Unprofessional Engineering
347 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 months ago - ★★★★★ - 427 ratingsInterested in science, technology, machinery, engineering and the history behind everyday things? Want a fast and fun way to get your kids interested in STEM? Look no further! We break down a weekly engineering topic in a way that everyone can understand and enjoy.
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Episodes
All Good Things Must Come to an End - Episode 341
September 11, 2023 00:00 - 37 minutes - 51.2 MBAfter seven years and 340 episodes, it is time for us to say goodbye to our amazing Unprofessional Engineering listeners. It has been a great run and we appreciate all of the emails (nice and otherwise), social posts, and care packages that were sent our way. Hosting this podcast was one of the most enjoyable things that I have been part of (and I assume Luke as well) and hope that you all enjoyed it as much as we did. Who knows? Maybe someday we will be back! No, no we won't...but, I'll stil...
How Golf Balls Are Made - Episode 340
May 10, 2023 00:00 - 37 minutes - 50.9 MBIf you're a golfer, one thing that you know for sure is that bad shots are never your fault! Your grip might be worn down, your clubs are old, someone talked in your backswing, or you're playing with bad golf balls. Speaking of golf balls, perhaps they are bad due to their manufacturing process. We looked back to understand the history of the golf ball, from Rome to Scotland, from wooden balls to the feathery, it has been a long journey to get where we are today. We also did a deep dive on ...
How Does Nuclear Fusion Work? - Episode 339
April 05, 2023 00:00 - 36 minutes - 49.8 MBScientists around the world are making giant leaps in the field of nuclear fusion. OK, maybe not giant leaps, but, you know, very small steps that are still very significant for helping the world become free of their dependency on fossil fuels. Although scientists theorized how nuclear fusion worked back in the 1800s, we still haven’t been able to make a form of energy that we can rely on today. But we’re getting there! In just a few short decades, the science community is confident that we...
Companies That Built the World: Lockheed Martin - Episode 338
March 29, 2023 00:00 - 34 minutes - 48 MBContinuing our series on companies that built the world, we've finally landed on one whose projects have already earned their on episodes; Lockheed Martin! Fun fact: Lockheed Martin didn't become a thing until 1995, but Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta were around well before. From the F-117 Nighthawk to the SR-71 Blackbird, and a ton of things in between, we look at all of the major accomplishments of this (or these?) company and how it became one of the companies that built the wo...
Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor - Episode 337
March 22, 2023 00:00 - 36 minutes - 50.7 MBWith the emergence of the Soviet Flanker and Fulcrum, the United States Air Force realized there was a need for a new Advanced Tactical Fighter. That new ATF was the F-22 Raptor, a stealth tactical fighter developed by Lockheed Martin and friends. We look into the engineering innovation that was needed to design the F-22, from new composite materials to crazy stealth technology that makes the F-22 appear to be the size of a bumble bee on radar. How is this even possible?! You'll have to lis...
What Are Hypercars? - Episode 336
March 01, 2023 00:00 - 36 minutes - 50.3 MBAre you in the market for a new car? Do we have a deal for you!! For just the small price of 3 million to over 13 million dollars, one (yes one) of these cars could be yours!!! Learn what separates a sports car from a supercar, and then what sets the hypercar apart from the rest. From top speed and acceleration to the top end components used in the design, hypercars are worth the price! OK, maybe not that, but they are engineering marvels. We also discuss the first hypercar, the best hyperca...
ASCE Concrete Canoe Competition - Episode 335
February 23, 2023 00:00 - 38 minutes - 53.4 MBIf you are thinking about Civil Engineering, or are already a Civil Engineer, there is really only one thing that you need to know about. Concrete!! Need to build a road? Concrete. Need to build a sewer? Concrete. Need to build a canoe? Umm... yup, Civil Engineers use concrete for that as well! In fact, colleges around the world have teams that pride themselves on the building the fastest, most agile, and (most importantly) buoyant canoe possible. Learn how one goes about making concrete ...
