MECH 501 - Special topics in Mechanical Engineering

Example research topic: MEMS actuators

1. Start your research in the TA and TK sections of the Schulich Library Reference area (Room 217, main floor) to consult our encyclopedias and other reference books, for example: 
   • Wiley encyclopedia of electrical and electronics engineering - 24 volumes - Ref TK9 E53 1999 (Also available online.)
   • Wiley encyclopedia of telecommunications - 5 volumes - Ref TK5102 W55 2003 (Also available online.)
2. Use the Library catalogue to find books. For example:
   • Do a keyword search: MEMS
   • Find a good book, e.g. Microsensors, MEMS, and smart devices, TK7875 G37 2001, and click on the title. You will see subject headings listed in the LC Subject field. (The first one is "Microelectromechanical systems".)
   • Click on any of the subject heading links to retrieve more books about those subjects.
3. Search any of these electronic indexes to find articles:
   • INSPEC
   • Compendex
   • Aerospace  Database

   Most of the Library's licensed electronic resources, such as databases, full-text online journals and e-books, are restricted to McGill students, faculty, staff and other authorized users of the McGill Library. Find out about accessing the Library's online resources from on and off campus.

   For example:
   1.  
      • Search INSPEC.
      • Search for:  MEMS actuators by the author Elata
      • Find the article by Elata, D. et al.:
        - Elata, D.; Bochobza-Degani, O.; Nemirovsky, Y. "Analytical approach and numerical alpha -lines method for pull-in hyper-surface extraction of electrostatic actuators with multiple uncoupled voltage sources". Journal of microelectromechanical systems. 12(2003):681-91.
      • Click on "Detailed"; read the abstract to make certain it's what you want. [Note that clicking on the controlled terms and uncontrolled terms will give you more articles about those subjects.]
      • Click on the Full Text button to get the article online. [If the full text is not offered, then check the catalogue to see if we have it.]
   2.  
      • Search Aerospace Database.
      • Search for: MEMS actuators by the author Ho
      • Find the article by Ho, S. et al.
        - Ho, S.; Nassef, H.; Pornsinsirirak, N.; Tai, Yu-Chong; Ho, Chih-Ming. "Unsteady aerodynamics and flow control for flapping wing flyers". Progress in Aerospace Sciences. 39(2003):635-681.
      • Click on "View Record"; read the abstract. [Clicking on the "Descriptors" links will give you more articles about those subjects.]
      • Click on the Find It McGill button to launch the Find It McGill services window. Click on the Go button to get the article online. Or, click on "Holdings in the Library Catalogue" for full-text and print holdings at McGill. [Always make sure to double check the catalogue.]

   Can't find the article or book you want at McGill?

   McGill students and staff may order articles not available at McGill using COLOMBO (interlibrary loan).

   There are no charges for ordering through COLOMBO; McGill subsidizes this service.

   Please do not wait until it is too late for us to help you with COLOMBO.

Schulich Library
Compiled by Marika Asimakopulos