Technology
Machines, materials and instruments: how the engineered world works, from bridges and batteries to microscopes.
Technology is applied science with consequences you can stand on, drive across or plug in. This shelf explains the engineered world: how machines convert effort into work, how materials get chosen for the jobs they hold, and how instruments extend our senses far past their factory settings.
The guides run from the monumental to the benchtop. Bridges and dams get their engineering explained, truss by truss; engines, pumps and turbines get taken apart in prose; and the instrument entries cover microscopes, sensors and measurement tools, including what each one can and cannot honestly tell you. Materials articles explain plastics, alloys and composites by their properties, which is the only way materials make sense.
Start with the featured guides above or browse the list for a specific machine, material or instrument. Where a topic touches trades work, the article explains the engineering and leaves the practice to licensed professionals, which is exactly where it belongs.
Technology
The Tragic Story of the Semipalatinsk Test Site Tugs at Your Soul
8 min read
Semipalatinsk, also known as “The Polygon”, was a nuclear testing site for the former Soviet Union. The site was actively used for a period of 20 years, during which multiple nuclear bombs were detonated.
The Actual Difference Between Surface and Underground Mining
4 min read
There are two ways to extract a mineral - by digging it up, or accessing it by tunnels. This pretty much sums up the comparison of surface vs. underground mining. But is it that simple? For a better understanding, ScienceStruck gives more differences between these two methods.
A Brief Introduction to the Types of Surface Mining Methods
4 min read
Surface mining is one of the most common and oldest ways of removing minerals from the Earth. ScienceStruck tells you what the various surface mining methods are, with the definition and facts of each.
8 Useful Applications of Fullerenes You’ll Be Surprised to Know
9 min read
Ever since the discovery of fullerenes, towards the end of the last century, a number of new findings about these molecules is afoot. With its unique chemical and physical properties, the applications and uses of these molecules may be infinite.
The Fundamental Difference Between Plastic and Elastic Deformation
3 min read
Deformation is a change in the shape of an object brought on by force or temperature. This ScienceStruck post tells you the difference between plastic and elastic deformation.
Here are the Types of Underground Mining and Their Applications
5 min read
The method to be used for underground mining depends on the concentration of ore, strength of the surrounding rock, and the various risks involved. ScienceStruck explains what these methods are, with the applications of each one.
Really Fascinating Information About Bascule Bridges
4 min read
Bascule bridges when compared with other types of movable bridges, are the most popular and commonly found.
22 Important Advantages and Disadvantages of a Cantilever Bridge
4 min read
Cantilever bridges have each pier supporting the weight of two horizontal beams in opposite directions. They are strong and reliable, but are quite heavy as well.
Startling Information About Warren Truss Bridges
5 min read
The Warren truss bridge is an extremely popular bridge design, and many examples of it can be found all across the world. In this article, we will look at some interesting information about this design, such as its history, working, pros and cons, and much more.
How is Polycarbonate Different from Acrylic Plastic?
5 min read
Taking on a new house project? Wondering what kinda plastic to use for your windows or light fixtures? Sciencestruck gives you a detailed account of polycarbonate plastics vs. acrylic plastics in order to help you make a choice between the two.
The Meaning of Surface Tension and its Practical Applications
4 min read
Surface tension is a physical phenomenon that we observe in our daily life. Raindrops take a spherical shape. ‘tears of wine’ are seen in a glass on pouring an alcoholic beverage in it, formation of spherical soap bubbles - all these are examples of surface tension.
What is Bakelite Plastic? An Overview of its Properties and Uses
3 min read
Ever wondered why the plastic Bakelite was used to make those bangles and chess pieces? It is because of the unique properties it possesses. Presented here are the properties and other uses of Bakelite you should know about.
A Simple Explanation of Seebeck Effect With its Applications
6 min read
The Seebeck effect in conductors and semiconductors has been explained vividly to give the reader a complete understanding. Learn how this effect has been applied to generate power, develop thermal sensors, and some advanced areas of its application.
The Working Principle, Types, And Applications of a Manometer
6 min read
A device used to measure the pressure at any point in a fluid, manometers are also used to measure the pressure of gas and air. This ScienceStruck article explains the working principle of a manometer, and provides a review of different types of manometers and their applications.
An In-depth Explanation of the Venturi Effect and its Applications
8 min read
Carburetors and paint guns function according to the Venturi effect. But, how does the Venturi effect work, do you wonder? Hang on, as ScienceStruck answers this question, along with explaining the applications of the Venturi effect.
Parabolic Mirror: Working, Principle, and Applications
7 min read
Parabolic mirrors are the practical application of the mathematical concept of a parabola to construct a reflective surface. One of the earliest forms of this type of mirror was the one used by Isaac Newton in the construction of reflecting telescopes. Learn more about the underlying principle of this structure and its varied applications through this ScienceStruck post.
Types of Polyamides and their Applications
4 min read
Polyamide finds applications in fields ranging from the clothing business to the automotive industry. They are used in making medical instruments, electrical appliances, and more. This ScienceStruck article tells you about the various types of polyamides and their uses.