How Is Aluminum Made? - Episode 334
February 15, 2023 00:00 - 31 minutes - 43.8 MBAluminum is used in countless items that you interact with each day. The combination of strength and light weight make it one of the most diverse materials used for consumer goods, construction, and more. Join us to learn everything that it takes to make aluminum, where we discuss the Bayer process, Hall-Heroult process, the Cheremkhovskaya-deep mine in the Urals, and anything else one might want to know about smelting aluminum.
Great Engineering Universities: University of Michigan - Episode 333
February 07, 2023 00:00 - 38 minutes - 52.8 MBAs we continue to explore the great engineering universities of the world, we have returned to the Big 10, this time discussing the University of Michigan. That is the "blue and yellow one" if you are like Luke. If you live in Michigan and are thinking about engineering, you almost have to go here! If you live elsewhere and are filthy rich, yeah, still a great option. They are a top ten school in nearly all engineering, have tons of great engineering related extracurricular activities, and a...
Great Architects: Frank Lloyd Wright - Episode 332
February 01, 2023 00:00 - 34 minutes - 31.2 MBWhen you think about famous architects, only one comes to mind. OK, maybe a bunch come to mind. When you don't know anything about architecture, and you live in Pennsylvania, only one comes to mind, and that is Frank Lloyd Wright!! From his most iconic home, Fallingwater, to Taliesin, Unity Temple, and more, the impact that Frank Lloyd Wright had on architecture is nearly unparalleled. Learn about his greatest successes, some failures along the way, and how he impacted architecture in this ...
How Does Water Filtration Work? - Episode 331
January 25, 2023 00:00 - 35 minutes - 48.4 MBWithout water filtration, well, you'd probably be dead. That's it. OK, maybe there is a little more to it. We've explored the history of water filtration, going back as far as 4,000 years, all the way up to modern methods such as activated carbon, resin filters, and reverse osmosis. YES! Even reverse osmosis, whatever that is. Learn how water filtration began, how the processes work and evolved, and why we still have water shortages even though most of the planet is covered in water.
History of Film Technology - Episode 330
January 18, 2023 00:00 - 36 minutes - 50.8 MBWhen you think about blockbuster movies, what comes to mind? Marvel? CGI? Spending too much to go to a theater to enjoy the latest hit? All of these are fair answers, but the technology it takes to bring those movies to life wasn't one of them, and that is what we are discussing today! We have looked into the cutting-edge technology that movies like Avatar leverage, as well as the history of how film got to where it is today. From shadowgraphy (probably not what they called it in prehistoric...
History of the Suez Canal - Episode 329
January 11, 2023 00:00 - 37 minutes - 51 MBThe Suez Canal could be the most important manmade waterway in the world. Sure, the Panama Canal is nice for us in the United States, but just think about the long-term historical impacts that the Suez Canal has had on Europe and Asia!! We have researched how the Suez Canal was made, the misunderstanding of the different elevations of the various lakes and existing waterways (way to go, Napoleon), the wartime connections, changes in ownership, how much money is made from the Suez Canal each ...
7 Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu - Episode 328
January 04, 2023 00:00 - 36 minutes - 49.8 MBWe continue our series on the 7 Wonders of the World, this time focusing on the history of Machu Picchu. We've looked back to understand if Machu Picchu was a temple to sacrifice virgins or just a nice get away for royalty, what factors had to be considered to keep it from washing away, how the buildings were constructed with such amazing accuracy while lacking the modern tools that seem necessary to make it happen, and how the Incas even managed to get the giant rocks up an even more giant m...
If Not Engineering, What Would You Do? - Episode 327
December 23, 2022 00:00 - 30 minutes - 42.3 MBIf you weren't an engineer, what would you do for a living? To wrap up the year, James and Luke think back on their decisions to get into the field of engineering with regret...err...with a reflective lens to decide if they made the right decision or if they would have gotten into another field knowing what they do now. Sure, having one of the most successful engineering podcasts of all time is great, but is there something better out there?! Certainly, that can't be the case, but find out an...
How Are Cruise Ships Built - Episode 326
December 14, 2022 00:00 - 39 minutes - 54.2 MBIf you have ever seen a cruise ship, there is no doubt that you have asked yourself how they are built and how they possibly manage to keep everything running so smoothly. Don't worry! We're here to explain just that. The process used to build cruise ships is pretty consistent across the four major manufacturers, and without saying too much, prefabrication plays a huge part. We'll explain how everything is pieced together, discuss just how powerful the engines are, learn about desalinizatio...
