What is Mechanical: Definition and 1000 Discussions

Mechanical engineering is an engineering branch that combines engineering physics and mathematics principles with materials science to design, analyze, manufacture, and maintain mechanical systems. It is one of the oldest and broadest of the engineering branches.Mechanical engineering combines creativity, knowledge and analytical tools to complete the difficult task of shaping an idea into reality.
The mechanical engineering field requires an understanding of core areas including mechanics, dynamics, thermodynamics, materials science, structural analysis, and electricity. In addition to these core principles, mechanical engineers use tools such as computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and product lifecycle management to design and analyze manufacturing plants, industrial equipment and machinery, heating and cooling systems, transport systems, aircraft, watercraft, robotics, medical devices, weapons, and others. It is the branch of engineering that involves the design, production, and operation of machinery.Mechanical engineering emerged as a field during the Industrial Revolution in Europe in the 18th century; however, its development can be traced back several thousand years around the world. In the 19th century, developments in physics led to the development of mechanical engineering science. The field has continually evolved to incorporate advancements; today mechanical engineers are pursuing developments in such areas as composites, mechatronics, and nanotechnology. It also overlaps with aerospace engineering, metallurgical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, manufacturing engineering, chemical engineering, industrial engineering, and other engineering disciplines to varying amounts. Mechanical engineers may also work in the field of biomedical engineering, specifically with biomechanics, transport phenomena, biomechatronics, bionanotechnology, and modelling of biological systems.

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  1. MrAndrew

    Hello everyone

    Hello everyone, I heard about PF from Reddit. I'm a mechanical engineering enthusiast and looking forward to engaging with everyone here!
  2. madladkaiser

    New Member, I look forward to contributing and your kind cooperation

    Hello there, fellow physics enthusiasts, I am a mechanical engineer looking forward to pursuing physics academically. I am interested in gaining knowledge from this forum and connecting with students and scientists. Have a nice day, Madladkaiser
  3. Ranger Mike

    Amazing power of the pulley

    many pulleys at various angles multiply the initial power of the winch
  4. D

    Understanding the mechanical advantage of a Pneumatic linkage system

    Hi all, I need to derive an equation for the mechanical advantage between the force applied at the wall and the force at the piston for a linked system. I have attempted this but my equation suggests that the wall force increases expenantionally as the connecting rod approaches the horrizontal...
  5. B

    How can I calculate the Density and Volume of a mechanical mixture (atoms)?

    Is it correct that: density = [ 0.09 * (density of NaCl) ] + [0.91 * (density of water) ] volume = [ (volume of water) + ( { (volume of NaCl) / 48} * 9) ] Thank you so much for any advice.
  6. M

    Can Mechanical Engineers Revolutionize the Pump Industry?

    Mechanical engineer working in pump industry
  7. Abdullah A H

    Want to know if there are any particular sites for mechanical engineering for getting recommendable research papers

    where can I get best research papers for my undergrade thesis in Mechanical Engineering?
  8. Tobi9242

    What is Mechanical Engineering at AAU?

    Hi! Studying Mechanical Engineering at AAU. First semester
  9. Frames123

    Hello, everyone. I hope to continue to grow and learn on here.

    Mechanical Engineering working in the automotive industry with a desire for design and testing mechanical systems.
  10. N

    Who is Nappolean, the New Mechanical Engineer Graduate?

    Hello everyone am Nappolean a New Mechanical Engineer Graduate here, nice to meet you all.
  11. Ali sulieman

    Engineering student

    I started studying mechanical engineering, where I started thinking about things that might make me a successful and highly competent engineer in the near future. Then I started searching through artificial intelligence tools for useful sites for me as a mechanical engineering student, and your...
  12. G

    What industries has a Mechanical Designer worked in?

    I have worked in the Aeronautical, Robotics, Mining, Printing and Petroleum industries.
  13. MecEngPterois

    Help needed with a Statics Question: Load is supported by a Pulley and Cables

    What I did was split the problem into two seperate summations based on x & y coordinates: Tcos(25) - Tcos(55) - Px = 0 Tsin(25+Tsin(55) +Py - Q = 0, Where Q = 1860 I initially got an answer of 2391N, but it keeps marking me wrong for said answer. This is the free body diagram, (the previous...
  14. M

    Instrumentation Amplifier for Wheatstone Bridge Output

    I am going to do some experiment on mechanical mechanism , studying stresses Thing that in my mind Arduino Strain gauge Instrumentation amplifier I want to know that which Instrumentation amplifier i should use to get good output voltage from wheatstone bridge circuit and also easy to use...
  15. P

    Automotive Total machine system efficiency

    Please see the attached sketch. Basically I have a system of three gear boxes, each with their own respective efficiencies. I'm trying to determine, at the end of this string of gearboxes, what the overall efficiency is. How might one go about determining this? Do you just take the average? 70 +...
  16. Z

    What Can You Learn About Engineering on PhysicsForums?

