INTERNET RESOURCE

GUIDE
A Mechanical Engineering Guide for Students and
Professionals

Table of Contents
I.

Front Matter
1.1 Content/Scope

1.2 Audience/Purpose

1.3 Guide Assumptions

1.4 Guide Organization

1.5 Guide Tips 3

II.

Research Information
2.1 Catalog of U.S. Government Publications
2.2 Statistical Abstract of the United States 5

III.

IV.

Engineering Publications
3.1 Engineering International Journal

3.2 Engineering Case Studies Online

General Websites
4.1 Access Engineering

4.2 ASME Job Board Career Center

4.3 Animated Engines
4.4 Engineer Boards 11

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Front Matter
1.1
Contents/Scope
This guide contains information about a variety of fields within the
mechanical engineering discipline. The guide contains reliable resources for
conducting research and applying engineering principles within the
mechanical engineering field. The research resources consist of regularly
updated databases and indexes to ensure the information is correct and
current. The engineering publications section includes mechanical
engineering journals and case studies allowing users to stay up to date with
current events and discoveries in their industry. Finally, the general websites
section includes all other miscellaneous resources that would be beneficial to
a mechanical engineer. These resources include job search services,
engineering handbooks, engineering discussion boards, etc.

1.2
Audience/Purpose
The mechanical engineering Internet resource guide was created with the
targeted audience being Penn State mechanical engineering graduates who
are now in the work force and prospective Penn State mechanical
engineering students. Every resource listed in this guide has uses for both
engineers in the work force and future engineers in the classroom who are
pursuing their degree. The resources in this guide are intended to assist in
answering questions that may arise in many areas throughout different fields
and levels of mechanical engineering. The guide also is intended to provide
current and significant resources that can be used to conduct research in the
field.

1.3
Guide Assumptions
This guide was created with the assumption that the reader has taken an
interest in the field of mechanical engineering. The guide was also created
assuming individuals in their sophomore year of college or above would be

the primary users. However, a Penn State freshman might also find a few
things in the guide useful and looking into these resources early can help
familiarize the user for later in their careers. We assume the reader has a
basic understanding of computer and Internet functions. We also assume the
reader is a Penn State student or a graduate from Penn State. Other
individuals are encouraged to make use of the guide, however many of the
sources may require access to the Penn State online databases to open
certain online journals and indices.

1.4
Guide Organization
The organization of the guide features a descriptive table of contents that
allows the reader to find and access the resources they need quickly and
easily. The abstracts of each document are organized in a three paragraph
setup. The first paragraph describes what the resource is as well as the
content and scope of the resource. The user is able to read this paragraph
over to determine if the resource is relevant to their task at hand. The
second paragraph describes how the resource information is relevant to a
mechanical engineer in the work force. This paragraph tends to describe
more practical uses of the resource. Finally, the third paragraph describes
how the resource information is relevant to a current Penn State student
studying mechanical engineering. This paragraph tends to describe more
theoretical uses of the resource.

1.5
Guide Tips
This is a user-friendly guide that is most effectively used after first glancing
over the table of contents. Also make note of the tips at the end of each
abstract, which mentions ways to use the resource more effectively. Finally,
consider the paragraph structure of the abstracts when using the guide. If
you are an engineer in the work force you will want to focus on paragraphs
one and two, paragraph one describes the resource and paragraph two
describes how the resource is relevant to a practicing engineer. Conversely,
if you are an engineering student you will want to focus on paragraphs one
and three, because paragraph three describes how the resource is relevant
to a current engineering student.

