What is Mechanical engineering: Definition and 549 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. S

    Mechanical engineering - Cam Laws - Ct Accel.

    Homework Statement If you could please tell me the "fall" laws for displacement, velocity and acceleration for a cam with constant acceleration. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution Could only manage to find the laws for the rising part, in a 1996 book. Didnt find...
  2. M

    MS in mechanical engineering for an electrical

    Hi I am studying electrical engineering and I will graduate next year, recently I have grown an interest in mechanical engineering , I do not regret choosing electrical engineering, I have really enjoyed what I have learned, I regret that I didn't have a chance to double major in EE and ME...
  3. S

    Mechanical Engineering Student Seeking Ideas for Project

    sir, i am a 2nd year mechanical engginering student. i want to start a project so i want some innovative ideas .please suggest some projects.
  4. Q

    Little question for mechanical engineering

    hello..i just have a question to ask for a mechanical engineering..if there is one please tell me so i can PM him thanks
  5. S

    Mechanical Engineering Student with Fluid Mechanics Problem

    Hey everyone! I'm having difficulty and wondering if someone would be kind enough to help me figure out how to approach this problem. I'm a mechanical engineering student and reasonably new to fluid mechanics, and quite confused. :blushing: Thanks for any help anyone can give me :smile...
  6. S

    Exploring Electrical Engineering from a Mechanical Engineering Background

    Hallo everyone I am studying electrical engineering,I have chosen electrical engineering because I was really excited about the electromagnetic theory ,electromagnetic waves,quantum mechanics ,and topics like fiber optics , optoelectronics ,and quantum electronics. I have never liked...
  7. B

    Question for Mechanical Engineering students

    Hey guys, I am a freshman at a local community college, I am just about to finish up my summer semester of calculus2 and engineering graphics. I will more than likely receive an A in both of the courses. I've yet to take any physics course, or any real math-intensive engineering course, and...
  8. N

    Study Aerospace Engineeringing after Mechanical Engineering

    Hi, I'm a last year student in Mechanical Engineering in Belgium (Europe). Next year I will have the degree Master in Mechanical Engineering (Dutch: Master in Burgerlijk ingenieur Werktuigbouwkunde). If I would decide to study for Aerospace engineering (Master in Lucht- en ruimtevaart) it...
  9. M

    Needing info on maths and physics for mechanical engineering

    Aye, ill try and keep this quick and easy.. I'm trying to get all the info i can on what maths and physics is needed for mechanical engineering. I am not the strongest in these areas and i kno i need to bust my arse. so please try and dot point if u can. what exact areas of maths and...
  10. O

    How important is fourier analysis to Mechanical Engineering?

    I'm an Engineering Physics Major senior and I'm going to get my Masters in Mechanical Engineering. I have an internship in the Polymer and Coatings Department Analyzing Data. I am mostly going to be doing Fast Fourier Transforms and studying the data. The problem is I don't really know...
  11. C

    Computing in Mechanical Engineering?

    I ask all Mechanical Engineers, if you do use a computer programming language to aid in your problem solving and work, which one do you use? I use Visual Basic For Applications (VBA) which is integrated with Microsoft Excel 97 and onwards, but my university recommends a proper computing course...
  12. Link

    Aeronautical or Mechanical Engineering?

    I have a hard time chosing between wether I should study Aeronautical or Mechanical Engineering at university. I have a general impression that Aeronautical eng deals with more high tech stuff than Mech Eng, but that Mech Eng is more relevant to society and the economy and thus easier to get a...
  13. F

    Need Mechanical Engineering Project

    Hey guys, I am looking for an engineering project that has mechanical components. I have 2 months for the projects. I am currently a college senior. I have some ideas but have been shut down by the advisor. Any ideas would be appreciated. The budget for the group is between 500-1000 dollars but...
  14. C

    Civil vs. Mechanical Engineering (for 2nd semester 2008)

    I'm near the end of my 1st semester of 1st year engineering and I need to decide which electives to study for next semester relevant to either major but definitely for 2nd year (provided I don't fail my current subjects and also my current subjects are common to all Engineering students). I'll...
  15. C

    Civil vs. Mechanical Engineering (for 2nd semester 2008)

    I'm near the end of my 1st semester of 1st year engineering and I need to decide which electives to study for next semester relevant to either major but definitely for 2nd year (provided I don't fail my current subjects and also my current subjects are common to all Engineering students)...
  16. F

    Mechanical Engineering Knowledge

    I am a Physics graduate wondering how to bridge the knowledge gap between my degree and a mechanical engineering degree. If anyone as any idea of what a mechanical engineer should know coming out of a degree then that would be very helpful. many thanks Gavin Fowler
  17. A

    Aerospace vs mechanical engineering

    Hi everyone! I'm entering university next year for mechanical, but recently discovered that I may be more interested in making airplanes than robots or engines. But if someone can elaborate on what kind of stuff mechanical engineers do, it would be great as my exposure to engineering is...
  18. H

    Deciding Where to Go for PhD in Mechanical Engineering: UIUC or UCSD?

