CHAPTER - 1

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History of mechanical engineering dates back to 8000 years. Before 6000 BCE,
first findings of canones (boats) are found in Egyptian rocks. In 4000 BCE, the first
depiction of four wheeled vehicle with two axles are found in southern Poland.

In 3300 BCE, the first depiction of sailing ship using cloth sails found in
Egyptian painting. In 3000 BCE, potter’s wheel was invented and was portrayed in
Ancient Egyptian pottery. In 650 BCE, horizontal wind mills were use in Iran and
Afghanistan. In 644 BCE, a wind power machine was developed by Persians.

In 62 BCE, an aeropile a simple steam engine was invented by Hero of

Alexandria.

In 1010, first human flight, Brother Elmer (a monk at Malmosbury Abbey)

created a glider from wood and either linen (fabric from flax fibre) or parchment
(animal skins). Glider flied 200 metres and crashed. The both legs of Brother Elmer
were broken.

In 1185, the recorded use of wind mill was found in Yorkshire, England. In
1326, a hand gun was invented.

In 1440, the modern printing press was invented by Johannes Gensfleisch

Gutenberg in Germany and sparked the printing revolution.

In 1493, Leonardo da vinci, conceived flying machines, creating over 100

sketches to illustrate his ideas including ornithopter and aerial screw in Italy.

In 1578, a mathematician and hotel keeper William Boume designed an

underwater submarine covered in water proof leather. In 1589, a British inventor,
William Lee, invented a knitting machine which was made of wood, which leads to
the industrial production of knit textiles.
1.2 Introduction to Mechanical Engineering

In 1624, Cornelis Drebhel, a ducth inventor built first submarine for king James
I of England, successfully demonstrated it in the River Thames in 1624. The human
powered submarine made of wooden frame covered with grease, capable of submerging
15 feet, operating for hours.

In 1629, Italian Engineer Giovanni Branca designed a steam turbine. The steam
from a boiler was directed in a jet to strike a pedal wheel, causing it to turn a
mechanism.

In 1673, Christian Huygens conceived a gun powder explosion driven motor to

drive a piston and cylinder. It is considered as a fundamental concept for future internal
combustion engines.

In 1690, Denis Papin, a french inventor, developed first reciprocating steam

engine, a device that used steam to move a piston. His design involved boiling water
in a cylinder to create steam pressure which would push the piston upwards.
Eventhough Papin’s engine was inefficient, his principles were foundational for
practical steam engines.

In 1698, a Brisith inventor, Thomas Savery, invented a basic steam engine. His
steam powered pump drained water from the mines. He marked the beginning of
industrially used steam power. It was the first commercially successful steam-powered
device.

In 1712, an English Iron-monger developed first practical atmospheric steam

engine. He developed a reciprocating beam engine that used condensed steam to create
vacuum and allow atmospheric pressure to push a piston, which then powered pumps
to remove water from mines.

In 1733, John Kay, a Brisith inventor, invented the flying shuttle. This device
makes mass production of textiles. This device allowed a single weaver to operate a
loom by propelling the shuttle through threads. This invention mechanized the weaving
process and increased textile production double times.

In 1755, the first recorded patent for a sewing machine was issued. It is a British
patent issued to German Charles Weisenthal.

In 1769, a scotish inventor, James Watt patented his crucial innovation of steam
engine with separate condenser. This improved the efficiency and was considered a
Engineering 1.3

major step towards the industrial revolution. His revolutionary design reduced fuel
and steam consumption.

In 1764, the spinning Jenny, a multi-spindle spinning frame was invented by

James Hargreaven in England during the industrial revolution. This invention boosted
the textile production and shifted it from handicraft system to an industrial one.

In 1769, Richard Arkwright invented a spinning frame that used water power.
This made much cheaper manufacturing possible, subsequently a greater expansion of
cotton industry.

In 1769, a French inventor, Nicolas Joseph Cugnot built and demonstrated the
world’s first successful steam boat on the Daleware river. Fitch’s steam boat was the
first commerical steam boat service in USA, running a route between Philadelphia
and Burlington, New Jersy.

