What inspires you?

Originally Posted by wildirish317

I'm probably going to catch a LOT of flak for this. My theory, being one, is that engineering is a personality trait as much as it is a career. If you spent your early childhood years interested (no, obsessed) with learning how things work, and are more interested in things than people, you are probably an engineer.

I majored in mechanical engineering because it was honestly the only thing I felt I could pass in college. I struggled through the calculus, chemistry, political science, but really enjoyed the mechanical classes. If you are an engineer, you probably know it. Not many people would struggle through college and then put up with the boring activities (boring to non-engineers) for the well-but not highly paid salary of an engineer.

In other words, don't do it for the money.

A lot of mechanics are engineers who didn't pursue the education. I respect them because they can figure things out based on what they have learned, and draw logical conclusions.

If you are an engineer, you should pursue the education. I loved cars when I was in college. I still do. However, I design and troubleshoot HVAC, plumbing, and piping systems for hospitals and other commercial buildings. I love what I do, and still work on cars.

Do what you love, and you'll never have to work a day in your life.

Personality trait indeed.

Originally Posted by rosenrot88

I am truly inspired by our size compared to the vast size of the universe. Many times when I am stressed or overwhelmed, I think about a statement a dear person told me long ago. I was told by this person to think about all my problems and how much they mean to me and how important they are. He stated that the camera lens was focused on me, then he asked me to zoom out and see my issues along side those next to me, then the whole neighborhood, town, city, state, country, earth, earth moon so on, milky way and still go on till nothing is recognizable. At which point nothing that I or any one alive feels or does matters to the sands of time. Its is that philosophy that guides me through every day.

Originally Posted by wildirish317

If you are an engineer, you should pursue the education. I loved cars when I was in college. I still do. However, I design and troubleshoot HVAC, plumbing, and piping systems for hospitals and other commercial buildings. I love what I do, and still work on cars.

I am not sure who said it on the forums (cowmoo32 comes to mind), but I heard that if you become an engineer chances are you will be working on HVAC systems. I don't know about you, but this seems rather depressing if that is the case. Engineering is a general area that empasses many areas of our life, so I am sure most engineers don't want to end up going into this industry.

It was me. A lot of mech engineers end up doing building mechanical work (plubming, hvac, sprinkler, etc) and 90% of them get into the major expecting to be working on cars and motorcycles. It happens, but you have to be the best of the best.

Originally Posted by nikkeiS2K

I am not sure who said it on the forums (cowmoo32 comes to mind), but I heard that if you become an engineer chances are you will be working on HVAC systems. I don't know about you, but this seems rather depressing if that is the case. Engineering is a general area that empasses many areas of our life, so I am sure most engineers don't want to end up going into this industry.

Wasn't cowmoo but cowmoo responded to the response. Having a hard time figuring out the username right now.

manischewitz

Originally Posted by rosenrot88

I am truly inspired by our size compared to the vast size of the universe. Many times when I am stressed or overwhelmed, I think about a statement a dear person told me long ago. I was told by this person to think about all my problems and how much they mean to me and how important they are. He stated that the camera lens was focused on me, then he asked me to zoom out and see my issues along side those next to me, then the whole neighborhood, town, city, state, country, earth, earth moon so on, milky way and still go on till nothing is recognizable. At which point nothing that I or any one alive feels or does matters to the sands of time. Its is that philosophy that guides me through every day.

Originally Posted by cowmoo32

Yes! Someone else gets it. This is what inspires me, and it crosses my mind every single day.

Originally Posted by cowmoo32

It was me. A lot of mech engineers end up doing building mechanical work (plubming, hvac, sprinkler, etc) and 90% of them get into the major expecting to be working on cars and motorcycles. It happens, but you have to be the best of the best.

that is EXACTLY what happened to me

Originally Posted by Mike Larry

that is EXACTLY what happened to me

Is that why you moved into law?

Originally Posted by tock172

Yes! Someone else gets it. This is what inspires me, and it crosses my mind every single day.

It'll either make you live every day to the fullest or drive you into a deep depression once you realize just how insignificant you actually are.

Originally Posted by cowmoo32

It'll either make you live every day to the fullest or drive you into a deep depression once you realize just how insignificant you actually are.

You're exactly right, I find people's reactions to it very polarizing. They either love it, like I do, or they came back at me and say something like, "So what does that mean, I should just off myself?"

Originally Posted by bimmerfan08

Is that why you moved into law?

i just didn't want to suck at my job for the rest of my life

Originally Posted by cowmoo32

It'll either make you live every day to the fullest or drive you into a deep depression once you realize just how insignificant you actually are.

Comes down to the personality and willpower at that point.

Originally Posted by bimmerfan08

Comes down to the personality and willpower at that point.

I think it has more to do with intelligence.

Originally Posted by bimmerfan08

Originally Posted by E46330iguy View Post
Because It wouldnt save you fuel on a 40 hp Engine, A turbo atomizes the air to help it burn better. Larger engines tend to be less efficent thus why they make a difference is my understanding

Nothing to do with atomization of fuel. Normally aspirated engines suck air into the pistons during the intake stroke. Therefore the air inside the piston at the start of the compression stroke is typically less than atmospheric pressure. A turbo charger pumps compressed air into the piston during the intake stroke. Therefore the air inside the cylinder is typically above atmospheric pressure at the start of the compression stroke. The net effect is more air inside the cylinder at the start of the compression stroke. This achieves a higher compression ratio equivalent to a normally aspirated engine with larger cylinders but without the additional piston mass and inertia of the larger engine. Net effect is higher performance which should not be confused with higher efficiency. Of course, turbo charging does require an appropriate adjustment in fuel delivery in order to maintain the optimum 14.7 : 1 air to fuel ratio.

Originally Posted by Mike Larry

i just didn't want to suck at my job for the rest of my life

Originally Posted by tock172

I think it has more to do with intelligence.

Mental fortitude. I don't think you don't have to be intelligent to accept your place.

Originally Posted by cowmoo32

awesome

to OP what about you?

Mechanical systems and efficiency inspire me.