Engineering Glossary: K
13 definitions in plain language.
13 terms beginning with K. Use the filter to narrow the list, or the letters to jump to another part of the glossary.
13 terms
- Kaizen #
- The Japanese idea of continuous small improvements. Math, units, quality and workshop
- Kelvin #
- The SI unit of temperature, with zero at absolute zero and a degree the same size as a Celsius degree. Fluids, heat and thermodynamics
- Key #
- A small block that fits in slots in a shaft and hub to transmit torque. Mechanical design and mechanics Read more: Metric Parallel Keys and Keyways
- Keyway #
- The slot cut in a shaft or hub to hold a key. Mechanical design and mechanics
- K-factor #
- The ratio of the position of the neutral axis to the sheet thickness, used in bend calculations. Materials, manufacturing and measurement
- Kilowatt-hour #
- The energy used by a one-kilowatt load running for one hour; the unit on electricity bills. Electrical power and machines
- Kinematics #
- The study of motion without regard to the forces that cause it. Automation, controls and robotics
- Kinematics (mechanics) #
- The description of motion in terms of position, velocity and acceleration, without the forces. Math, units, quality and workshop
- Kinematic viscosity #
- The dynamic viscosity divided by the density, in m²/s or centistokes. Fluids, heat and thermodynamics
- Kinetic energy #
- The energy of motion, half the mass times the speed squared. Mechanical design and mechanics
- Kinetic friction #
- The friction between surfaces that are sliding, usually a little lower than static friction. Mechanical design and mechanics
- Kirchhoff's current law #
- The currents flowing into a node add up to the currents flowing out. Electronics
- Kirchhoff's voltage law #
- The voltages around any closed loop add up to zero. Electronics