bolts/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Continue reading Episode 66 — Nuts and Bolts →</a>

Episode 66 — Nuts and Bolts

Aeronautical engineer Clay Coons explains the most common types of engines, and why each type is optimal in certain applications. Antidisestablishmentarianism is the longest non-technical word in the English language. “Suck, squeeze, bang, blow” is a mnemonic phrase for remembering the stages for a 4-stroke engine. For engineers not dealing with computers or software, an … Continue reading Episode 55 — Engines →

Aeronautical engineer Clay Coons explains the most common types of engines, and why each type is optimal in certain applications. Antidisestablishmentarianism is the longest non-technical word in the English language. “Suck, squeeze, bang, blow” is a mnemonic phrase for remembering the stages for a 4-stroke engine. For engineers not dealing with computers or software, an … <a href="https://theengineeringcommons.com/episode-55-engines/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Continue reading Episode 55 — Engines →</a>

Episode 55 — Engines

Guest Erica Lee Garcia explains the role of process improvement tools such as Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and Statistical Process Control in this episode of The Engineering Commons podcast. Although process improvement tools are widely used in manufacturing, not all engineers are familiar with their usage. Our guest is Erica Lee Garcia, a Professional Engineer … Continue reading Episode 42 — Six Sigma →

Guest Erica Lee Garcia explains the role of process improvement tools such as Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and Statistical Process Control in this episode of The Engineering Commons podcast. Although process improvement tools are widely used in manufacturing, not all engineers are familiar with their usage. Our guest is Erica Lee Garcia, a Professional Engineer … <a href="https://theengineeringcommons.com/episode-42-six-sigma/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Continue reading Episode 42 — Six Sigma →</a>

Episode 42 — Six Sigma

The gang discusses how one acquires the skills most frequently used by engineering professionals. Brian knows that parliamentary procedures are described in Robert’s Rules of Order, but he has not had to use such procedures in the course of his engineering career. A quorum is the minimum number of voting members from a deliberative group … Continue reading Episode 124 — Mad Skillz →

The gang discusses how one acquires the skills most frequently used by engineering professionals. Brian knows that parliamentary procedures are described in Robert’s Rules of Order, but he has not had to use such procedures in the course of his engineering career. A quorum is the minimum number of voting members from a deliberative group … <a href="https://theengineeringcommons.com/episode-124-mad-skillz/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Continue reading Episode 124 — Mad Skillz →</a>

Episode 124 — Mad Skillz

Aeronautical engineer Clay Coons joins us to discuss the many applications of diesel engines. Adam’s Kubota BX tractor is powered by a 23 HP diesel engine. During his high school years, Jeff learned that gasoline (petrol) engines don’t run too well on diesel fuel. Ska Punk music often features horns, as evidenced on a song … Continue reading Episode 126 — Diesel Power →

Aeronautical engineer Clay Coons joins us to discuss the many applications of diesel engines. Adam’s Kubota BX tractor is powered by a 23 HP diesel engine. During his high school years, Jeff learned that gasoline (petrol) engines don’t run too well on diesel fuel. Ska Punk music often features horns, as evidenced on a song … <a href="https://theengineeringcommons.com/episode-126-diesel-power/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Continue reading Episode 126 — Diesel Power →</a>

Episode 126 — Diesel Power

Carmen and Jeff discuss mechanical bearings in this episode of The Engineering Commons podcast. Carmen has a pretty good sense of his navigational bearing, but is less knowledgeable about mechanical bearings. U.S. interstate highways are numbered with even numbered roads going primarily east-west, and odd numbered roads passing mostly north-south. Differences between skateboards and longboards … Continue reading Episode 115 — Bearings →

Carmen and Jeff discuss mechanical bearings in this episode of The Engineering Commons podcast. Carmen has a pretty good sense of his navigational bearing, but is less knowledgeable about mechanical bearings. U.S. interstate highways are numbered with even numbered roads going primarily east-west, and odd numbered roads passing mostly north-south. Differences between skateboards and longboards … <a href="https://theengineeringcommons.com/episode-115-bearings/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Continue reading Episode 115 — Bearings →</a>

Episode 115 — Bearings

In this episode of The Engineering Commons, we discuss the lessons we learned during our first two or three years of working as engineering professionals. Adam considers himself a fast learner, although he finds that pain occasionally increases the rapidity of his learning. In this episode, Adam, Brian, Carmen, and Jeff discuss lessons learned early … Continue reading Episode 89 — Early Lessons →

In this episode of The Engineering Commons, we discuss the lessons we learned during our first two or three years of working as engineering professionals. Adam considers himself a fast learner, although he finds that pain occasionally increases the rapidity of his learning. In this episode, Adam, Brian, Carmen, and Jeff discuss lessons learned early … <a href="https://theengineeringcommons.com/episode-89-early-lessons/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Continue reading Episode 89 — Early Lessons →</a>

Episode 89 — Early Lessons

Michael Lachman, who started his career as an aerospace engineer, leads us through the pros and cons of following up an engineering degree with an MBA. Adam doesn’t have much interest in business, so he doesn’t think he’s a likely candidate to pursue an MBA (Master of Business Administration) degree. Our guest for this episode … Continue reading Episode 63 — Engineering MBA →

Michael Lachman, who started his career as an aerospace engineer, leads us through the pros and cons of following up an engineering degree with an MBA. Adam doesn’t have much interest in business, so he doesn’t think he’s a likely candidate to pursue an MBA (Master of Business Administration) degree. Our guest for this episode … <a href="https://theengineeringcommons.com/episode-63-engineering-mba/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Continue reading Episode 63 — Engineering MBA →</a>