In 1800, an Italian inventor Allessandro Volta invented the battery. This was
made by stacking alternate discs of metal like copper and zinc.

In 1822, an English mathematician, Charles Babbage builds his differential engine

(automatic mechanical calculator) to improve significantly the accuracy of calculations
in the production of artihmetical tables.

in 1825, Geroge Stephenson runs the first passenger locomotive, called

locomotion. It travelled 25 miles from Stockton to Darlington.

In 1837, the first patent for mechanical refrigeration was issued to American
inventor Jacob Perkins.

In 1839, the first fuel cell combining hydrogen and nitrogen to produce electric
power is developed by William Robert Grove.

In 1843, the Scotch inventor, Alexander Barn, invented the first fax machine,
which was called as electric printing telegraph.

In 1851, James king, an American inventor, was awarded the first patent for
mechanical clothes washing machine, a hand powered rotating cylinder machine with
a drum.
1.4 Introduction to Mechanical Engineering

In 1857, the first mechanical elevator was installed at EV Haughwout and

company departmental store, Broadway, Newyork city.

In 1861, French inventor, Auguste Mouchot, developed a solar-powered printing

press that printed 500 newspapers in an hour.

In 1862, Alexander Parker invented the first plastic by mixing pyroxylin with
alcohol and camphor. He called the resulting hard, transparent and flexible material
as parkesine.

In 1868, Christopher Latham sholes patented the first commercial typewriter.

In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell, USA, patented telephone narrowly beating

Elisha Gray’s filing for a similar device on the same day.

In 1881, sir Dugald Clerk developed the first two-stroke petrol engine. The
crank-case scavenged engine, employing area below the piston as a charging pump
is generally credited to Englishman, Joseph Day.

In 1884, Sir Charles Parson’s invented the modern steam turbine, whose first
model was connected to a dynamo that generated 7.5 kW of electricity. This invention
made cheap and plentiful electricity possible and revolutionized marine transport and
naval warfare.

In 1885, Karl Benz created the first purpose built Automobile.

In 1885, Gottlieb Daimler built the world’s first motorbike. In 1886, the first
4-wheel motor vehicle was built by Daimler working with Wilhelm Maybach.

In 1887, German physicst, Heinrich Hertz developed Radar. In 1888, John

Dunlop, invented the pneumatic tyres.

In 1892, Rudolf Diesel, a German inventor, invented the diesel engine. It was
petented 6 years later.

In 1895, Wilhelm Rontgen invented the X-rays. He was awarded the first noble
prize for physics in 1901. He refused to patent his work, considering it a gift to
humankind.

In 1896, first unmanned aircraft was invented by Samuel Pierpont Langley. It

flew half a mile in 90 seconds over the Potomac river near Washington D.C.
Engineering 1.5

In 1903, Wright brothers, Orville Wright and Wilbur Wright, American aviation
pioneers, invented the World’s first successful airplane. The flight lasted 12 seconds
and aircraft flew 120 feet.

In 1926, the world’s first liquid propellent rocket is launched by Robert Goddard
in Massachusetts.

In 1929, Frank Whittle invented jet propulsion and the jet engine was patented
in 1930.

In 1942, Enrico Fermi demonstrated the first self supporting nuclear chain reaction
in a laboratory at University of Chicago.

In 1957, Sputnik 1, the first satellite bo be launched into space, is sent to orbit
by Soviet Union.

In 1959, Francis Thomas Bacon built the first hydrogen fuel cell.

In 1961, Yuri Gagarin, became the first man to voyage into space, on board
Vostok 1.

In 1969, Neil Armstrong is the first man to step on moon.

In 1971, Soviet Union launches the first space station in Salyut 1.

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Although the principles of mechanical engineering (mechanics) dates back to the

time of Aristotle (384-322 BC) and Archimedes (281-212 BC), one has to wait until
Newton (1642-1727) to find a satisfactory formulation of its fundamental principles.

These principles were later expressed in a modified form by D’Alembert,

Lagrange and Hamilton. Their validity remained unchallenged until Einstein formulated
his Theory of relativity in 1905.

