If you don't see what you're looking for, email your question. 151 S82 Mechanical Engineers' Handbook , ed. Other engineering handbooks can be found using the Library Catalog. Return to top of page Standards Standards are documents issued by professional or trade associations or by government agencies. Engineers must frequently comply with standards when they design something or specify materials or processes.
Standards define the properties, strength, size, shape, etc. of materials and components.
They also describe processes, procedures, and test methods. You are probably already familiar with standards without realizing it. The UL symbol found on appliances ensures that the manufacturer has conformed to safety standards set by Underwriters Laboratories. ASTM, the American Society for Testing and Materials, issues thousands of standards that address materials, components, mechanical equipment, processes, and test methods. With over 70 volumes of standards, it is extremely difficult to find the standard you need without using the index.