    Hi all I am reaching the final stage of deciding which school to go for PhD in mechanical engineering. Though UIUC is having a big name in mechanical engineering, I think I am going to UCSD for the seemingly more interesting research there... Would it sounds very ridiculous or what? What do...
  19. S

    Engineering Physics Mechanical Engineering Student

    My name is Scott Mitchel and currently I am a freshmen in college. So far I've only taken in Intro to Engineering but I came from a high school where I was given lots of Engineering courses. Most notable was a research and development course. Right now my major is Engieering Physics Mechanical...
  20. T

    Resume Feedback, Mechanical Engineering student

    Can someone read over my resume. Thank You Here is the file. I uploaded it this site, because I don't know when an Admin will ok the file. http://www.badongo.com/file/7507007 I replaced a lot of the names with generic stuff since this is a public form. Couple of things that I was unsure...
  21. R

    Difference between structural and mechanical engineering

    I really have trouble deciding which of these two programmes I should choose. I do really enjoy math and mechanics, and by reading which kind of subjects they have, the both seem very interesting. But it seems that structural engineers have a lot more "calculation" subjects, is this right? If...
  22. T

    Undergrad in Mechanical Engineering and Grad in Physics

    Hi, I am in the final years of mechanical engineering and I am looking to do graduate school. I find myself more interested in the theoretical/fundamental aspects of things rather than the application. So I am leaning towards doing grad school in physics. My problem is the fact that my lack...
  23. E

    Undergrad in mechanical engineering, masters in physics?

    I'm in my third year after bouncing around from physics, math, civil, and now mechanical engineering and find myself going through the motions on most of my coursework and projects. I spend my free time reading physics books like Planck's treatise on thermodynamics and in my classes only find...
  24. A

    At a crossroad; Civil or Mechanical Engineering

    Well, I'm going to a big University this upcoming fall. I'm at a crossroads on what and where I want to go in terms of Engineering. I'm planning to shoot for my masters. Civil vs Mechanical. I'm a bit sad that Civil Engineers get paid crap and it takes so long to get paid well (not sure?)...
  25. P

    The Demise of Mechanical Engineering?

    I just graduated with a BSME, so it might be my inexperience speaking here, but I can see ME as it is now ceasing to exist in the future or at least having some major changes. New technology (i.e. NanoTech.) is dominated by EE and common fields like controls and mechatronics are also moving...
  26. F

    How Do Derivatives and Integrals Apply in Mechanical Engineering?

    Homework Statement Explain the concept of derivative and its role in mechanical engineering. Explain the concept of integral and its role in mechanical engineering. How should I answer this questions? Can anyone give me some guideline to answer this question? Thanks in advance.
  27. P

    Considering mechanical engineering

    I'm currently a physics major, thinking of either double majoring or just taking a few classes in mech eng. I haven't taken any engineering courses before. Which of these would be best for me to take to see whether mechanical engineering is right for me or not: computer-aided drafting statics...
  28. P

    Static of Beam and Internal Force ( Mechanical Engineering )

    I am currently in my first year in Mechatronics Major, and now I am trying to understanding about statics of beam. How about draw the shear and moment curve? How about if the force is variation and have graph too. Just like this for example || V the curve of this like sinus or cosinus...
  29. C

    Mechanical Engineering Streeses

    Mechanical Engineering Stresses I am really struggling with the following problem: A rectangular tube with no given length has the dimensions shown in the diagram (within the attachment). Find the maximum tensile and compressive stresses that such a section will experience due to a bending...
  30. H

    Mechanical engineering, mathematics, master of science?

    I will be having my final year study in mechanical engineering. Now, I am considering what to do... I believe that both my characters and ability are not quite suitable to work outside as an engineer. I think I am a somewhat theoretically inclined person, so I have identified pursuing an...
  31. J

    Mechanical Engineering & Renewable Energy: A Future in Solar Power?