Aristotle explained lever principle and centre of gravity, Kepler described the
laws of planetary motion, Newton defined the laws of motion, Euyler contributed to
Rigid body dynamics, D’Alembert described dynamic equilibrium and Euyler and
Lagrange explained force, momentum and energy.
1.6 Introduction to Mechanical Engineering

1.2.1 Force
Force cannot be truly defined. It should be accepted on the basis of our intution
and experience and used as a mental frame of reference.

A force represents the action of one body on another. It may be exerted by

actual contact or by non-contact (gravitational and magnetic forces).

A force is represented by its point of application, its magnitude and direction.

A force is represented by a vector.

Force is an external agent which tends to change the speed or direction of a

system. A force is applied whenever the system needs to be accelerated or decelerated.

Newton’s second law states that force is proportional to the rate of change of
momentum.

Force α Rate of change of momentum

d
α (mv)
dt

dv
α m⋅
dt
α ma
F = ma
The SI unit of force is Newton which represents the force required to accelerate
1 kg mass with an acceleration of 1 m/s2.

m
1 Newton = 1 kg 2
s

Force can be of different types:

1. External loads
External loads are of three types:
(a) Point load
(b) Uniformly distributed load
(c) Uniformly varying load
Engineering 1.7

(a) Point load

Fig. 1.1 Point Load

Fig. 1.1 shows a cantilever beam of length ‘l’ carrying a point load at free end.
(b) Uniformly distributed load

Fig. 1.2 Uniformly distributed load

Fig. 1.2 shows a simply supported beam of length l carrying uniformly distributed
load ‘w’.
(c) Uniformly varying load

Fig. 1.3 Uniformly varying load

Fig. 1.3 shows a simply supported beam carrying uniformly varying load ‘w’
over the whole span.

2. Weight
The weight is a force which acts through the centre of gravity of the body and
it is caused due to earth’s gravitation. Weight normally acts as a single concentrated
force along the centre of gravity of the body.

Fig. 1.4 Weight

1.8 Introduction to Mechanical Engineering

When there is no gravity, there is no weight. The weight of an object varies

from place to place but mass remains constant.

Weight, W = mg

where, W = weight of an object

m = mass of an object
g = acceleration due to gravity (g = 9.81 m/s2)

3. Reaction forces (support reactions)

The force that acts at supports is called as support reaction or reaction force.

(a) Simple support or knife edge support

Fig. 1.5 Simple support

Knife edge support has one reaction at each support i.e. RA and RB.

(b) Roller Support

Fig. 1.6 Roller Support

Roller support also has one reaction force at each support i.e. RA and RB.

(c) Hinge support

Fig. 1.7 Hinge support

Hinge support has two reactions, one horizontal reaction, RAx one vertical
reaction, RAy at each support.
Engineering 1.9

4. Tensile compressive and shear forces

Fig. 1.8 Tensile force

When a machine member is subjected to two equal pulls, then the force P is
said to be tensile force.

Fig. 1.9 Compressive force

When a body is subjected to two equal pushes, then the force P is said to be
compressive force.

Fig. 1.10 Shear force

When a body is subjected is two equal and opposite forces, the body tend to
shear off. The force P is said to be shear force.

5. Collinear forces

Fig. 1.11 Collinear forces

The forces acting along the same line are called as collinear forces.

6. Concurent forces

In various forces act along the same point, then the forces are said to be
concurrent forces.
1.10 Introduction to Mechanical Engineering

Fig. 1.12 Concurrent forces

7. Parallel forces

Fig. 1.13 Parallel forces

Forces they never meet each other but are equal in magnitude are said to be
parallel forces.

8. Friction force

Fig. 1.14 Friction forces

When a vehicle climb down, the friction force acts upwards. When the vehicle
climbs up, the frictional force acts in the downward direction the force Ff is known
as friction force.