F1 Racing Engineering - Episode 325
December 07, 2022 00:00 - 39 minutes - 54.5 MBCars are amazing works of engineering. Race cars have a crazy amount of engineering that go into them. F1 racing is a completely different animal! The amount of engineering that goes into Formula 1, even while the cars are on the track, is unparalleled!! In this episode of Unprofessional Engineering, we review the rules of F1, take a look back at the history of racing innovation, and discuss the greatest engineering advancements that have come from this sport (even if some of them have been ...
The History of Social Media - Episode 324
November 30, 2022 00:00 - 37 minutes - 51.1 MBLike it or not, social media now plays a part in nearly every part of our lives. Without Instagram models, how would you know what makeup to use? Without TikTok, how would you know how to dance dangerously outside of a moving car?! But social media wasn't always a brain rotting wasteland! It was once a place where you could learn to code while precariously listing your top eight friends (Tom included) while playing your favorite song! We've looked back to understand where social media got ...
Christmas Gifts for Engineers: 2022 - Episode 323
November 23, 2022 00:00 - 37 minutes - 51.1 MBIt is the episode that you have been waiting for all year long! Our 2022 list of hot gifts for that engineer or aspiring engineer in your life! We all know that engineers are a special breed and that can make them a little difficult to shop for. Even for the STEM inclined kids out there, you might have trouble finding something that is both educational and entertaining. Don't worry!! We have something to help you out, no matter the price range. From Lego to National Geographic, Thames & Kos...
How Did We Land on the Moon? - Episode 322
November 16, 2022 00:00 - 35 minutes - 48.4 MBWay back on July 21, 1969, NASA and the United States changed the universe as we know it by not only sending man to the moon but having them walk on the surface of the moon as well. We're here to discuss what it took to make that happen. Learn about the many inventions that contributed to the moon missions success, how the spaceship was designed, the various options for launching into space, advanced materials that were used for safety, and so much more!!
What Is Architectural Engineering - Episode 321
November 09, 2022 00:00 - 36 minutes - 50.5 MBDo you like buildings? Do you like engineering? Do you like spending an extra year in college to get your degree? Boy, do I have the major for you!! Architectural Engineering!!! We dove into what it looks like to get your Architectural Engineering degree, what the top universities to attend are, they type of work you will eventually end up doing, how much you'll make, and even who the big players are to give you a job. If you are thinking about getting into engineering or just hate your job...
Underrated Engineering Universities - Episode 320
November 02, 2022 00:00 - 38 minutes - 53.3 MBHere is a dose of harsh reality for everyone. We're not all going to get into MIT. I'll let that sink in for a bit. OK... Good news!! There are a ton of great engineering universities out there that are still an option for those of us who might not make the cut for MIT or CMU, or even for those who might get accepted but don't want to pay that much tuition! We did an in-depth analysis of many affordable universities that offer well respected engineering degrees (aka, we read some lists) and...
Engineering the Perfect Burger - Episode 319
October 26, 2022 00:00 - 39 minutes - 54.2 MBIs there anything better than the first bite into a delicious burger? The answer is no. OK, maybe biting into a taco. Or ice cream. Or a few other things... but mostly nothing is better! But what makes the PERFECT burger? We dove in mouth first to determine what makes the perfect burger, and not just based on opinion. Mostly based on opinion, but there is some science and engineering in our claims as well. What type of cheese is best to use? It depends on how it melts. Science! What is the...
How to Become an Astronaut - Episode 318
October 19, 2022 00:00 - 35 minutes - 48.1 MBDoesn't every kid grow up dreaming of being an astronaut? OK, maybe not every kid, but a lot of them do! But what does it really take to become an astronaut? We have gathered up the various prerequisites, learned about the application process, explored what you do once you're selected, and gathered up firsthand feedback from actual NASA astronauts! If you listen to this episode, you're basically guaranteed to become an astronaut!!! (We make no guarantees that you become an astronaut ;))
History of the Locomotive - Episode 317
October 12, 2022 00:00 - 36 minutes - 49.5 MBI think everyone was fascinated by trains, or more specifically, locomotives at some point in their life. Maybe it is thanks to Thomas the Train, or maybe just because they have been such an iconic part of the world for so long. Either way, they are amazing! In this episode, we looked back at how the locomotive got started, how the steam engine came and went (sort of), and how we've gotten to the newest hybrid model that is used today.