    I am a 3rd year mechanical engineering major currently working in an internship for a power company. My company recently sold off their wind and hydro generating plants because they could not compete with the coal plants. We now have only coal and gas/oil plants. I know that I could continue...
  32. R

    Faculty Of Mechanical Engineering - Skopje - Macedonia

    http://www.mf.ukim.edu.mk/default1.php?idJazik=2
  33. H

    A mechanical engineering student hating mechanical design

    Hi all! I am a final year mechanical engineering student. I am kind of confused about my choice to do mechanical engineering... I love mathematics and physics. I am comfortable with those theoretical and abstract concepts that most of my classmates are not really into them. Like classes of...
  34. S

    Aerospace: Physics or Mechanical Engineering

    I have been thinking about going into the aerospace industry and was wondering if a physics degree or a mechanical engineering degree would be more beneficial? Or, what are the pros and cons of having either of them and going into that industry?
  35. D

    Do Mechanical Engineering ? (need advice)

    Heya's. I'm 21 years old, and nearing completion of a B.Sc (majoring in Statistics and Operations Research at the University of Melbourne) Will finish it next year. I've always loved and somewhat enjoyed maths and physics. I did a B.Sc because I've never had a good idea of what I want to be or...
  36. A

    Programs Dual Degree Program: Physics and Mechanical Engineering

    The school I'm considering has a program called BPPME, that offers a Bachelors in Physics and a Masters in Mechanical Engineering in as little as 5 years (I'll probably do 6 years because it's cheap and I usually need a little more time to fully grasp some concepts)...does this sound worth it...
  37. T

    UCLA or Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Mechanical Engineering

    I got accepted to both schools as a transfer student form a community college. I'm having trouble deciding where to go, because both colleges have very good engineering programs. I think about it every freaking day, but mostly cause people keep asking if i have decided yet. :rolleyes: Most...
  38. A

    Surviving 4 Years of Mechanical Engineering: Tips and Tricks

    Oh my god. My 4 years of mechanical engineering starts in one week. Its going to be hard.:eek: Any tips on how to not make it bloody impossible?
  39. O

    Electromechanical vs. Mechanical Engineering

    What do you guys about these two professions? I am leaning toward teaching Math, however, I am unsure if I will enjoy teaching students who do not wish to learn. I found physics to be interesting, but I must admit that I am not really good at it. I know what I am doing(to a point)...
  40. B

    Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering Basics

    Hi, I'm wondering if mechanical engineering requires a fairly extensive knowledge of the basics of electrical engineering eg. circuit theory and the practical side of it.
  41. G

    Mechanical Engineering vs. Aerospace Engineering

    Hello all, Hopefully you can shed some light on this for me. Currently I'm attending college for Mechanical Engineering but I'm not sure if this is the branch of engineering I want to go down. What are the main differences of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering? What would make you...
  42. R

    Aerospace engineering vs mechanical engineering

    Is Aerospace engineering harder than Mechanical and Electrical engineering?
  43. W

    Calculator for Mechanical Engineering

    Hi , I'm entering college this fall majoring in mechanical engineering and I need a graphing calculator. However , I am unsure of which one to buy. These calculators are quite costly so I want to be sure that I am getting the right one. I simply want a calculator that will be able to function...
  44. M

    'Real life' Differences B/w Mechanical Engineering Qualifications

    I'm wondering if people can give their views on what the practical differences are, and emphasis given to the type of Mechanical Engineering qualifications obtained once 'out in the real world' of the Mechanical Engineering job market, both in general, and specifically in South Africa. (Are...
  45. M

    Softwares for mechanical engineering

    some one please recommend me some good softwares for auto n aero designing...please please if ne one has ne knowlegde regarding dis...please help me out
  46. RadiationX

    Programs Minor in math major in Mechanical Engineering

    does anyone know if it would be possible to get a minor in mathematics while majoring in mechanicl engineering?this quesion is especially for anyone attending the University of North florida in Jacksonville.thx
  47. T

    Mechanical Engineering in different countries

    Hi all I'm a mechanical engineering student in Hong Kong, a small city. I would like to know how's mechanical engineering going on in different countries. How's the social status of mechanical engineers? How's mechanical engieering as an academic discipline in your country? Anyone want to share?
  48. K

    Programs Kashoo's Journey to a PhD: Mechanical Engineering & Design

    This is kashoo...i have done my Bachelors in Mechanical Engineerg in 2001...& nowadays doing Masters in Mechanical Design Engineering(Last semester) in evening in Pakistan. After my garduation ..I have worked for 1 year as a Development Engineer in Motorcycle Industry...& nowadays working in an...
  49. F

    First year mechanical engineering past papers

    Does anyone have any first year mechanical engineering past exam-papers that I can have to use for my revision?
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