1.2.2 Motion
Motion is very important from the point of view of movement of atom to
movement of planet.
Motion can be of different types:

1. Straight line motion/linear motion

If an object moves in a straight line, then the motion is said to linear motion.
Engineering 1.11

Example
 Automobile running in a straight line.
 Stone falling towards the earth.
The equations of linear motion are
v = u + at
1 2
S = ut + at
2

v2 − u2 = 2as
where, u = Initial velocity of an object in m/s.
v = Final velocity of an object in m/s.
a = Acceleration in m/s2
t = time taken to complete the motion in sec.
S = Displacement of the object in m.
2. Circular motion
If an object moves in a circular path, it is said to have circular motion.
Example
 movement of satellites around the sun.
 hands of clock moving around the face.
The equation of circular motion are
ω0 = ω + α t
1 2
θ = ω0 t + αt
2

ω20 − ω2 = 2α θ
where, w = Initial angular velocity of an object in rad/sec.
ω0 = Final angular velocity of an object in rad/sec.
α = Angular acceleration in rad/sec2
t = time taken to complete one rotation in sec.
θ = Angular displacement in radians
1.12 Introduction to Mechanical Engineering

3. Rotational motion
When an object rotates about its own axis, it is said to have rotary motion.

Example
 Earth rotates about its own axis.

 Shaft rotates in its bearing.

 Rotation of pump impeller shaft.

2π N
Angular velocity ω =
60

ω = Angular velocity in rad/sec

N = Number of revolutions per minute in rpm

4. Vibratory motion
When an object moves to an pro about a particular point, the motion is said to
be vibratory motion or oscillatory motion.

Example
 oscillation of simple pendulum

 plucking a guitar string

1.2.3 Energy
Life is impossible without energy. The demand for energy is increasing day by
day. The sun is the biggest source of natural energy. The capability of doing work
is energy.

Energy can be defined as the capacity to produce a change from existing

conditions i.e. capacity to exert a force through a distance and to do work. It is the
property that causes things to move or change.

The object which does the work loses energy and the object in which work is
done, gains energy. Any object that possess energy can do work.
Engineering 1.13

A fundamental principle is the law of conservation of energy. It states that energy

neither can be created nor can be destroyed but it can be transmitted from one form
to another. The standard unit for measuring energy is Joule.

1 Joule = 1 Newton metre

= 1 Nm
Energy can exist in various forms:

1. Potential energy
The energy possessed by an object due to its elevation or position. The potential
energy can be of gravitational potential energy, elastic potential energy and chemical
potential energy.

(i) Gravitational potential energy

When a body of mass m is at a height h metres above the surface of the earth.

Fig. 1.15 Gravitational potential energy

Weight of the body = mg

Potential energy Ep = Workdone against gravity

Ep = mgh

Potential energy of a body is taken zero when its mass is resting is taken zero
when its mass is resting on the earth. For example, the energy stored in a dam at a
height ‘h’ above the sea level possess potential energy equal to mgh.

(ii) Elastic potential energy

When a rubber band is stretched, the energy stored in the band is its elastic
potential energy. While winding the key of a toy car, the energy transferred to the
spring is stored as potential energy.
1.14 Introduction to Mechanical Engineering

2. Kinetic energy
Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion. The kinetic
energy of an object increases with its speed.

1 2
Kinetic energy, Ek = mv
2

m = mass of the object in kg.

v = velocity of the object in m/s.

Various forms of energy include heat energy, chemical energy, electrical energy
and light energy.

1.2.4 Work
Work is defined as the product of force and displacement.

Fig. 1.16 Work

Work done = Force × displacement

= F.S
Work is said to be done when the point of application of force moves in the
direction of force.
Work has only magnitude and no direction. The unit of work is Joule (1 Joule
= 1 Nm).
Work done is positive when the force is in the direction of displacement.
Workdone is negative, when the force acts opposite to the direction of displacement.
Work and energy can be related by two equations.