How Does Architectural Acoustics Work? - Episode 316
September 28, 2022 13:21 - 32 minutes - 30.1 MBAcoustics is the science of sound! But what happens when the art and design of a massive building has to accommodate flawless acoustics as well? This is where architectural acoustics come into play. The talented Architectural Engineers and Architects of the world have mastered this skill, allowing us to enjoy pristine sound when at the theater, opera, and concerts. But how do they make it so a building or structure can look great and provide a great listening experience as well? That is wh...
How Is High Fructose Corn Syrup Made? - Episode 315
September 21, 2022 00:00 - 33 minutes - 45.9 MBWe have all probably heard of it before, but do you know how high fructose corn syrup is made? Do you know that there are different types? Do you know what it is used for? Do you know how much high fructose corn syrup is in your favorite food? That is a lot of questions, and unless you are really into your health, you probably don't know these answers and might not want to! Too bad!!! Keep listening and learn everything there is to know about high fructose corn syrup, including if it is real...
How Is Medieval Armor Made? - Episode 314
September 14, 2022 00:00 - 34 minutes - 46.7 MBWe've talked about how you could start blacksmithing at home, how medieval weapons were made, and even ranked the craziest torture devices of medieval times. But now, it is time to learn how different types of medieval armor were (or are?) made! From ring mail and chain mail to full blown plate mail armor, we discuss the differences in each, when one might use each, and the painstaking process used to handcraft each one.
Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey - Episode 313
September 07, 2022 00:00 - 35 minutes - 49.1 MBWhen it comes to crazy and cool military technology, it is hard to think of something crazier than the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey. Is it a helicopter? Is it an airplane? NO! IT IS BOTH!!! WHAT?!? We investigated why the United States military decided that it needed something that flies like a plane yet can also act like a helicopter. The Osprey, a shared project of Bell Helicopter and Boeing, is a tiltrotor military aircraft unlike anything else, and the design process was as well. We can't sha...
Companies That Built the World: IBM - Episode 312
August 31, 2022 00:00 - 33 minutes - 46.6 MBWhen it comes to great companies, it is hard to think of one more impactful than IBM (or International Business Machine Corporation to us in the know). Incorporated way back in 1911, the history of IBM actually dates back to the late 1800s. Learn how IBM got started, hear about their most impactful products, why their most well known machine Watson has that name, if IBM is as relevant today as ever, and of course, lots of war connections!
Great Inventors: Samuel Morse - Episode 311
August 24, 2022 00:00 - 32 minutes - 44.3 MBAs we continue our series on great inventors, we have finally come to Samuel Morse. Not Morris; Morse. What all did he invent? Well, not really all that much, but the telegraph (and Morse Code) was a pretty good one! Take a trip through time with Unprofessional Engineering as we look back at the life of Samuel Morse, from his religious upbringing, to his time at Yale college, his love of art and painting of Dying Hercules, portraits of George Washington, and how the death of his first wife i...
Great Engineering Universities: University of Toronto - Episode 310
August 17, 2022 00:00 - 33 minutes - 46 MBThe Great Engineering Universities podcast series has gone global!! The first college that we reviewed outside of the United States is the University of Toronto; the premier engineering university of our friends to the north. We reviewed what it takes to get accepted into the University of Toronto (which is significantly different than colleges in the United States), their global program rankings, fun reasons you might want to attend in addition to their great programs, and so much more.
7 Wonders of the World: Taj Mahal - Episode 309
August 10, 2022 00:00 - 36 minutes - 50.3 MBAs we continue to explore the 7 modern wonders of the world, we have decided to discuss the construction and history of what is likely the most iconic of the wonders: the Taj Mahal! King Jahangir, in Agra, India, had the Taj Mahal built for his "favorite wife," Mumtaz Mahal. It was built to be her final resting place, the fanciest mausoleum of all time. Romantic, right? What resulted is one of the most iconic buildings in the world! Thanks to tens of thousands of works, elephants galore, an...
