“Diminishing” Returns for Lighting Energy Efficiency

Light bulb with glowing filament, representing historical lighting technology, linked to energy efficiency improvements in HVAC and refrigeration.

Lighting energy efficiency has dramatically increased since the days of Edison’s light bulb. In our office and retail spaces we’ve seen large improvements in fluorescent style lighting. From 180 Watt four lamp T12 fixtures in the 1980’s, to 110 Watt T8 fixtures in the 1990’s, and now 36 Watt LED fixtures with just two lamps […]

MECHANICAL PE EXAM TIP – Units, Units Units!!!

Red sign with bold text "UNITS!" repeated three times, alongside mathematical equations on a chalkboard, emphasizing the importance of units in engineering calculations, relevant to PE exam preparation.

If I wasn’t Dr. Tom, I’d be Dr. Units. I cannot tell you how many times units are the reason someone gets the wrong answer to a problem. It might be as simple as inches needed to be converted to feet, or the other way around. Or, it is a combination of units like gallons per minute […]

The Dr. Tom Method – The Perfect System to Pass the PE Exam

Dart hitting the bullseye on a dartboard, symbolizing precision and success in exam preparation at Dr. Tom's Classroom.

At Dr. Tom’s Classroom, we’ve worked hard to create the perfect system to help Mechanical engineers pass the PE Exam and become Professional Engineers. We even developed and launched a whole new Dr. Tom Method specifically targeted to the CBT exam format, and it’s been a huge success. With PE Exam Review courses for all […]

120 Years of Wonder and Comfort

Official souvenir postcard of the Missouri State Building at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis, featuring ornate architecture and visitors in period attire.

The 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis may not come up in many history books as a major event, but it was memorable in the annals of engineering. The event saw the introduction of hamburgers, hot dogs, and ice cream cones (OK, not Earth shattering engineering inventions to be sure). But there the X-ray machine, […]

When a Fixed Dock is Not Available

Ferry service transporting passengers and vehicles to an island, with people boarding and scenic backdrop of hills and houses in Ireland.

When one of our DTC instructors was visiting Ireland, he came across a ferry service that carried along its own dock. Lots of community discussion typically takes place when a permanent location for a dock is under consideration. Some people want it close to their needs, while others want it as far away as possible. […]

Attention Mechanical Engineers! Now Is the Time to Get Your PE!

Man studying for the Mechanical PE Exam on a laptop, surrounded by stacked books and a clock featuring the DTC logo, symbolizing time management in exam preparation.

You have achieved a lot in your career, but you know you are capable of more. Getting your PE license opens up a whole new world of possibilities for you to achieve the extraordinary. At DTC, we know the Mechanical PE Exam, and we can help you make those possibilities a reality with our comprehensive […]

FEATURED TESTIMONIAL – “Forever Grateful to Dr. Tom’s Classroom”

Man sitting in a chair with arms raised in celebration, overlooking a city skyline, symbolizing achievement and professional success in engineering.

“It has long been a personal goal (as well as a professional goal) to get the satisfaction of fulfilling the requirements to be recognized as a licensed professional engineer. Kansas State University did a very good job of emphasizing the importance of licensure during the curriculum as many of my former classmates and current colleagues […]

New Carbon Capture Batteries Store Energy and Help Climate

Digital representation of a battery with a lightning bolt symbol, surrounded by a network of interconnected data points, illustrating energy storage technology relevant to carbon capture and climate solutions.

The Transformative Energy Science and Technology (TEST) initiative with the US Dept of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed batteries that can absorb carbon-dioxide from power plants or large factories (boilers, ovens) and use it to store energy. The CO2 is bubbled through an electrolyte solution where it combines with dissolved sodium or aluminum […]

Achieve Your Extraordinary. Become a PE.

Woman in professional attire with glasses, posing confidently against a textured wall, casting a shadow resembling a superhero, symbolizing empowerment and inspiration for women in engineering. DTC logo visible.

Getting your Professional Engineer’s license will open up a world of possibilities for you to achieve the extraordinary. And DTC can help you make those possibilities a reality with our comprehensive prep courses for the Mechanical PE Exams and our strategic plan to prepare you to pass the exam. Years of work went into developing […]

“Next Generation” by Rail

Locomotive train labeled "N C" at a station platform, highlighting advancements in rail technology relevant to the "Next Generation" of Positive Train Control.

A recent article in Metro News!, a publication directed to the world of Transit & Motorcoach Business, summarized nicely the upcoming changes in Positive Train Control, or PTC. The article by Julia Seredovich was titled “Next Generation of Positive Train Control: Unfolding Future Trends”. The term “Next Generation” has been the cornerstone of changes in […]