    Hello I'm Mike. I'm a Mech Simulation Engineer. I am grateful with the help from this forum which directly solve my problem. Hope I can gain more engineering knowledge and experience, and also can help others. Best regards!
  17. Daniel Guh

    Mechanical Physics: Coefficient of Friction

    First of all, the pulling force is 300N cos(30) = 260 N At this point, I try to find the friction force Fn = mg = 20kg * 9.81 m/s^2 = 196.2 N Then, Ff = μ * Fn = 0.5 * 196.2 N = 98.1 N So after canceling the horizontal forces, 260N - 98.1N = 161.9N And the acceleration will be 161.9N / 20kg =...
  18. Freyja

    Wiesen Mechanical Aptitude Test

    Good day everybody, In a nutshell, I have to take the Wiesen Test for mechanical aptitude before this upcoming 24th, so less than a week from now. I am aware that this might seem a really simple task, and the theoretical concepts are indeed really easy, but the issue would be the timing; I will...
  19. Hallucinogen

    I Understanding Physical Processes: EM, Gravitational, Mechanical & Entropic

    Hi, I'm putting together some resources about theories and would like some help to make sure I don't make a mistake. In particular, I'd like to know if each of the electromagnetic, gravitational, mechanical and entropic processes applies to every physical process. So, for example, due to an...
  20. C

    Differentiating the equation for the mechanical energy of a spring

    Why when we differentiate ## E = \frac {1}{2}mv^2 + \frac {1}{2}kx^2 ## with respect to time the answer is ## \frac {dE}{dt} = mva + kxv ##? I though it would be ##\frac {dE}{dt} = ma + kv ##. Many thanks!
  21. enigmaticbacon

    Converting Effective Mechanical Load to Newtons (Capybara)

    Hello again! I've found the capybara's EMA to be 0.71. Their mass to be 55kg. And their average speed to be ~3.0km/h. I want to figure out how many capybaras it would take to overcome Friction * Normal force of ~125,000N. How would I go about doing that...
  22. S

    What does a numerical rating mean? Mechanical equipment or device

    A certain mechanical appliance or device is given a rating that says, a certain operation or a certain movement can be performed some specified thousand times. What does the rating really mean? Was that movement or operation performed until the piece failed? Does it mean some advanced test...
  23. abdulbadii

    Galvanized Steel vs High Carbon Steel: Mechanical Performance

    In what condition and how definitively galvanized steel is lower in mechanical performance and counts to be ruled out replacing high carbon steel ?
  24. D

    I Equation of motion for a simple mechanical system

    The system is shown below. It consists of a rod of length ##L## and mass ##m_b## connecting a disk of radius ##R## and mass ##m_d## to a collar of mass ##m_c## which is in turn free to slide without friction on a vertical and rigid pole. The disk rolls without slipping on the floor. The ends...
  25. S

    B Quantum mechanical one-liners?

    I got a one liner for QP, Electron behave like wave when no observer is there but when we put observer ELECTRON saw this and they told themself hey they are observing us lets change our behaviour, WE are particle now. That type of strange QP is. Am I right?
  26. Spector989

    Conservation of momentum and mechanical energy on an inclined plane

    So i am tried to conserve momentum and use conservation of mechanical energy but won't there be psuedo force acting on the block if i am solving from non inertial frame ?. If i ignore the pseudo force and simply use C.O.M.E and include the K.E of the wedge and solve normally i do get the...
  27. T

    Question about the conservation of mechanical energy

    For the first part, the mass sits at rest on the spring, so it is at the equilibrium position and thus mg = kd So, d = mg/k For the second part, I assume the uncompressed spring position is 0. When the mass at rest at the top. Its KE and PE is 0. When the mass at distance D, the question said...
  28. J

    Laboratory Rocker - type of mechanical movement & related information

    Hi all I have a question about this device in https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2948680/files. Where can I find more information/reading material about this type of mechanical movement (for example, what is the ratio between the motor circle radius, pin location and the table bearings). I wish...
  29. Ahmed1029

    I Constraints of a mechanical system

    I'm studying theoretical mechanics and I kind of find the notion of a "mechanical system" very slippery, especially when it comes to constraints. Take an example : I know that when a system consists of N particles and p constraints, it has 3N-p degrees of freedom; this is the definition. Then I...
  30. C

    I Exploring the Mechanics of Energy Conservation: Understanding the Paradox

    Hello everyone! I've been studying work and energy, and one problem I have is understanding conservation of mechanical energy. If on a rollercoaster you have two points A and B you expect the mechanical energy at A to be equal to the mechanical energy at point B, makes sense to me; but I started...
  31. leifh

    Question about electrical power compared to mechanical power

    I am new here and I am seeking for help:) Thank you so much. In engineering, electrical formula often analogy to mechanical formula. eg. power[W] = pressure x volume flow rate vs power[W] = voltage x current My question is could we make the simplest unit between electrical and mechanical...
  32. T

    Engineering Should I study Engineering Physics or Mechanical Engineering?

