Engineering Foundations
These are the physical principles and engineering methods that underlie all the specialized domains above. Understanding them deeply means understanding why the specialized tools work, not just how to use them.
Core Topics
Circuit Theory
Ohm’s law, Kirchhoff’s laws, nodal and mesh analysis, AC circuits, phasors, impedance, power factor.
Electromagnetics
Maxwell’s equations, electric and magnetic fields, Faraday’s law, electromagnetic induction — the physics behind every electrical machine and transmission line.
Thermodynamics & Energy
Laws of thermodynamics, heat transfer, energy conversion, efficiency. Relevant to power generation and thermal management.
Engineering Mechanics
Statics, dynamics, stress and strain. Structural context for electrical equipment and physical infrastructure.
Systems Thinking
Inputs, outputs, feedback, stability, modeling. The conceptual bridge between physical systems and mathematical models.
Engineering Ethics & Standards
Professional responsibility, codes and standards (IEEE, NESC, NEC), safety culture.
Key Questions These Notes Answer
- How do I model a physical system mathematically?
- What are the fundamental constraints on energy conversion?
- How does electromagnetic induction produce voltage in a generator?
- What does it mean for a system to be stable?
Prerequisites
- Mathematical Foundations — calculus, linear algebra, differential equations
Connects To
- Electrical Engineering — directly builds on all topics here
- FE Exam — engineering foundations are the exam’s core
- PE Exam — applied in professional licensure context