2.1

Catalog of U.S. Government Publications

Government Database
Web Link:
http://catalog.gpo.gov/F
Abstract:
The Catalog of U.S. Government Publications is a tool used to search for both
historical and current federal publications. The database contains over
500,000 records generated since 1976 and has publications that date back
to the late 1800s. This resource is a user-friendly database that contains
direct links to online versions of most publications and a locate a library
feature to locate a nearby Federal Depository with access to the publication.
A professional Mechanical Engineer in the Petroleum and Natural Gas
industry may find this resource relevant to their work. For example, you can
search information regarding methane emissions and atmospheric
measurements simply by doing an advanced search using the keywords
methane and emissions. Dozens of publications are found using this
search criteria and information such as how to reduce methane emissions
and reasons for excess methane being dangerous becomes readily available.
Studies showing statistics of ways organizations have attempted to reduce
emissions and their successes/failures is available as well. This information
may be used to gather facts, statistics, and research to reference in
meetings or when presenting a report to a superior.
A Penn State mechanical engineering student may find this database useful
when researching background information for a lab or paper. This database is
comprised of dependable publications that could be used as citable sources
in papers or presentations.
~ Tips

The basic, advanced, and expert search options are useful to help
narrow search criteria to obtain desired information, or to expand
results if you are researching more of a broad scope.

Searches can also be narrowed down to specific formats such as maps,

congressional, or internet publications using the advanced search tab
and updating the limit search by section located after the first line
break.

Use quotation marks for phrase searching to further narrow your

search criteria. For example, international relations.

2.2

Statistical Abstract of the United States

Government database
Web link:
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/
Abstract:
The Statistical Abstract of the United States is a reference tool that offers
authoritative and comprehensive summaries of statistics on social, political,
and economic organization in the United States. The resource is typically
used as a convenient method of finding statistical references and as a guide
to sources containing supplemental information. The resource is able to
guide you to sources such as the Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics,
Bureau of Economic Analysis, and many other federal agencies. All statistical
abstracts can be viewed in excel, PDF format, or as a hard copy found in the
Penn State Pattee and Paterno Libraries.
Professional mechanical engineers in the manufacturing field for example,
may find it useful to browse the Manufactures tab located on the left hand
side of the homepage. A manager in the manufacturing industry may be
interested in researching excel tables of statistics regarding gross domestic
product by industry to get an idea of how their industry compares to others.
Tables are also available with employee wages by industry, state, experience
etc. to help department heads determine a competitive wage based on these
contributing factors. These tables can be found by selecting the Labor
Force, Employment, & Earnings tab also located on the left hand side of the
homepage.
A Penn State Mechanical Engineering student may find browsing these same
tables useful when deciding what industry they want to pursue upon
graduation. These tables could help give a mechanical engineering student
an idea of what specific industries are currently in demand and the salary
they could expect to make directly out of college.
~ Tips

The PDF version of the statistical abstracts tends to be easier to read

compared to the excel tables. Both the PDF and excel versions are
listed side by side once selecting any tab on the left hand side of the
homepage.

You can browse the tab QuickFacts to view a list of information

regarding general statistics on the state you chose. This tab is located
on the menu at the very bottom of the homepage.

3.1

Engineering International Journal

Professional Journal
Web link:
http://www.scirp.org/journal/eng/
Abstract:
The Engineering International Journal is a resource dedicated to the latest
advancements in the field of engineering. The goal is to provide a platform
for professional engineers and engineering students to promote, share, and
discuss various new developments in different engineering industries and
disciplines. The journal is dated from 2009 to present, meaning the
information is constantly being updated with cutting edge developments
throughout engineering industries.
A mechanical engineering professional may find this journal relevant as a
general information tool to continually stay on top of any advances in certain
industries. A mechanical engineer working in any industry will continually be
in contact with engineers of other disciplines (civil, electrical, etc.). Its
imperative that mechanical engineers are able to communicate effectively
with other disciplines of engineers, and this journal is a useful resource to
help highlight any new findings dealing with the mechanical discipline as well
as other disciplines. Also, information and technology regarding engineering
is continually evolving at a rapid pace and a successful engineer must
recognize new industry advancements and successes.
A Penn State Engineering student may find it useful to use this journal to
gain general knowledge of engineering industries as well. Students will find it
beneficial to familiarize themselves with articles within this resource.
Knowledge gained from these journals has the opportunity to be fantastic
conversational topics when communicating with company representatives at
campus career fairs or interviews.
~ Tips

The articles are sorted by date newest to oldest, however you are also
able to search keywords in the search bar in order to find an article
regarding a particular area of interest.

