Doing MechE, but not mechanically inclined

[ramzerimar]

I'm at my second year of mechanical engineering, and I do like all the theoretical stuff I'm learning (calculus, linear algebra, physics). But the problem is: when it comes down to actually build something, I find much more interesting to assemble and solder circuits than building something really mechanical(electronics is a hobby of mine). I'm not much mechanically inclined, besides loving various aspects of mechanical engineering: thermo, fluids, aerodynamics.
Also, I enjoy learning about control systems. I find their mathematical nature very interesting, and I'm taking some online courses on this subject.
Which fields of mechanical engineering do you think would suit me?

 

[DrSteve]

...besides loving various aspects of mechanical engineering: thermo, fluids, aerodynamics.
Also, I enjoy learning about control systems.

Haven't you pretty much identified the fields of mechanical engineering that would suit you?

 

[ramzerimar]

Haven't you pretty much identified the fields of mechanical engineering that would suit you?

Yeah, those are the classes I like, but it's very theoretical classroom stuff. I don't know if this will still apply when I start working at some company, when I will have to do more handwork.

 

[clope023]

Yeah, those are the classes I like, but it's very theoretical classroom stuff. I don't know if this will still apply when I start working at some company, when I will have to do more handwork.

Lots of engineers do more theoretical work, they tend to be those doing computational modeling and simulations; which on the MechE side tend to be those doing Finite Element Analysis and Fluid Dynamics and the other topics you mentioned prior.

 

[cpscdave]

Control systems, Electronics. Theory...
Sounds like maybe Electrical might be a better fit??

 

[ramzerimar]

Control systems, Electronics. Theory...
Sounds like maybe Electrical might be a better fit??

I've put a lot of thought into it, but I'm not sure. I intended to get my bachelor's in MechE and after that pursue a Master's in controls. I'm aware that one of the best engineering schools of my country offers a master program in aeronautical engineering with concentrations in aerospace systems and mechatronics. I think it would be a great way to study all my fields of interest.

 

[DrSteve]

Your vision of mechanical engineering is rooted in the mid-20th century. Few engineers are fortunate enough to be able to do hands-on work these days. If you chose aerospace you will not be one of them.

 

[ramzerimar]

Your vision of mechanical engineering is rooted in the mid-20th century. Few engineers are fortunate enough to be able to do hands-on work these days. If you chose aerospace you will not be one of them.

Ok, I got it. To be honest, I may be more comfortable doing analysis and running simulations. By what I've studied so far, systems and control looks like a very mathematical field (Fourier and Laplace transforms, transfer functions...), and that's why I find it interesting and more appropriate for me. That's why I'm interested in fluids, also, and aerodynamics. So I think aerospace is a interesting path, where all this is applied.

 

[cpscdave]

IF you want to do some self learning on Control Systems (I'm not sure how much is covered in Mech Eng. I don't think any was at my school)
Check out https://www.youtube.com/user/ControlLectures Our prof for Control Systems was useless beyond belief. I learned the entire course from that Youtube channel :)

(Fun fact: On our midterm the prof, not having checked his random question before hand, asked us to factorise a 27th order polynomial, and then was pissed when we couldn't do it and asked him to show us how.)

 

[ramzerimar]

IF you want to do some self learning on Control Systems (I'm not sure how much is covered in Mech Eng. I don't think any was at my school)
Check out https://www.youtube.com/user/ControlLectures Our prof for Control Systems was useless beyond belief. I learned the entire course from that Youtube channel :)

(Fun fact: On our midterm the prof, not having checked his random question before hand, asked us to factorise a 27th order polynomial, and then was pissed when we couldn't do it and asked him to show us how.)

Thank you. I will certainly take a look on that channel. In my school, Control Systems is not mandatory for Mech Eng. There used to be a elective in controls in our departament, but not anymore. I tought about taking some electives on controls at the EE department, but I couldn't handle the amount of prerequisites. I will try learning it by myself, so I have some background if I pursue a Master's on this subject in the future.

 

[boneh3ad]

I wouldn't have called myself mechanically inclined. I've developed those skills (among others) as a necessity for designing and building research-related apparatus, but I was never one of those guys who got into mechanical engineering because of my love of tinkering on my car or anything like that. I never found myself to be disadvantaged due to a lack of tinkering interest or experience.