(i) Work-energy equation

From Newton’s second law

F = ma
Engineering 1.15

dv
F=m⋅
dt

dv ds
F=m⋅ ⋅
ds dt

dv
F=m⋅v⋅
ds

F ⋅ ds = m ⋅ v ⋅ dv

Integrating on both sides

∫ F ⋅ ds = ∫ m ⋅ v ⋅ dv
1

mv 22 mv 21
W1 − 2 = −
2 2

(ii) Impulse-momentum equation

From Newton’s second law

dv
F=m⋅
dt

F ⋅ dt = m ⋅ dv

Integrating on both sides

v

∫ F ⋅ dt = ∫ m ⋅ dv
u

F ⋅ t = m ⋅ (v − u)

where, F ⋅ t = Impulse
mv = Final momentum
mu = Initial momentum
1.16 Introduction to Mechanical Engineering

Impulse is equal to the change in momentum

1.2.5 Power
Power is defined as the rate of doing work or the rate of transfer of energy. If
an object does work ‘W’ in time ‘t’, then power is given by

Work
Power =
time

W
P=
t

The unit of power is watt in honour of James Watt (1736-1819) having the
symbol W. One Watt is the power of an object, which does work at the rate of 1
Joule/second.

1 Watt = 1 Joule/second

1 Watt = 1 Js− 1

The larger rates of energy transfer is expressed in kW.

1 Kilo watt = 1000 watts

1 kW = 1000 W

1 kW = 1000 Js− 1

1 MW = 106 W

1 GW = 109 W

The old unit of power is horse power or hp, which was still commercially used
to represent motors, machines or automobiles.

1 hp = 746 W

The unit of energy is also represented by

Engineering 1.17

Joule
1 Joule = × sec
sec

= Watt ⋅ sec

When the electrical energy is to be measured in Watt sec, large numbers have
to be handled. Hence, electrical energy is represented in kilowatt hour, instead of
Watt-sec.

1 unit of electricity = 1 [Link]

A 100 W bulb consumer 100 Joules of energy in one second. Kilowatt hour is
the unit of electrical energy, not the unit of power.

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The units of various quantities and its dimensions are given Table 1.1 below:

Table 1.1 Units and dimensions

[Link]. Quantity Formula / Symbol Unit Dimensions

1 Length l m L
2 Mass m kg M
3 Time t sec T
4 Velocity v m/s LT− 1
5 Acceleration a m/s2 LT− 2
6 Angle θ Radian −
7 Angular velocity ω r/s T− 1
8 Angular acceleration α r/s2 T− 2
9 Area A m2 L2
10 Volume V m3 L3
11 Density ρ kg/m3 ML− 3
12 Force F kgm/s2 MLT− 2
1.18 Introduction to Mechanical Engineering

[Link]. Quantity Formula / Symbol Unit Dimensions

13 Energy E Nm ML2 T− 2
14 Momentum m.v kg.m/s MLT− 1
15 Moment F × distance Nm ML2 T− 2
16 Frequency f Hz T− 1
17 Power P Watt ML2 T− 3
18 Pressure P N/m2 ML− 1 T− 2
19 Stress σ N/m2 ML− 1 T− 2
20 Work W Nm ML2 T− 2

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Almost all countries of the world use SI (System of International) Unit

SI system has two quantities
(i) Fundamental units

(ii) Derived units

(i) Fundamental units

SI system has 7 fundamental units and are given in Table 1.2

Table 1.2 Fundamental units

[Link] Quantity Unit Symbol

1 Length metre m
2 Mass Kilogram kg
3 Time Second S
4 Current Ampere A
5 Temperature Kelvin K
6 Amount Mole mol
7 Luminous intensity Candella Cd
Engineering 1.19

(ii) Derived units

The following are the derived units given in Table 1.3.

Table 1.3 Derived units

[Link] Quantity Unit Symbol

1 Area m2 A
2 Volume m3 V
3 Density kg/m3 ρ
4 Speed m/s v
5 Acceleration m/s2 a
6 Pressure Pascal Pa
7 Force Newton N
8 Energy Joule J
9 Frequency Hertz Hz
10 Power Watt W
11 Voltage Volt V
12 Charge Coulomb C

In the derived units

 Joule: The unit of work done is Joule

1 Joule = 1 Nm

 Watt: The unit of power is Watt

1 Watt = 1 J/s = 1 Nm/s

 Pascal: The unit of stress

1 Pascal = 1 N/m2

To work with multiples or sub-multiples of SI units, standard multipliers are

used.
1.20 Introduction to Mechanical Engineering

The multipliers or submultipliers are given in Table 1.4

Table 1.4 Multipliers or Sub-multipliers

Factor Prefix Factor Prefix

1012 Tera, T 10− 3 milli, m

109 Giga, G 10− 6 micro, μ

106 Mega, M 10− 9 nano, n

103 Kilo, K 10− 12 Pico, p

10− 1 Deci, d 10− 15 femto, f

10− 2 Centi, C 10− 18 atto, a

The SI system of units is rational and brief and the easiest for practical purposes.