You can search journal submissions by most popular by choosing ENG

Most popular papers, the tab located on the right hand side of the
screen.

3.2

Engineering Case Studies Online

Periodical Index Literature
Web link:
http://search.alexanderstreet.com.ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/engv
Abstract:
Engineering Case Studies Online is a comprehensive index source for a wide
range of video and text material focusing on engineering failures and
successes. The index currently contains 50,000+ pages of quality
documentaries, accident reports, experiments, visualizations, case studies,
lectures, and interviews from leading engineering institutions worldwide.
A professional mechanical engineer in the work force may find this index
useful to research recent failures by companies in their respective industry.
For example, a mechanical engineer in the aerospace field might find it
useful to read the Boeing 787 battery failure article in 2013. The article
mentions why lithium-ion airplane batteries are attractive to airline
companies, however the article also brings up the fact that their reliability
has been in question after numerous failures throughout several companies.
A failure such as this magnifies the importance for companies to stay up to
date on safety matters in their respective industries and cognizant of any
new discoveries.
A Penn State mechanical engineering student may find this index useful to
search for lecture videos by professors from universities worldwide.
Engineering course material is often difficult, and online lecture can be
beneficial to clear up concepts when away from the classroom. For example,
a lecture on wave-particle duality is available and would be exceptionally
useful for a student enrolled in PHYS 214. PHYS 214 is required for
mechanical engineers at Penn State and many students tend to struggle with
the course and the wave-particle duality topic.
~ Tips

At the bottom of video lectures from professors, a transcript is provided

of what the professor is saying. You can follow along or go back and
look through the transcript if you prefer.

For best performance, Adobe Reader 8 is recommended in order to

view PDFs located throughout the resource.

4.1

Access Engineering
Internet Website
Web Link:
http://accessengineeringlibrary.com/
Availability:
Free trial; monthly subscription
Abstract:
Access Engineering is an engineering reference tool for professionals and
students, which provides access to a collection of the most-used and
regularly updated engineering reference materials. Access to engineering
handbooks, instructional videos, downloadable calculators, curriculum maps,
interactive tables and graphs, and global engineering news is available
through this resource. The information is relevant to professionals in their
field, instructors at engineering universities, and students studying
engineering.
A professional engineer in the work force may use this resource to locate
quick and effective reference material. For example, an engineer might need
to reference material in a specific engineering handbook to determine the
ultimate tensile strength of steel. The optimized search bar and interactive
tools enable engineers to locate this type of specific content in tables and
graphs that otherwise may be difficult to find. For example, if you choose the
mechanical discipline link it takes you to a list of 100+ books including
handbooks, specifications, data books, specific operations, etc. The
Mechanical link is located beneath the Browse Subjects heading on the
homepage. The engineer is then able to do a search of these materials
located within the link in order to complete his/her specific task.
A Penn State engineering student may find this useful when looking up
specifications of certain materials for homework problems in many EMCH and
ME courses. The curriculum maps would also be exceptionally relevant to an
engineering student to see the broad overview of their conceptually difficult
courses. For example, seeing concepts of a fluids course (ME 320) separated
into an easy to read concept map helps student to see the reason why
certain topics have significance and how they tie in to other concepts
throughout the course.
~ Tips

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A mobile version of this website is available for smart phones to assist

engineers working in the field who need a more convenient way to
access/reference the material