LCR Meter Working Principle and Uses
4 min read
An LCR meter is used to measure the impedance of a circuit or a device. This ScienceStruck article explains the uses, types, and some parameters related to LCR meters.
Everything You Need to Know About LDPE Plastic
4 min read
Be it a food container or a soft drink bottle, plastic is an essential part of our lives. Most of the things we use incorporate plastic in one way or the other. LDPE is a thermoplastic built from monomer ethylene. ScienceStruck gives an in-depth information about LDPE.
How Does a Cable-stayed Bridge System Work?
6 min read
Designing bridges is one of the more challenging aspects of civil engineering. There are several different design techniques employed to span short, medium, and long distances. In this article, we take a look at one of the most popular bridge design systems of modern times - the cable-stayed bridge design system.
The Plastic Wars: Difference Between Thermoplastics and Thermosets
4 min read
The main difference between thermoplastics and thermosets is how they react to heat. But that’s not all. They differ in their properties, uses, and even related pros and cons. This ScienceStruck post tells you more...
Simple Machines: The Ever-reliable and Indispensable Wedge
5 min read
A wedge is a type of inclined plane, which is mainly used to cut an object into two pieces, or separate out portions of an object by applying some force to it. Wedges are a part of our everyday lives, and they are used in a myriad ways in activities like eating, carving, building machines, etc.
Light Microscope Vs. Electron Microscope: A Detailed Comparison
5 min read
Microscopes are a vital tool in laboratories. There are two major types of microscopes; the ones that use light, and the ones that use electrons. Here’s more about the differences between light microscopes and electron microscopes.
A Printable Chart of Welding Symbols With Their Meaning
4 min read
Most people have seen or are aware of welding. It is the process of joining two metal parts. However, owing to its extensive use, providing information about the type and size of the weld through symbols becomes essential. We, at ScienceStruck, have provided a comprehensive welding symbols chart that will help you communicate better with your welder or fabricator.
Advantages of Nanotechnology in Medicine
4 min read
There are many applications of nanotechnology in the field of medicine. It has been observed that this technology offers many advantages over ones that are currently used. The different benefits of nanomedicine are explained below...
Understanding What Lighthouses are and How They Work
4 min read
Have you ever come across huge towers on sea coasts with a rotating flashlight? Well, these huge structures are called lighthouses.
Working of an Infrared Thermometer
5 min read
Infrared thermometers are devices that measure infrared energy emitted by an object to measure its temperature. Scroll down to learn about the basic principle and the working of an infrared thermometer.
Static Vs. Rotary Phase Converters
3 min read
Phase converters are devices that aim at transforming a single phase power to three phase electricity. In this article, we discuss why rotary phase converters are preferred over static converters.
How Does a Rotary Phase Converter Work
4 min read
A rotary phase converter is a device that transforms a single phase power to a multi-phase electric power. This article explains how a rotary phase converter works.
Piston Pump Vs. Diaphragm Pump
4 min read
A pump is a device that is used to transfer fluids and gases using mechanical and physical actions. They have been in use for centuries, from the simple Egyptian ‘shadoof’, which was used in agriculture for irrigation, to the complex and technologically advanced pumps of today, which have their applications in diverse areas, from being used in submarines and even human implants.
Light Microscope
3 min read
Light microscope uses light as a medium to transmit an image to our eyes. They have been around for a long time, and have gone through various improvisations.
Simple Machines for Kids
3 min read
What are simple machines? In order to explain the concept to children, just build these machines. Not only are these easy to build, it makes it much easier to understand the foundation.
Sandblasting Media
2 min read
Confused about which type of sandblasting medium would be the best for your job? Read through the information presented below, to select the right type.
Working of a Fusible Plug
3 min read
One of the most important safety measures to prevent any mishap in the working of mechanical appliances is what is known as the fusible plug. More on this subject follows...
Dissecting Microscope Vs. Compound Microscope
2 min read
Microscopes are hailed as one of the greatest inventions of all time. These have helped us understand how things, and organisms work at a micro level all around us. Here’s a look at their two main types, the dissecting, and the compound microscope.
Infrared Thermometer Reviews
4 min read
Infrared thermometers have a variety of uses and functions. There are lot of infrared thermometers in the market under the names of different companies. To help you get the best product out of the numerous available in the market we are providing reviews of some of the best thermometer.
Types of Microscopes and their Uses
8 min read
For an aspiring microbiologist, it is very important to understand the types of microscopes and their uses. The following article will cover some information related to the kinds of microscopes and their uses that help one see specimens that are not visible by the naked eye.
An Artistic Take: The Most Popular Truss Bridges and Their Types
5 min read
The placement of the deck on the bridge is used to categorize the truss bridge types. Here are some examples of different truss bridges as per the category in which they fall.
How do Radar Guns Work
3 min read
A radar gun is an equipment that is used to measure the speed of moving objects. These radio transmitters and receivers function on the principle of Doppler effect.