Some of the additional rules on SI units are

 Don’t add ‘s’ to plural; write kg and not kgs.

 Units with name of scientits should be written with capital latter; Newton,
not newton; Watt not as watt.

 There should be no dots or commas; Nm not as N-m.

 The usage of tonne, °C, litre, km/hr is permitted but it should be avoided
as much as possible.

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Ethics is the branch of philosophy that studies moral principles and values,
exploring questions about what is morally right or wrong, good or bad, and how
individuals or societies should behave. It serves as a framework for decision-making,
guiding behavior to ensure just and positive outcomes by considering the interests of
oneself and others.
Engineering 1.21

1.4.1 The key principles of Ethics for Professionals

1. Public Safety and Welfare

Engineers must hold paramount the safety, health, and well-being of the public
in all their professional duties.

2. Honesty and Integrity

Engineers are expected to exhibit the highest standards of honesty, integrity,
impartiality, and fairness in all their interactions.

3. Competence
They must perform services only in areas where they are competent and continue
to advance their knowledge and skills throughout their careers.

4. Truthfulness
Public statements made by engineers must be objective and truthful.

5. Faithful Agency
Engineers must act as faithful agents and trustees for their employers and clients,
avoiding deceptive acts and protecting confidential information.

6. Fairness and Respect

They must treat all people with dignity, respect, fairness, and equity, regardless
of personal characteristics.

1.4.2 The key Responsibilities for Professionals

1. Upholding the Profession

Engineers should act in a manner that enhances the honor, reputation, and
usefulness of the engineering profession.

2. Avoiding Conflicts of Interest

They must avoid situations where their professional interests could conflict with
the interests of their clients or the public good.
1.22 Introduction to Mechanical Engineering

3. Sustainable Development
Engineers should strive to comply with principles of sustainable development in
their work.

4. Reporting Unethical Behavior

It is an engineer’s duty to report illegal or unethical engineering decisions or
practices by others to the appropriate authorities.

5. Professional Development
Engineers should pursue continuous professional development and provide
opportunities for the development of those under their supervision.

1.4.3 The importance of Ethics and Professionalism

1. Public Trust
Adherence to ethical standards is crucial for building and maintaining public trust
in the engineering profession.

2. Societal Impact
Engineering has a direct impact on people’s quality of life, making ethical conduct
essential for protecting the public interest.

3. Guidance in Dilemmas
Codes of ethics provide a framework for engineers to navigate complex ethical
dilemmas and make sound, responsible decisions.

1.4.4 Code of ethics for professionals

Engineering is an important and learned profession. As members of this
profession, engineers are expected to exhibit the highest standards of honesty and
integrity. Engineering has a direct and vital impact on the quality of life for all people.
Accordingly, the services provided by engineers require honesty, impartiality, fairness,
and equity, and must be dedicated to the protection of the public health, safety, and
welfare. Engineers must perform under a standard of professional behavior that requires
adherence to the highest principles of ethical conduct.
Engineering 1.23

I. Rules of Practice for Professionals

1. Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public.
(a) If engineers’ judgment is overruled under circumstances that endanger life
or property, they shall notify their employer or client and such other
authority as may be appropriate.

(b) Engineers shall approve only those engineering documents that are in
conformity with applicable standards.

(c) Engineers shall not reveal facts, data, or information without the prior
consent of the client or employer except as authorized or required by law
or this Code.

(d) Engineers shall not permit the use of their name or associate in business
ventures with any person or firm that they believe is engaged in fraudulent
or dishonest enterprise.

(e) Engineers shall not aid or abet the unlawful practice of engineering by a
person or firm.

