Writers in different fields of engineering use different styles to cite sources in their papers and to list sources at the ends of their papers. Civil engineers, chemical engineers, industrial engineers, and mechanical engineers usually use the name-year system of The Chicago Manual of Style, 16th ed. (2010).
Electrical engineers, computer engineers, and mechanical engineers use the IEEE Editorial Style Manual, published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
Engineers and scientists in geology usually use Suggestions to Authors of the Reports of the United States Geological Survey, 7th ed. (1991).
When you begin a project in an engineering class, check with your instructor about which style is required for your assignment.
Related topic:
Citing sources in Chicago style