Great Engineering Universities: Georgia Tech - Episode 308
August 03, 2022 00:00 - 34 minutes - 47.3 MBIn this episode of our great engineering universities series, we head to the deep south to investigate the Georgia Institute of Technology. Founded way back in 1885 as the Georgia School of Technology, this storied university has grown to become one of the top engineering colleges in the United States, and even the world. Learn what it takes to get in to Georgia Tech, the acceptance rate for students, how you can help your chances of acceptance, the rankings of their engineering programs, an...
Apache Attack Helicopter - Episode 307
July 28, 2022 00:00 - 34 minutes - 47.7 MBThe AH-64 Apache attack helicopter is the most advanced military helicopter in the world! Well, probably... Rumor has it, after the Vietnam war, the importance of helicopters was made clear, but the old Cheyanne was too slow on the attack and not well equipped for countering the heavily armored tanks of the USSR. After a quick contest to see who could make the coolest (or maybe best?) helicopter, the contract was awarded to Hughes Helicopters (now Boeing is pumping them out). There's way m...
Inventions of the 1930s - Episode 306
July 20, 2022 00:00 - 35 minutes - 48.3 MBThere are tons of new inventions showing up every day, but what about those inventions from years ago that got us to where we are today? In this episode of Unprofessional Engineering, we looked back at the most important and interesting inventions that came from the 1930s. Some HUGE inventions such as nuclear fission and the jet engine are still changing the world and being improved today, where others like the chocolate chip cookie and Twinkies seem like (very important) inventions from th...
How Is Honey Made? - Episode 305
July 13, 2022 00:00 - 36 minutes - 50 MBWho doesn't love fresh honey?? In your tea, on your toast, stuffing a spoonful into your mouth...mmm!!!! But what about the work that goes into making this delicious golden nectar? We've looked into the entire process! From the roles of the different bees to all of the work they put in creating honey, and then how humans go and steal this tasty treat. We also looked into some new technology that is being used to help beekeepers produce more honey while reducing risks to their colony.
Famous Engineers (but not for engineering) - Episode 304
July 05, 2022 00:00 - 31 minutes - 57.6 MBThere are tons of famous engineers out there who have designed life changing things or made ground breaking discoveries. But what about those that are famous for something other than engineering? In this episode of Unprofessional Engineering, we take a look at a number of engineers that found a different path in life. From Mr. Bean, who was an electrical engineer by education, to Alfred Hitchcock and even President Peanut (Jimmy Carter) himself!
Futuristic Personal Transporters - Episode 303
June 29, 2022 00:00 - 32 minutes - 30 MBWe're taking a look at personal transporters, and we don't me things like boring old cars! Think about the travel of the future, or at least that looks like it is from the future. Segways, the Halfbike, eFOLDi, hover boards and more! We don't just talk about the future, of course, but we look at the past to see how personal transporters got to where they are today, starting back in 1915 with the Autoped. In addition, we look at some of the technology that is used to make these contraptions f...
7 Wonders of the World: Petra - Episode 302
June 08, 2022 00:00 - 33 minutes - 45.9 MBThanks to the movies, Petra may be the most recognizable of all of the modern 7 Wonders of the World. If it doesn't ring a bell, think about Indiana Jones entering a crazy looking temple built into the side of a mountain. Yeah, that's real!! We explore the history of Petra, how the Nabateans constructed this intricate city, the various rulers, uses of the trade city, and of course, the engineering behind this marvel.
Space Telescopes - Episode 301
June 01, 2022 20:31 - 35 minutes - 49.2 MBWe are all probably familiar with telescopes. You set them up in your house and creep on your neighbors with them, right? Well, NASA and the other space programs are creeping on our neighbors in space as well, thanks to space telescopes! We discuss the different types of space telescopes (such as gamma ray, x-ray, infrared, and more), what they are used for, the history of sending telescopes to space, as well as some of the most famous space telescopes ever (including Hubble, Fermi, LISA, Ch...
