How important is fourier analysis to Mechanical Engineering?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the importance of Fourier analysis in mechanical engineering, particularly in the context of an internship involving data analysis through Fast Fourier Transforms. Participants explore the relevance of Fourier theory to the field and share personal experiences and advice regarding the challenges faced in learning and applying these concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about their internship and the relevance of Fourier analysis to their future studies in mechanical engineering.
  • Another participant suggests that understanding Fourier theory may not be essential for a career in mechanical engineering, indicating that one could potentially avoid it altogether.
  • Some participants argue that while Fourier analysis can be challenging, it is beneficial for solving partial differential equations and other applications in mechanical engineering.
  • A later reply mentions the rewarding nature of mastering Fourier analysis despite its difficulties, encouraging persistence in learning.
  • The original poster shares a positive update about their progress in understanding Fourier Transforms and receiving approval from their professor.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the necessity of Fourier analysis in mechanical engineering. Some believe it is not crucial, while others highlight its importance in specific applications. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the overall significance of Fourier theory in the field.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of differing levels of familiarity with Fourier analysis among participants, and some assumptions about its relevance to various mechanical engineering applications remain unexamined.

Overkill777
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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 what I'm doing. I'm the only one doing the data analysis so I don't have anyone to talk it over with. And I'm having some difficulties with the professor. It's really boring and I'm not interested in the project at all.

So at this point I have to decide if I want to try to tough it out for the rest of the summer or just go get a job at Staples. How good would this internship look to a graduate school for M.E.? What should I do?

Also this is taking a ton of energy out of me so I'm not getting time to study for the GRE which I am taking in August.
 
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Mechanical engineering is such a broad discipline (arguably the broadest of all engineering disciplines). I'd say you could very easily go through your entire career without ever needing to understand Fourier theory, if that's what you desire.

Having said that, it's probably not as hard as you think if you start from the basics and work your way up to it. I would stick it out if I were you. If you fail to produce a result over the three months, you will at least have learned a lot in the process.
 
Mechanical engineering is such a broad discipline (arguably the broadest of all engineering disciplines). I'd say you could very easily go through your entire career without ever needing to understand Fourier theory, if that's what you desire.

Having said that, it's probably not as hard as you think if you start from the basics and work your way up to it. I would stick it out if I were you. If you fail to produce a result over the three months, you will at least have learned a lot in the process.
 
Fourier analysis is relevant for PDE-solving (FEM, FDM) and probably the heat equation in three dimensions. I understand it can be rather tough (have you studied complex analysis?), but in the end I think it's rewarding. Tough it out, like a brave soldier would.
 
Thanks for your advice. I am going to stick to it. I made huge progress today and feel much better. I just didn't understand Fourier Tranforms and how to plot magnitude spectrums and it took me a while to teach it to myself and to learn Maple on my own too.

And my professor is pleased with what I have done so far.
 

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