(f) Engineers having knowledge of any alleged violation of this Code shall
report thereon to appropriate professional bodies and, when relevant, also
to public authorities, and cooperate with the proper authorities in furnishing
such information or assistance as may be required.

2. Engineers shall perform services only in the areas of their competence.

(a) Engineers shall undertake assignments only when qualified by education
or experience in the specific technical fields involved.

(b) Engineers shall not affix their signatures to any plans or documents dealing
with subject matter in which they lack competence, nor to any plan or
document not prepared under their direction and control.

(c) Engineers may accept assignments and assume responsibility for

coordination of an entire project and sign and seal the engineering
documents for the entire project, provided that each technical segment is
signed and sealed only by the qualified engineers who prepared the
segment.
1.24 Introduction to Mechanical Engineering

3. Engineers shall issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner.
(a) Engineers shall be objective and truthful in professional reports, statements,
or testimony. They shall include all relevant and pertinent information in
such reports, statements, or testimony, which should bear the date indicating
when it was current.

(b) Engineers may express publicly technical opinions that are founded upon
knowledge of the facts and competence in the subject matter.

(c) Engineers shall issue no statements, criticisms, or arguments on technical

matters that are inspired or paid for by interested parties, unless they have
prefaced their comments by explicitly identifying the interested parties on
whose behalf they are speaking, and by revealing the existence of any
interest the engineers may have in the matters.

4. Engineers shall act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees.
(a) Engineers shall disclose all known or potential conflicts of interest that
could influence or appear to influence their judgment or the quality of
their services.

(b) Engineers shall not accept compensation, financial or otherwise, from more
than one party for services on the same project, or for services pertaining
to the same project, unless the circumstances are fully disclosed and agreed
to by all interested parties.

(c) Engineers shall not solicit or accept financial or other valuable

consideration, directly or indirectly, from outside agents in connection with
the work for which they are responsible.

(d) Engineers in public service as members, advisors, or employees of a

governmental or quasi-governmental body or department shall not
participate in decisions with respect to services solicited or provided by
them or their organizations in private or public engineering practice.

(e) Engineers shall not solicit or accept a contract from a governmental body
on which a principal or officer of their organization serves as a member.
Engineering 1.25

5. Engineers shall avoid deceptive acts.

(a) Engineers shall not falsify their qualifications or permit misrepresentation
of their or their associates’ qualifications. They shall not misrepresent or
exaggerate their responsibility in or for the subject matter of prior
assignments. Brochures or other presentations incident to the solicitation
of employment shall not misrepresent pertinent facts concerning employers,
employees, associates, joint venturers, or past accomplishments.

(b) Engineers shall not offer, give, solicit, or receive, either directly or
indirectly, any contribution to influence the award of a contract by public
authority, or which may be reasonably construed by the public as having
the effect or intent of influencing the awarding of a contract. They shall
not offer any gift or other valuable consideration in order to secure work.
They shall not pay a commission, percentage, or brokerage fee in order
to secure work, except to a bona fide employee or bona fide established
commercial or marketing agencies retained by them.

III. Professional Obligations

1. Engineers shall be guided in all their relations by the highest standards of honesty
and integrity.
(a) Engineers shall acknowledge their errors and shall not distort or alter the
facts.

(b) Engineers shall advise their clients or employers when they believe a project
will not be successful.

(c) Engineers shall not accept outside employment to the detriment of their
regular work or interest. Before accepting any outside engineering
employment, they will notify their employers.

(d) Engineers shall not attempt to attract an engineer from another employer
by false or misleading pretenses.

(e) Engineers shall not promote their own interest at the expense of the dignity
and integrity of the profession.

(f) Engineers shall treat all persons with dignity, respect, fairness and without
discrimination.
1.26 Introduction to Mechanical Engineering

2. Engineers shall at all times strive to serve the public interest.

(a) Engineers are encouraged to participate in civic affairs; career guidance
for youths; and work for the advancement of the safety, health, and
well-being of their community.

(b) Engineers shall not complete, sign, or seal plans and/or specifications that
are not in conformity with applicable engineering standards. If the client
or employer insists on such unprofessional conduct, they shall notify the
proper authorities and withdraw from further service on the project.

