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. P

    Calculating Mechanical Energy of a Launched Ball

    Hi Everyone, I can't seem to figure this problem out. Please help! 1. Homework Statement A ball was launched upwards and vertically at a speed 3 m/second up to a height 4m. Calculate the mechanical energy of the ball if its weight is 5 Newtons and has a mass 0.5kg . Homework Equations...
  2. J

    Meshing & connection issues for a beam/line solid

    I designed two geometries (one for beam/line reinforcements and other second for a solid block shown below) in Ansys workbench spaceclaim for static structural analysis. In Ansys workbench Mechanical, I got a weird mesh for the reinforcements which I modeled as beam in Spaceclaim (shown...
  3. S

    Coordinates from Ansys Mechanical to Ansys Fluent

    Dear all, I am implementing a fluid analysis on cerebral aneurysms and it is obligatory to apply the origin of my coordinate system at the inlet of the aneurysm.I use Ansys Mechanical for the meshing of my geometry which comes with a pre-applied Global coordinate system. I am able to create a...
  4. johnwabeck

    Looking to achieve opposing mechanical forces.

    Hi Everyone. New to the forum I am attempting to design a piece of furniture that has opposing forces. A set of opposing stairs that either lower or raise a central platform. The idea is that two people would have to collaborate together to make sure the central platform doesn't sink. Think...
  5. M

    Engineering Bachelor of Nuclear engineering, Masters in Mechanical?

    Hi, I am just about to finish my bachelor of nuclear engineering, my aim is to work in the industry " energy companies " ,I want to be a CFD engineer, where I can work in both the nuclear field and outside the nuclear field. Is a masters in mechanical engineering a good idea ? if yes, any...
  6. PlasMav

    Exploring Fusion Power and Nuclear Engineering: A Student's Journey at UTA

    Hello, I am a BSME senior with NE minor graduating in August 2019 from UTA. I am very interested in fusion power, space travel, and electrical engineering (lol). I almost wish I had picked EE instead of ME. It's more interesting to me. I just joined an EE student and together we are building a...
  7. M

    Mechanical engineering - Stress concentration

    1. In my materials science's exam, I had the following question: What would be the maximum force F to cause failure in a block that has been drilled at two place? See following drawing: (Lame paint skills, I know..) 2. Homework Equations 1) D/W 2) σ = F/S The Attempt at a Solution 1)First...
  8. sams

    Scleronomic or Rheonomic Mechanical System?

    I would really appreciate if someone could advise me whether the system below is a scleronomic or a rheonomic mechanical system, or a mix of both. If we consider the first pendulum, the constraint is fixed which leads to a scleronomous case while the constraint of the second pendulum is not...
  9. Ethan Klein

    Mechanical Engineering (BS) Vs. Pursuing Physics PhD

    Hello everyone. Currently, I am an undergraduate sophomore planning to study physics and in the process of transferring from community college to University. I am seeking advice on deciding between pursuing a mechanical engineering degree (BS) or a PhD in physics. My journey so far has taken...
  10. N

    A manometer measures mechanical or thermodynamic pressure?

    Hi guys, I have two questions as follows, ofcourse they may seem too basic, I have read through certain texts (engineering) but I still haven't been able to actually physically understand, so asked here 1) Whats thermodynamic pressure w.r.t physical point of view? - for a gas from...
  11. E

    Regulatory bodies for manned submersibles in Canada

    Hey guys, new member here! I am an undergrad engineering student and I am currently working on a project for a course that requires designing a ballast system for a manned submersible and I was wondering... Are there regulatory bodies in Canada that you know of that is responsible for...
  12. T

    What Should My Title Be for Amazon Mechanical Turk?

    Hi, I have a question. I just signed up for Amazon Mechanical Turk for passive income. My only problem is what would my title be?
  13. D

    Engineering PhD in Mechanical Engineering, CC teaching?

    I am almost finished the final drafts of my dissertation, and now I am wondering what to do next. It seems that all jobs at universities want someone to "establish a thriving research program" or the like. That's not me, so a job at a university is out. I very much want to teach, but much...
  14. S

    Pressurizing Argon Gas: Pump or Compressor Options?

    I need to pressurized argon gas from 1 bar pressure to 2 bar pressure. Flow rate outlet is 0.5 LPM. Can anybody suggest me a pump or compressor which is small in size? Minitiarised diaphragm seems good option but is it right one?
  15. D

    Programs Change of Major from Mechanical Engineering to Material Science

    Hello guys, I received an admit to grad school for Mechanical Engineering, where my focus was initially Thermo-Fluids . I've also enquired about the Material Science department at the University(in the USA), and they are willing to let me transfer to the Material Science department provided I...
  16. NewEnglander

    Compound lever: Best fulcrum location to increase mechanical advantage

    Good morning all, Ever since I encountered biomass brick presses I've had a renewed fascination with the use of compound levers to increase mechanical advantage. So my question is about the fulcrum location and its impact on MA. Let's say we have a simple class 1 lever A and we wish to...
  17. mark!

    B Was the Big Bang a quantum mechanical vacuum fluctuation?

