Howstuffworks.com presents clear, well-written articles for the layperson in many areas such as Earth Science, Engineering, Military and the Supernatural. In this article, written by Marshall Brain, one can learn the secrets of force-multiplying devices. For example, how a block and tackle (an arrangement of ropes and pulleys such as on a crane or sailboat rigging) works to trade force for...

Basic machining processes are introduced on a Web site that is devoted to engineering fundamentals (1). Descriptions and illustrations of drilling, turning, grinding, and other common processes are provided for people with little to no prior machining knowledge. A waterjet is a non-traditional machining technology that uses high pressure streams of water with abrasive additives rather than solid...