Mechanical Engineering vs. Aerospace Engineering

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the differences between Mechanical Engineering (ME) and Aerospace Engineering (AE), exploring the factors influencing the choice between the two fields. Participants share their perspectives on the academic and practical aspects of each discipline.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about choosing between ME and AE, highlighting a passion for both fields.
  • Another participant suggests that some universities offer a double major in ME and AE, proposing that students could explore both options before making a decision.
  • A participant recalls a previous discussion where someone mentioned switching from AE to ME due to perceived difficulty in the mathematics involved in AE.
  • In response, another participant argues that neither field is inherently harder, stating that the math is fundamentally the same, but the concepts may differ. They note that ME provides broader exposure to various topics.
  • Another participant points out that ME encompasses a wide range of topics, including thermal fluid dynamics, while suggesting that AE may have narrower applications.
  • A later reply indicates a personal decision to pursue AE, emphasizing a strong interest in mathematics regardless of its difficulty.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the difficulty and scope of ME and AE, with no consensus reached on which field is preferable or more challenging.

Contextual Notes

Some statements reflect personal experiences and opinions, which may vary widely among individuals. The discussion does not resolve the complexities of each engineering discipline or the specific academic requirements involved.

Grave9
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
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 choose one over the other in your opinion? I love mechanical things, but then I love aeonautics too, I'm stuck in the middle. :)

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I can't really answer your question, but don't universities now offer mechanical and aerospace engineering as a double major? (I know http://www.uq.edu.au does)
If I understand correctly, you could take on both at once and drop aerospace if you don't like it.
And if I'm not wrong, isn't aerospace engineering applied mechanical engineering, mechanical engineering with a certain context? Or am I very wrong in thinking so?
 
I can remember someone from this forum stated that they switched from aerospace to mechanical because the math is harder in aerospace.
 
Last edited:
Pseudo Static is pretty much right on. Neither is harder. They're just different. The math is the same no matter what you are doing. One might have difficulties with concepts, but the math is the same. ME is a more general field so you get exposure to a lot of things that can be encompassed in AE as well.

If your University has an AE degree just take a look at the classes required for graduation.
 
I don't know much about AE, but ME has lots of different topics you can choose from. Like only in thermal fluid, there are turbomachinery, HVAC, thermal management.

I think AE has a bit narrow applications, and ME can be applied to many areas.
 
I've decided to go with Aerospace because that's what I really want to do. As for the math, I don't care if I have to take the hardest math out there. I love math.
 

Similar threads

Shifting from Mechanical Engineer to Aerospace Engineer
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
What are the main areas of physics and mathematics for aerospace engineer?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Seeking information on aerospace engineering
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Career in aerospace engineering with a mechanical eng. background
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Can You Switch from Mechanical to Aerospace Engineering During Your Degree?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Most Fundamental or Important Class for Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Physics Undergraduate Mechanical vs Aerospace Engineering
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
Biggest differences between aerospace and mechanical engineering?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
26K
Aerospace Engineer or Mechanical Engineer?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
12K
Eligibility for MS Aerospace Engineering.
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K