    It has been proposed by Edward P. Tryon that the Universe may be a large scale quantum mechanical vacuum fluctuation where positive mass-energy is balanced by negative gravitational potential energy, as a consequence of the early inflationary launch of the expansion of the Universe, in which...
  18. V

    Engineering What jobs are available for mechanical engineering freshers?

    I am mechanical engineer fresher. I want to know what are job opportunities for fresher in mechanical engineer.
  19. J

    Mechanical energy for planet in elliptical orbit around star

    Homework Statement A planet is in an elliptical orbit around a star. Which of the following best represents the mechanical energy E_planet of just the planet and the mechanical energy Es_tar-planet of the star-planet system as functions of time for one complete orbit? Homework Equations...
  20. BMR

    Mechanical Advantage vs. Lever vs. Human Error

    This is my first post here, so pardon if forum guidelines/criteria require this to be designated elsewhere. I am designing a clamp mechanism utilizing lever mechanics, and I am getting conflicting info regarding Mechanical Advantage and the Law of 1st Class Levers. Regarding MA, knowing that...
  21. jybe

    Mechanical energy lost when child jumps onto merry-go-round

    Homework Statement I have a basic problem where a child jumps tangentially onto the outer edge of a stationary merry-go-round, and you have to use conservation of momentum to find the final angular speed of the merry-go-round. But the next part of the question asks "how much mechanical energy...
  22. S

    Stress and Thermal Creep in ANSYS Mechanical

    Just wish to know if there are GOOD EXAMPLES out there on the topics above. I am particularly looking for thermal creep using ANSYS Mechanical Workbench ... Thank you much.
  23. T

    Mechanical waves encountering a change in Density

    Suppose a ocean wave encountered a section of ocean which had a higher level of aeration from gas such as methane escaping from the seafloor. Due to the aerated sections apparent lower density would the wave travel slower through the aerated section than its propagation speed thru pure seawater ?
  24. Fia Ismi Nur Alfiah

    Mechanical Physics -- Find the velocity and acceleration of the particle from its position

    Homework Statement [/B] The position of a particle as a function of time is given by r(t) = i(1 - e^-kt ) + je^kt where k is a positive constant. Find the velocity and acceleration of the particle. Sketch its trajectory. Homework Equations v (t) = dr/dt a(t) = dv/dt The Attempt at a Solution...
  25. C

    What is the Mechanical Advantage of this lever? (for pulling tree stumps)

    I am interested in building a lever system for pulling up small tree stumps. I have seen this demonstrated on youtube videos. For example... However, I am more interested in calculating the various forces and mechanical advantage for such a system so I can figure out the best lever length...
  26. B

    Horizontal propagated movement of mechanical wave

    Homework Statement A hand induces a transverse wave in a string by periodically moving up and down. This causes the string to move up and down. This movement propagates through the string producing a series of wavefronts which move towards the fixed wall with a velocity v. How do we...
  27. Emellish

    Elimination OF Abrupt Mechanical Shock Loading

    It's a problem of reducing an abrupt shock load as an 850 kg runaway machine trundles down ramps, and comes to an abrupt halt at the end of its tether fixed to a van's tow hitch. Ramps fixed to the van's rear door sill incline at 20 degrees to ground level and their length is 2.5 metres. I...
  28. C

    Small scale mechanical energy battery

    Hi there. I am a novice but I was wondering what you all think is the most applicable mechanical energy storage device for small scale off grid applications is. I just read the thread on pump storage and it seems like a good idea but I thought I would keep it broad. Thanks!
  29. Irl495

    What are the interests and research areas of this scientist?

    Nice to be "meet" you! I'm currently working towards a PhD in the area of energy systems/water splitting hydrogen production reactor design/empirical characterization in the mechanical and aerospace engineering department of my university. During my undergrad years I really enjoyed learning to...
  30. JTC

    Best way to learn control theory for mechanical engineers

    Hello, I have begun to teach myself Control Theory. I am looking for a book that is focused for mechanical engineers. I do not mind examples in electrical engineering, but they bore me (no offense). Also, I find some books begin with Laplace Transforms. Yet I found this online lecture...
  31. Lukeblackhill

    Mechanical Collision: Measuring Sound & Heat

    Morning! My question is this: If we consider a situation of mechanical collision, in the real world we shall observe certain loss of energy into heat or sound. Can we find mathematical equations to measure the amount of sound or heat produced using only mechanical variables, such as mass...
  32. Sarah Jones

    Civil Engineering or Mechanical Engineering for Aerospace?