    I am unsure of what career to choose. I really like Physics and Math, and I have this desire to know more about things, which is what EP has to offer. I think that EP is mainly theoretical and does not teach many practice, but I believe that I can complement this by entering groups in my...
  33. Poorneshwar 2

    I Difference between the thermal and mechanical efficiency

    Hello, I'm confused between the difference between the thermal and mechanical efficiency of a Sterling heat engines or heat engines in general. I hope you could be able to guide and help me. Thank you
  34. T

    Where Can I Find Real-World Examples for Mechanical Vibration Problems?

    Good Morning These documents suggest a good text on Vibrations. https://www.academia.edu/34400682/Mechanical_Vibrations_4600_431_Example_Problems?email_work_card=reading-history If you read the PDF, you see MANY example problems. However, each and every one is an abstract schematic. I keep...
  35. Z

    Exploring the Benefits of Planar Multibody Dynamics in Mechanical Engineering

    Hello I am reading the book : " Planar Multybody dynamics, Formulation, Programming and Application" An interesting lecture , however is it worthwhile studying these methods for kinematic and dynamic analysis of mechanical mechanisms? I mean There are many softwares on the market which make...
  36. W

    Thermodynamic and mechanical work

    What is the difference between thermodynamic and mechanical work? Should they show equal values in an experiment? If yes, what possible errors could cause if there is a difference in their values?
  37. F

    The investigation into the dynamics of entangled particles.

    Hey I'm Fraser, I am a Strathclyde university graduate with a master's in electrical and mechanical engineering. I am interested in furthering my knowledge on quantum entanglement in relation to general dynamics. I am interested in researching its capabilities in ICBs. I hope I can find...
  38. V

    Mechanism of mechanical transverse wave in solids

    I am not sure, but below is my attempt. In solids the force between adjacent atoms/molecules is very strong. So, when a part of the solid medium is displaced perpendicular to the solid medium like a rope, the atoms/particles in the medium just ahead of the displaced part will tend to bring the...
  39. kingofjong

    Looking for a manufacturer to build a custom compound bow for me

    Hello I am looking for a manufacturer or mechanic that can build my custom compound bow. It doesn't have to be a big business. I would appreciate any help. Thank you
  40. A

    I Understanding the physics of a bosun's chair and mechanical advantage

    I had a homework question recently where I had gotten a bosun chair question wrong. It is the exact question found in this youtube video (with the values changed). I am struggling to understand the way 2T is arrived at here (though I do understand this is an example of mechanical advantage)...
  41. jmansurf

    Interested in flywheel mechanical batteries

    Can someone point me to advanced engineering/ physics based literature / textbooks on the subject?
  42. Shreya

    Voltage Null Points of a Mechanical Meter Bridge

    My reasoning is that the wire has a resistance/unit length. The resistance of AD must equal that of AB for D to be called a null point. If we move jockey to the left, the resistance of AD decreases, thereby decreasing the potential drop across it. This means that the V of D is more than that of...
  43. R

    Calculating the mechanical index of applied ultrasound

    On the surface, the equation is simply the peak rarefractional pressure divided by the root of the applied frequency: ##MI = \frac{P_{ra}}{\sqrt{f}}## But the pressure is reduced/derated by an attenuation factor/coefficient that is dependent on depth and frequency e.g. ##0.3 \ dB / (cm \cdot...
  44. J

    B How do relativistic effects change oscillation of the balance wheel in mechanical watch causing it to tick slower?

    Does mechanical watch ticks slower when move fast, due to relativistic effects? To make watch tick slower you must change oscillation of balance wheel inside watch, so if answer is yes, what myster "force" change balance wheel oscillation in mechanical watch to ticks slower?
  45. F

    I Mechanical power generated by a force F

    Hello, It is well understood that a constant horizontal force ##F_{applied}## applied to an object of mass ##m## over a distance ##d## in a direction that is not orthogonal to the direction of motion produces mechanical work ##W= F d ##. This work is a mechanism to inject (or subtract) energy...
  46. rudransh verma

    B How do mechanical (weighing) scales work?

    I want to understand how the weight machines work that we use in homes and shops. I have been working on force and motion chapter and I was curious how this weight machine actually push up and how it applies force to the feet of the person being weighed? What reading is this that we see in...
  47. Engineering77744

    Max L/D Ratio: Aircraft Drag Polar Explained

    Would like help as to the method rather than the answer please. Classes haven't been very clear therefore everything is self taught. Many thanks. ' The Drag polar for an aircraft is given by: CD = 0.025 + 0.08 C^2L What is the maximum Lift to Drag ratio '
  48. C

    Most Fundamental or Important Class for Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

    Summary:: I am looking to take a engineering classes relevant to mechanical and or aerospace engineering. I am challenging my assumption that Statics & Dynamics is the most important and foundational/fundamental course to either mechanical or aerospace engineering (maybe fluid dynamics for...
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