Episode 63 — Engineering MBA

Adam, Brian and Jeff discuss the electrical grid in this episode of The Engineering Commons. The difference engine, conceived of by J. H. Müller in 1786, and designed by Charles Babbage in the 1820s, is often considered the world’s first computer. Brian notes that electric furnaces are increasingly used in steel production. Adam and Brian … Continue reading Episode 116 — The Grid →

Adam, Brian and Jeff discuss the electrical grid in this episode of The Engineering Commons. The difference engine, conceived of by J. H. Müller in 1786, and designed by Charles Babbage in the 1820s, is often considered the world’s first computer. Brian notes that electric furnaces are increasingly used in steel production. Adam and Brian … <a href="https://theengineeringcommons.com/episode-116-the-grid/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Continue reading Episode 116 — The Grid →</a>

Episode 116 — The Grid

In this episode of The Engineering Commons, we discuss engineering skills and duties learned in the workplace, rather than from a textbook. Brian tells young engineers that an engineering degree is a “learner’s permit.” Once in the workplace, engineers have to teach themselves to solve an entirely new class of problems. A gold-fish shaped retention … Continue reading Episode 57 — What Engineers Do →

In this episode of The Engineering Commons, we discuss engineering skills and duties learned in the workplace, rather than from a textbook. Brian tells young engineers that an engineering degree is a “learner’s permit.” Once in the workplace, engineers have to teach themselves to solve an entirely new class of problems. A gold-fish shaped retention … <a href="https://theengineeringcommons.com/episode-57-what-engineers-do/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Continue reading Episode 57 — What Engineers Do →</a>

Episode 57 — What Engineers Do

Adam, Brian, Carmen and Jeff discuss tools they use for utility and enjoyment at home, where the cost-to-quality evaluation is slightly different than in the workplace. Jeff’s collection of tools is rather ancient, as suggested by his 35 year old corded Craftsman drill, and his 20 year old cordless Mikata drill with rapidly fading batteries. … Continue reading Episode 92 — Garage Gear →

Adam, Brian, Carmen and Jeff discuss tools they use for utility and enjoyment at home, where the cost-to-quality evaluation is slightly different than in the workplace. Jeff’s collection of tools is rather ancient, as suggested by his 35 year old corded Craftsman drill, and his 20 year old cordless Mikata drill with rapidly fading batteries. … <a href="https://theengineeringcommons.com/episode-92-garage-gear/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Continue reading Episode 92 — Garage Gear →</a>

Episode 92 — Garage Gear

We discuss the pros and cons of returning to school for an advanced engineering degree in this episode of The Engineering Commons podcast. After knocking over a beer, Brian asks about the “industry exemption” for engineers. As a point of reference, Jeff has a PhD, an MBA, and an MS in Mechanical Engineering. Adam has … Continue reading Episode 78 — Grad School →

We discuss the pros and cons of returning to school for an advanced engineering degree in this episode of The Engineering Commons podcast. After knocking over a beer, Brian asks about the “industry exemption” for engineers. As a point of reference, Jeff has a PhD, an MBA, and an MS in Mechanical Engineering. Adam has … <a href="https://theengineeringcommons.com/episode-78-grad-school/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Continue reading Episode 78 — Grad School →</a>

Episode 78 — Grad School

Our conversation with mechanical engineer Jim Heilman delves into exciting advances being made with plastic materials, the types of molding equipment used to manufacture high-volume plastic parts, and whether or not the movie industry can be trusted to provide good career advice. Dustin Hoffman appeared in his first staring role as twenty-year old Benjamin Braddock … Continue reading Episode 81 — Plastics →

Our conversation with mechanical engineer Jim Heilman delves into exciting advances being made with plastic materials, the types of molding equipment used to manufacture high-volume plastic parts, and whether or not the movie industry can be trusted to provide good career advice. Dustin Hoffman appeared in his first staring role as twenty-year old Benjamin Braddock … <a href="https://theengineeringcommons.com/episode-81-plastics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Continue reading Episode 81 — Plastics →</a>

Episode 81 — Plastics

Founding co-host Chris Gammell returns to The Engineering Commons to talk about the importance of interdisciplinary skills with Adam, Carmen and Jeff. Knowledge of heat transfer is useful in circuit design, acknowledges Carmen. As part of a required engineering class, sixteen Harvard students designed a smoker for cooking the “perfect” beef brisket. Chris’ educational site, … Continue reading Episode 100 — Interdisciplinary Skills →

Founding co-host Chris Gammell returns to The Engineering Commons to talk about the importance of interdisciplinary skills with Adam, Carmen and Jeff. Knowledge of heat transfer is useful in circuit design, acknowledges Carmen. As part of a required engineering class, sixteen Harvard students designed a smoker for cooking the “perfect” beef brisket. Chris’ educational site, … <a href="https://theengineeringcommons.com/episode-100-interdisciplinary-skills/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Continue reading Episode 100 — Interdisciplinary Skills →</a>

Episode 100 — Interdisciplinary Skills

Chris Welch joins Adam, Brian, Carmen, and Jeff to talk about the field of chemical engineering. Jeff believes in unicorns, even though he’s never seen one! From his childhood, Jeff recalls watching a DuPont film about “Better Living Through Chemistry.” Our guest for this episode is Chris Welch, a chemical engineer from New Brunswick, Canada, … Continue reading Episode 113 — Chemical Engineering →

Chris Welch joins Adam, Brian, Carmen, and Jeff to talk about the field of chemical engineering. Jeff believes in unicorns, even though he’s never seen one! From his childhood, Jeff recalls watching a DuPont film about “Better Living Through Chemistry.” Our guest for this episode is Chris Welch, a chemical engineer from New Brunswick, Canada, … <a href="https://theengineeringcommons.com/episode-113-chemical-engineering/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Continue reading Episode 113 — Chemical Engineering →</a>

Episode 113 — Chemical Engineering

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