    Hello, I am currently a senior in high school, I will be attending college in the fall of 2018 to pursue a career in Aerospace Engineering. I am a bit worried about a few things in this field. I am not sure if I need to get a degree in Civil Engineering or Mechanical Engineering, when I look on...
  33. Jay Macarus

    Tips for someone looking to study MechEngr

    Hello my name is Jay, I recently joined the forums to increase my exposure to physics while I begin a pathway into Mechanical Engineering. I'm currently in some basic courses that should give me a head start come my freshman year this fall, but I wanted to collect some tips/advice. Anything...
  34. D

    Question - Mechanical (two-piece carrier)

    <<<Moved from another forum. No template. >>> I have to solve this mechanical Problem... I solved it, but I get fpór By=0,448F (see at my calculation!) and the right answer is 0,3F...what did I wrong? I should solve A B C! B is a two-piece carrier. F and a is given!
  35. M

    Going back to school for Mechanical Engineering

    Hello Everyone, I am debating on going to college for mechanical engineering. I am currently 21 years old working as a technician for a Toyota dealership making 15 dollars an hour(averaging 80 hours a week). I went to school for automotive mechanics at a tech school(20k in student loans, still...
  36. T

    Mechanical Principals - Drive belt tension and load torque

    Question One What would be the effect on the following if the load torque is increased and the speed maintains constant (give reasons for your answer): A. the tension in the tight side of the belt B. the tension in the slack side of the belt C. the power transmitted. Not sure on how to solve...
  37. Davidkippy

    Should Aerodynamics Fundamentals Precede Compressible Aerodynamics?

    I'm going to be an aerospace/mechanical engineering student at UAH next year and I am coming up with my four year plan. Two courses, "fundamentals of aerodynamics" and "compressible aerodynamics", are not prerequisites for each other, and they are both required. Based on your experience with...
  38. T

    Mechanical Principals -- Strain guages mounted on a cylinder

    Can anyone ratify if my answer is correct for the below. I've attached.
  39. PeppaPig

    Finding the Maximum Mass Ratio for Elastic Collisions: A Quick Homework Problem

    Homework Statement Both object A and B have mass M and are moving. An object with mass of m and moving with velocity u collide with the object B elastically. (m < M) Find the following after m collide with B 1) Velocity of m after bouncing back 2) Velocity of B Then m collide with A and bounce...
  40. PeppaPig

    Mechanical problem -- a mass sliding down a curved ramp

    Homework Statement An object which has mass = m is released from point A which has height of h. The object moves along the rail with no friction. The rail OB is a semicircular rail which C is the center and R is the radius. If the object falls from the rail at the point B, find the following...
  41. Nikhil Rajagopalan

    Mechanical equivalent of heat

    When computing the rise in temperature on a body due to mechanical work, if we stick to using SI units, do we need the conversion factor called mechanical equivalent of heat. That is, can we readily equate W = Q and hence W = m x C x ΔT . Where 'm' is the mass of the substance on which work is...
  42. Beamer21dc

    Engineering I want out of Mechanical Engineering

    Hi, First, let me tell you about myself: 1.) I have a Bachelors degree in Engineering Physics with a mechanical focus. 2.) I have been working as a mechanical engineer for 3 years at 3 different places. 3.) My work mostly consists of product design, detailed drawings and working in a machine...
  43. K

    Side kick on a falling object, mechanical energy and work

    If an object with 1kg mass falls free (no air drag), from 100 meters high, and the gravitational acceleration is 9.81, then the mechanical energy will be: 1*9.81*100 = 981 joules. The work the gravitational force does on the object will be: 9.81N*100m = 981 joules. Another object with same...
  44. Anonymous123451234

    Conservation of mechanical energy

    Derive equation v= √((2gh)/(1+.5(m/M)(r/R)^2)) by applying conservation of mechanical energy. A string is attached to a hanging mass and wrapped around a small cylinder. The hanging mass is released from rest from an initial height (h) and accelerates to the floor. The theoretical velocity (v)...
  45. A

    Struggling In Mechanical Engineering School Need Advice/Help

    I am currently about half done with my degree for a bs in Mechanical engineering from U of M. I transferred from a community college and I took all of my gen eds there like the English, history, econ, philosophy. I am in my second semester and am struggling with the physics and math mainly. I...
  46. T

    What exactly is mechanical energy?

    Regards my question is the following. I know that mechanical energy is considered as a sum of potential and kinetic energy. But I still do not understand exactly what is the mechanical energy.Whether kinetic energy and potential energy are forms of mechanical energy or that the kinetic and...
  47. powdernose

    Mechanical Advantage in a crank system

    I am not a student btw, this is seeking extra knowledge regarding a hobby of mine, and it has been too long since I've tried to solve a physics problem. 1. Homework Statement I have the above system in which Lever L (200mm) applies force to a crank D (diameter 33mm), which has a reverse...
  48. F

    Modeling a mechanical power system

    I'm working on modeling a basic mechanical power system for a video game project. The transfer system consists of meshing gears, belts, and axles/shafts which can have basic clutches that engage/disengage. There are also power producers (hand crank, windmills, water wheels, turbines) and...
  49. A

    Mechanical gyroscopes -- still used in airplanes?

    I was a bit unsure where to post this, but this one seemed fitting enough. I was wondering about the state of gyros in airplanes, like which type is being used today. Are they all optik/fiber-based or are there mechanical gyroscopes at work. (By mechanical i mean the standard spinning wheel, not...
  50. F

    Mechanical equivalents of electronic things?

    Only recently, just 2-3 years ago, I discovered Mechanical TV, Mechanical amplifier. I was pleasantly surprised. Mechanical TV was invented by Beard. Mechanical amplifier uses air pump to amplify the sound, completely avoiding any electronics. Also, it seems there exists mechanical frequency...
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