(c) Engineers are encouraged to extend public knowledge and appreciation of

engineering and its achievements.

(d) Engineers are encouraged to adhere to the principles of sustainable

development1 in order to protect the environment for future generations.

(e) Engineers shall continue their professional development throughout their

careers and should keep current in their specialty fields by engaging in
professional practice, participating in continuing education courses, reading
in the technical literature, and attending professional meetings and seminars.

3. Engineers shall avoid all conduct or practice that deceives the public.
(a) Engineers shall avoid the use of statements containing a material
misrepresentation of fact or omitting a material fact.
(b) Consistent with the foregoing, engineers may advertise for recruitment of
personnel.
(c) Consistent with the foregoing, engineers may prepare articles for the lay
or technical press, but such articles shall not imply credit to the author
for work performed by others.

4. Engineers shall not disclose, without consent, confidential information concerning

the business affairs or technical processes of any present or former client or
employer, or public body on which they serve.
(a) Engineers shall not, without the consent of all interested parties, promote or
arrange for new employment or practice in connection with a specific project
for which the engineer has gained particular and specialized knowledge.
Engineering 1.27

(b) Engineers shall not, without the consent of all interested parties, participate
in or represent an adversary interest in connection with a specific project
or proceeding in which the engineer has gained particular specialized
knowledge on behalf of a former client or employer.

5. Engineers shall not be influenced in their professional duties by conflicting interests.

(a) Engineers shall not accept financial or other considerations, including free
engineering designs, from material or equipment suppliers for specifying
their product.

(b) Engineers shall not accept commissions or allowances, directly or indirectly,

from contractors or other parties dealing with clients or employers of the
engineer in connection with work for which the engineer is responsible.

6. Engineers shall not attempt to obtain employment or advancement or professional

engagements by untruthfully criticizing other engineers, or by other improper or
questionable methods.
(a) Engineers shall not request, propose, or accept a commission on a
contingent basis under circumstances in which their judgment may be
compromised.

(b) Engineers in salaried positions shall accept part-time engineering work only
to the extent consistent with policies of the employer and in accordance
with ethical considerations.

(c) Engineers shall not, without consent, use equipment, supplies, laboratory,
or office facilities of an employer to carry on outside private practice.

7. Engineers shall not attempt to injure, maliciously or falsely, directly or indirectly,

the professional reputation, prospects, practice, or employment of other engineers.
Engineers who believe others are guilty of unethical or illegal practice shall
present such information to the proper authority for action.
(a) Engineers in private practice shall not review the work of another engineer
for the same client, except with the knowledge of such engineer, or unless
the connection of such engineer with the work has been terminated.
1.28 Introduction to Mechanical Engineering

(b) Engineers in governmental, industrial, or educational employ are entitled

to review and evaluate the work of other engineers when so required by
their employment duties.

(c) Engineers in sales or industrial employ are entitled to make engineering

comparisons of represented products with products of other suppliers.

8. Engineers shall accept personal responsibility for their professional activities,

provided, however, that engineers may seek indemnification for services arising
out of their practice for other than gross negligence, where the engineer’s interests
cannot otherwise be protected.
(a) Engineers shall conform with state registration laws in the practice of engineering.

(b) Engineers shall not use association with a nonengineer, a corporation, or

partnership as a “cloak” for unethical acts.

9. Engineers shall give credit for engineering work to those to whom credit is due,
and will recognize the proprietary interests of others.
(a) Engineers shall, whenever possible, name the person or persons who may
be individually responsible for designs, inventions, writings, or other
accomplishments.

(b) Engineers using designs supplied by a client recognize that the designs
remain the property of the client and may not be duplicated by the engineer
for others without express permission.

(c) Engineers, before undertaking work for others in connection with which
the engineer may make improvements, plans, designs, inventions, or other
records that may justify copyrights or patents, should enter into a positive
agreement regarding ownership.

(d) Engineers’ designs, data, records, and notes referring exclusively to an

employer’s work are the employer’s property. The employer should
indemnify the engineer for use of the information for any purpose other
than the original purpose.