The search engine relies on Boolean operators, therefore using

quotation marks further narrows your search criteria

4.2

ASME Job Board Career Center

Internet Website
Web link:
http://jobboard.asme.org/
Abstract:
ASME Job Board Career Center is a website providing job position postings
and opportunities regarding the mechanical engineering discipline. This
resource posts many job opportunities from exceptional companies in the
field of engineering. Featured jobs are listed on the home page or you are
able to search jobs by title, category, location, etc. The resource also
provides lists of the companies hiring, the opportunities they are hiring for,
as well as salary reports based on a variety of factors.
This resource could be useful for a mechanical engineer already in the work
force looking for a new job or another opportunity to advance his/her career.
A mechanical engineer might also find it relevant to search the salary reports
based on job title, location, experience, etc. This information could be helpful
when searching for new jobs or when youre negotiating terms with a
potential employer.
This information may be relevant to mechanical engineering students
graduating from Penn State and looking to find a job in the real world.
Internship opportunities are also listed through this site for current Penn
State students who are interested in landing a summer job for valuable
engineering experience.
~ Tips

The advanced search option below the basic job search toolbar is a
valuable feature to use if you are looking for specific opportunities.

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4.3

Animated Engines
Internet Website
Web link:
http://www.animatedengines.com/
Abstract:
Animated engines is a specialized website providing animated images to
demonstrate how engines work. These animated images explain the inner
workings of a variety of steam, stirling, and internal combustion engines.
This website is well-defined with a welcome page listing pictures of dozens of
engines allowing you to select the one you are interested in. The resource
displays an animated image of each engine showing the basics of how it
operates. Background information on the engine type and the specific engine
components is listed also. The intake, compression, injection, power,
exhaust, and valve detail are listed and explained within each engine type,
for example a diesel engine.
A mechanical engineering professional may know the basics behind many
engines listed on this site, however this website is a great way to explain the
concept behind engines to unfamiliar individuals. For example, an engineer
in the automotive industry might have to explain an engine design concept
to an intern or a newly hired employee. Making sure that the individual
understands the basics first goes a long way in understanding the more
complicated components of engines.
A Penn State engineering student may use this site early on in their college
years to get an understanding behind a certain engine in a project they may
be working on. Penn State offers a formula SAE racecar design club, which is
involved with prototyping and designing a formula style racecar for
competition. The Animated Engines resource would be a great learning tool
for a student interested in getting involved with this club.
~ Tips

If interested in recreating these types of animations on your own a

detailed explanation and step-by-step process is described. The How
to link at the bottom of the page will direct you to a screen explaining
the in depth process of creating the animations.

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4.4

Engineer Boards
Internet Website
Web link:
http://engineerboards.com/
Availability:
Free with a one year membership option of $25.00
Abstract:
Engineer Board is an engineering forum where individuals focusing on the
Professional Engineering exam can come to prepare themselves. Many
Professional Engineering exam prep courses, websites, and books are
available to individuals preparing for the exam. However, this resource
allows you to receive assistance from first hand individuals who have either
taken the exam already or are also preparing to take it. Anything from first
hand tips regarding taking the exam to exact problems individuals have
struggled with can be found through this discussion board.
A mechanical engineer in the work force might find this useful if they have a
desire to take the PE exam to obtain their professional engineering license.
Becoming a professional engineer is in many cases important for individuals
who are looking to advance their careers. This discussion board is a helpful
way to supplement any other PE prep method a mechanical engineer might
use to prepare for the exam.
A Penn State mechanical engineering student may find this discussion board
useful if they plan to take the PE exam before they graduate. In many cases,
it might be easier for students to take the exam when they are used to
studying for exams regularly and the material is more fresh, rather than
waiting and taking the exam years after graduation. A student in their senior
year has utilized working and communicating with classmates by this point,
and this resource can help give students that same type of insight. An idea of
what to expect or what to focus on when studying for the PE exam may be
the key to success.
~ Tips

The one year non-mandatory membership option gives you access to

features such as increased gallery space, private messages, the
advanced search option, etc.