For a comprehensive search of the research literature use one or more of the key databases (below).
The databases will provide information about articles and papers, but often they do not include the PDFs of the articles. You can use the QConnect service to link to the full-text of articles and papers in the library's subscriptions.
Please note: The key databases cover many more items than are included in the Library's subscriptions. If you find a paper which you cannot access online because the library doesn't subscribe to it, you may be able to request a copy via the Inter-Library Loans service.
Scopus is the world's largest bibliographic and citation database. It covers nearly 20,000 academic journals from mechanical and aerospace engineering and other engineering and science disciplines. Scopus is great for finding up to date academic journal articles and conference papers. It is a good complement to the Web of Science database (see below).
Access Scopus
The makers of Scopus provide a range of online video tutorials explaining the features and functionality of this database, including:
The Web of Science is an extensive bibliographic and citation database. It covers key academic journals from mechanical and aerospace engineering and other engineering and science disciplines. The Web of Science is a great source of information on academic journal articles and conference papers. It is a good complement to Scopus (see above).
Access Web of Science
What is the Web of Science Core Collection? Quick Reference Guide (PDF)
The makers of Web of Science provide a range of video tutorials on YouTube, explaining the features and functionality of this database, including:
The Ei Compendex Backfile is useful when you need to find older journal articles and conference papers, which were published between 1884 and 1969. It covers all areas of engineering and includes papers which are not listed in Scopus or the Web of Science. Search Scopus or the Web of Science if you need to find more recent papers.
Access Ei Compendex Backfile via the Engineering Village platform (tick the Ei Backfile box)
The ASTM Compass Digital Library provides access to standards, STPs, books, journal articles and other documents published by ASTM International (formerly: the American Society for Testing and Materials). PDFs of documents are available for download.
Access ASTM Compass Digital Library
ASTM Compass Digital Library Quick Reference Guide (PDF, 11 KB)
ESDU provides access to continually updated, validated engineering methods, data, principles, worked examples and programs. The database includes relevant materials for aerospace, mechanical, structural and chemical engineering.
Access ESDU Engineering Data
Business Source Premier provides access to more than 2,000 business journals and it is useful when you need to research commercial aspects of engineering. Business Source Premiere includes journal articles, case studies, company information, SWOT analyses and market research literature. PDFs of many indexed sources are available for download.
Access Business Source Premier
ABI/Inform Global is a comprehensive business database providing access to a wide range of journals and working paper series. Like Business Source Premier (see above) ABI/Inform Global is useful for researching commercial aspects of engineering. PDFs of many indexed sources are available for download.
Access ABI/Inform Global
Many of the resources on this page are subscription databases.
On-campus, students and staff will usually have free guest user access.
To access databases from off-campus:
Email: i.bittles@qub.ac.uk
Tel: 028 9097 6277
You may also find answers to your questions in our e-resource access and troubleshooting guide