Institution of Mechanical Engineers and National Physical Laboratory launch new guide to measurement

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers have today jointly launched a new guide to measurement aimed at mechanical engineering students.

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers have today jointly launched a new guide to measurement aimed at mechanical engineering students.

Measurement is a key concept for a successful career in mechanical engineering and the ‘Beginner's Guide to Measurement in Mechanical Engineering’ will be available for free to Institution members.

The Guide includes information on:

• how a measurement mix-up led to the loss of the Mars Climate Orbiter
• the best ways to record measurement results
• the difference between accuracy and precision and the importance of calibration and traceability
• how to calculate uncertainty
• some examples of measurement challenges often faced by mechanical engineers

Martyn Sené, Deputy Director and Director of Operations at the National Physical Laboratory said:

"We are delighted to publish this guide in collaboration with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Much of NPL's work feeds into industry and we see first-hand the importance of measurement. Mechanical engineering students can use this Guide to gain new knowledge and skills to help them better apply measurement, this will benefit the companies they work for and the UK as a whole."

Prof Isobel Pollock, President of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and Chair of the National Measurement Office Steering Board said:

“Measurement is vital to all aspects of engineering – without the correct measurements an aircraft won’t fly, a wind turbine can’t spin and a dialysis machine can’t pump.

“This Guide is a useful introduction to the concept of measurement for mechanical engineers.  It is a hugely valuable resource for students to understand the basic principles and to select the best technique for each application. 

“Choosing something affordable that gives an adequate accuracy and repeatability is a key skill in becoming a professional engineer.  Sometimes the simplest techniques give the best results.”

NPL is operated on behalf of the National Measurement Office, an Executive Agency of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) responsible for managing and developing the National Measurement System infrastructure of traceability that ensures accuracy and consistency of measurement.

The full report can be viewed here: Beginner's Guide to Measurement in Mechanical Engineering

View a video of the book launch