How Do Satellites Work? - Episode 300
May 25, 2022 00:00 - 35 minutes - 48.2 MBThere are hundreds of satellites floating around out in space that we depend on every day for a number of things, from gps to internet for some, but they are even more important for the simple needs that we have. Satellites are used to help us understand the cosmos, from how black holes are formed to how the universe was born. They help us to look back in time, all the way to when the big bang happened, to educate us on the creation of life. Learn all there is to know about satellites, fr...
7 Wonders of the World: Chichen Itza - Episode 299
May 18, 2022 00:00 - 37 minutes - 51.4 MBIt is hard to believe that aliens weren't involved in the construction of many ancient structures (right, Luke?), and this is certainly the case for the 7 modern wonders of the world! We have kicked off a new mini-series that is looking at the engineering and history behind the 7 modern wonders of the world, starting with Chichen Itza in the heart of Mexico. We discuss how it is thought to have been built, the changes that have taken place over the years, what caused the city to be abandon...
Companies That Built the World: Dupont - Episode 298
May 11, 2022 00:00 - 38 minutes - 53.3 MBWhat started out as a small gunpowder manufacturer on the Delaware river turned into one of the most diverse and innovative companies ever; DuPont! Sure, a few explosions nearly whipped DuPont off the map but they bounced back better than ever, now completely divested from the gunpowder industry. Éleuthère Irénée du Pont de Nemours was the mastermind behind DuPont, which continued on as a family owned company for many years to come. Learn how DuPont went from gunpowder to dynamite, and on t...
Inventions of the 1920s - Episode 297
May 04, 2022 00:00 - 35 minutes - 48.4 MBMany everyday items that we take for granted were not actually invented all that long ago. Things like television, frozen food, penicillin, and insulin were only invented (or discovered) 100 years ago! My grandma was probably around then!! In this episode, we look back at the greatest and worst inventions of the 1920s to see what that decade had to offer in innovation. It is hard to pick, but we also narrow the list down to our favorite and least favorite invention of the decade.
Great Engineering Universities: Stanford - Episode 296
April 27, 2022 00:00 - 35 minutes - 48.6 MBAs we continue to explore the best engineering universities in the world, we have picked Stanford as our next engineering college to focus on. Across the board, Stanford is ranked in the top 5 (or even the top 2) for nearly every engineering discipline. Not only do we discuss the different engineering programs Stanford offers, we also look back at the history of Leland Stanford, how the university go started, the demographics of the student body, the real cost to attend, and other interestin...
The Industrial Revolution - Episode 295
April 20, 2022 00:00 - 33 minutes - 46.2 MBThere maybe have been no greater time for economic growth an efficiency than during the first Industrial Revolution. It was during the Industrial Revolution that a lot of work, from textiles to agriculture, moved from highly manual work to become much more automated. In addition, the number of significant inventions that arose at this time were extremely important for growing nations. From the steam engine to the cotton gin, the number of intentions that improved lives around this time are ...
FIRST Robotics - Episode 294
April 13, 2022 00:00 - 36 minutes - 50.2 MBFIRST Robotics might be the most influential STEM activity that high school and younger students can participate in. Heck, most of those involved with FIRST Robotics are probably better engineers than we are, without having gone to college! Learn what it takes to get started with FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), from giant piles of cash to the time commitment from everyone involved. We also discuss the FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Tech Challenge.
Top Video Games for Engineers - Episode 293
April 06, 2022 00:00 - 35 minutes - 48.5 MBDid your parents ever yell at you for playing to many video games? Did they tell you that video games will never help you in the future? Well, maybe they were wrong! Just don't tell them we said so... Some studies have shown that kids that play video games have better hand eye coordination and therefore make better surgeons. What about engineers? We looked through some of our favorite video games that are great training for engineers, both young and old. From old school games like Tetris a...
Great Inventors: Thomas Jefferson - Episode 292
March 30, 2022 00:00 - 35 minutes - 48.6 MBWhen you think about Thomas Jefferson, being a great inventor might not be the first thing that comes to mind considering President, Declaration of Independence, and many other great accomplishments fill his resume. That said, he has more than a few inventions to his credit. From the polygraph to macaroni and cheese (maybe not exactly the inventor, but worth finding out), Thomas Jefferson could hold his own with many of the other great inventors that we have discussed.