Page 8 - Mechanical Engineer's Data Handbook

Preface

There are several good mechanical engineering data books on the market but these tend to be very bulky and
expensive, and are usually only available in libraries as reference books.
The Mechnical Engineer’s Data Handbook has been compiled with the express intention of providing a
compact but comprehensive source of information of particular value to the engineer whether in the design office,
drawing office, research and development department or on site. It should also prove to be of use to production,
chemical, mining, mineral, electrical and building services engineers, and lecturers and students in universities,
polytechnics and colleges. Although intended as a personal handbook it should also find its way into the libraries
of engineering establishments and teaching institutions.
The Mechanical Engineer’s Data Handbook covers the main disciplines of mechanical engineering and
incorporates basic principles, formulae for easy substitution, tables of physical properties and much descriptive
matter backed by numerous illustrations. It also contains a comprehensive glossary of technical terms and a full
index for easy cross-reference.
1 would like to thank my colleagues at the University of Northumbria, at Newcastle, for their constructive
suggestions and useful criticisms, and my wife Anne for her assistance and patience in helping me to prepare this
book.
J. Carvill