TESTIMONIAL OF THE WEEK - Doing Is the Key to Succeeding!

“I’m 10 years out of school with 3 kids under 3 and a full time job in project management. DTC gave me a plan, helped me prioritize the key areas of study, not get bogged down into too much subject-matter detail, and spend my time effectively. The PRN’s were most helpful. I think the structured approach of developing them, organizing them, ensuring you have material for everything was key to success. Due to all the work put in in developing them, I did not end up using them much during the exam because I knew most of the material off-hand. That being the key to passing. I also liked the flexibility of video on demand. Most of my studying was done late at night.

Watching Dr Tom’s YouTube videos on how to approach the exam, he recommends the Thermo/Fluids test. I was very weak in Thermodynamics in school. Learning thermodynamics well enough to pass a test when I had such little foundation to build on was a big concern. Dr Tom’s approach to thermodynamics and his ability to explain things very clear and concise was a huuuuge help! The thermo questions on the test were cake. Dr. Tom's teaching is humorous and relatable. I loved how Dr Tom would explain the theory, and then relate it to why/how it’s actually useful…. So helpful when learning. I would absolutely recommend Dr. Tom’s 20-Week Review to others preparing for the ME PE Exam. It’s priced right, and has great content."

Lance Way, PE, Chevron Phillips Chemical, Texas

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PROBLEM OF THE WEEK - Mech: Thermal/Fluids NCEES Problem 507

This week’s "Problem of the Week" is another problem from the 2016 NCEES Mechanical Practice Exam for Thermal and Fluid Systems. Problem 507 involves finding the stagnation pressure at the bow of a submarine. The NCEES solution leaves out the details of the origin of the equation used. This is also a problem involving external flow around a body in contrast to the usual problem of internal flow in a pipe or conduit. Therefore, the AE form of the Bernoulli equation is the most appropriate. However, it can also be approached using the CE form. Try both and see how you do. Then watch how Dr. Tom solves the problem using both approaches.

Dr. Tom's Solutions to NCEES TFS Problem 507

DTC recommends that anyone taking the PE Exam purchase the NCEES Practice Exam for the exam they are taking. It is an essential exam review resource. https://account.ncees.org/exam-prep/ 

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Summer Fun Thanks to Engineering!

Check out this fun YouTube video of one of our Civil Engineering instructors, Daniel Findley, and his son on what is called the Aquaskipper. It is fascinating to watch, since it is not entirely obvious how the two of them stay up.  The rear main hydrofoil appears to be supporting their weight like a wing of an airplane, and the front hydrofoil is acting like a canard (like on the Concord supersonic jet) to keep the nose up.  Clearly a must have for summer fun on the water!

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The Time To Start Your Review Is NOW!

Right now is the perfect time to begin your Fast Track Review for the October 2017 PE Exam. If you start this Saturday (July 29), you will have 10 weeks to get through the course and 3 weeks for your final review. The clock is ticking and the time to start is NOW! So what are you waiting for? SIGN UP TODAY!

 

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2000 Years Old and Still Standing - Roman Concrete

Concrete is one of the world’s most common building materials, but modern concrete can decay in a just a few decades when exposed to saltwater. So how is ancient Roman concrete still standing?

The word “concrete” is believed to be derived from the Latin word concretus which means to “grow together.” Concrete is a composite material made up of aggregate (stone and sand) and water, which are combined with cement to form a fluid material that can flow into various shapes and molds. Once the concrete mixture is placed and not further agitated, it begins to set. As the concrete sets, the cement in the mixture reacts with the water and binds the aggregates together to transform the mixture into a strong, rigid material (hence its Latin origin of “grow together”).  The composition of concrete mixtures has changed over time and varies throughout the world based on the availability of the necessary ingredients.

So back to those concrete structures from ancient Roman that are still standing today. It has been recently discovered that one of the cementitious materials used by the Romans reacted chemically with seawater to dramatically increase the durability of their concrete. So exposure to the sea actually made them stronger. This is a prime example of some very smart construction engineers formulating a superior product using the materials available to them.

 

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TESTIMONIAL OF THE WEEK - It's Not Too Late to Get Your PE!

"Being nearly 20 years out of college, I was VERY intimidated to attempt the PE exam. I can say with absolute certainty that Dr. Tom’s review course was the key to my success. The organized approach (study schedule, practice problem selection, and reference binder structure) allowed me to focus on learning the content for the exam instead of wasting time trying to figure those out on my own and just studying the MERM. I was doubtful that I could get back up to speed on so many of the subjects that I spent years studying in college, but it worked!

I initially was planning to attend a live class offered by another company. However, sitting through 4 days in a row of 8 hour classes (for three weekends) did NOT appeal to me or fit my learning style. Tackling it at MY pace and on MY schedule (weekday lunch and evenings, weekends), focusing on solving examples, and shoring up trouble areas before progressing to new lessons was the only way I could effectively learn the material. Doing, not merely watching is the key for me. Having the same teacher across all subjects was also a plus, as was the fact that Dr. Tom's classes are less expensive.

Dr. Tom's Fast Track Review has an aggressive schedule. However, I worked hard (30-40 hours a week) to "knock off the rust" my skills had collected over the years and get caught up. The classes reminded me of college lectures, except focusing on the applications instead of developing equations. Let's just say I was even knocking the rust off of my ALGEBRA skills when I began the course and still covered enough ground to not only pass but score a "B" on the exam.

I would recommend Dr. Tom’s Reviews, but due to time demands of the Fast Track Review, for those juggling work and family responsibilities, the 20-Week Review may prove a better fit. But I can't argue with the results!"

-Brent V., PE, Houston, Texas

 

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PROBLEM OF THE WEEK - Mech: Thermal/Fluids NCEES Problem 530

Today we begin a new series we're calling the "Problem of the Week." Some problems that you will encounter while preparing for the PE Exam are trickier than others, and we're going after the those that seem to cause folks the most trouble. First, we'd like to challenge you to see if you can solve the problem on your own. But we won't leave you hanging! Dr. Tom and our instructors will provide you with a video of their recommended method of solving the problem.

We're going to start with Problem 530 in the 2016 NCEES Mechanical Practice Exam for Thermal and Fluid Systems (Problem 516 in the 2011 practice exam). This problem involves finding the efficiency of a steam turbine and is a classic problem in Thermodynamics, where the ideal expansion is isentropic.

HINT: The isentropic values of the exit conditions at point 2 are not available in the MERM steam tables, so use the Mollier diagram (entropy vs enthalpy) in the MERM instead. It is remarkable how accurate the Mollier diagram can be read.

Dr. Tom's Solution to NCEES TFS Problem 530 (Dr. Tom has also worked an alternate “Bonus” problem based on Problem 530. We recommend you check that video out too.)

DTC recommends that anyone taking the PE Exam purchase the NCEES Practice Exam for the exam they are taking. It is an essential exam review resource. https://account.ncees.org/exam-prep/

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Writing “Hidden Figures”

At the ASME Annual Meeting in Newport Beach, California, Allison Schroeder, who was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for the movie "Hidden Figures," was a guest speaker. The movie has turned out to be one of the best of the year, telling the incredible story of the African-American women mathematicians working behind the scenes during NASA's Mercury Project. Ms. Schroeder grew up in the shadow of these historical events as both her father and mother were employed by NASA during this exciting time. Her talk touched on the choices that were made in bringing this powerful and courageous story to the screen where it may provide inspiration for a new generation of mathematicians and engineers. If you haven’t seen the movie yet, you should!

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Dr. Tom Has a Plan!

Our plan for your success is based on what we call the Dr. Tom Method. We call it that because Dr. Tom came up with it, but over the years we have all worked together to fine tune and develop this method into a highly structured review that step by step helps you develop the skills and resources you need to pass the PE exam. We’ve taken the guesswork out of what to study and what not to study. Just follow the plan and concentrate on learning what you need to know.
“The organized approach (study schedule, practice problem selection, and reference binder structure) allowed me to focus on learning the content for the exam instead of wasting time trying to figure those what to study on my own”
-Brent V., PE, Houston, Texas

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First Steel @ One Vanderbilt - NYC

New York City can always use another skyscraper, especially one that will be the second tallest in the city at 1,401 feet, with 360 views of the city through floor-to-ceiling windows. The first steel column, installed recently at One Vanderbilt, weighed in at 20 tons and is a feat of both construction and design. It will take nearly 2 and a half years for all of the steel to be installed. Standing next to Grand Central Station, this dramatic structure will include direct access to the subway system which will feature $220 million upgrades for transit and infrastructure. More pics and video at ModernSteel, 6sqft

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Testimonial of the Week! - Structured for Success

Dr. Tom’s prep course provided the structure and the solid foundation I needed to pass the Thermal Fluids PE exam.  Learning to quickly identify the type of problem and using Dr. Tom’s back-to-basics approach to problem solving helped ease some of my concerns of taking the exam and feel confident in my ability to do well.  I’ve used an in-class prep course before with no success.  The quality, exam day references provided, exam day tips and confidence in Dr. Tom’s program makes it easy for me to recommend Dr. Tom’s Classroom to others I know preparing for the PE exam.  Thanks for getting me over the hump and helping to accomplish a major goal of mine! 

Clint A., P.E.
Tulsa, Oklahoma

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Civil Engineering Marvel: Linn Cove Viaduct on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Anyone who has ever driven the meandering 469 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway, or any portion thereof, will tell you that it is one of the most amazing drives of their life. Although construction of the Parkway started in 1935, the final missing link of the parkway wasn’t completed until 1987 when the Linn Cove Viaduct was opened to the motoring public. Watch the video below to get a first-person experience of driving the viaduct from each direction.

Successful completion of one of the most complicated concrete bridges ever built required the coordination and cooperation of many civil engineers. The pre-cast concrete segments were designed, built, and installed in a manner to minimize the harm and impact of the natural environment on Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina. Each of the PE exam disciplines were well-represented on the team to complete this segment, including those involved in the investigation and mitigation of water resources and environmental effects, evaluation and design of the geotechnical aspects necessary to support the facility, the design of the complex and unique structural components, construction of the roadway, and transportation elements to guide drivers along the roadway.

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Testimonial of the Week! - Exam Strategy

"Dr. Tom's 20-week review course was very helpful at breaking down the mountain of information that is Mechanical Engineering into small bite-sized pieces. I had taken the PE twice before, and my biggest concern was problem identification and time management. I knew that these two strategies are critical to passing. On previous exams, I often times would not be able to quickly identify the question type and, therefore, wouldn’t know how to begin to solve it. I believe this was the main reason I did not pass before, and the other review course I took did not help out much with that.

It was apparent early on in Dr. Tom’s 20-Week Review course that problem identification was one of the main focuses. With the way the course topics were divided, as well as with use of the Personalized Resource Notebooks, I was able to identify problem types significantly faster than before. I believe this was the main reason I passed. Dr. Tom seems to really care about his students and course attendees, and I’m grateful his devotion has lead to such an effective review course. Dr. Tom’s course was much more effective than the other review course I took, and I would recommend Dr. Tom's 20-Week Review to others preparing for the ME PE Exam, without a doubt."

- William Allred, PE, LEED AP BD+C, RS&H, Merritt Island, Florida

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