Mechanical Engineering

Overview of Mechanical Engineering

  • Mechanical Engineering: a versatile branch of engineering focused on the design, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical systems.

  • Heavy reliance on mathematics, particularly calculus and physics.

Career Opportunities

  • Graduates can pursue careers in various sectors, including:

    • Construction

    • Automotive

    • HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)

    • Materials engineering

    • Robotics

    • Energy sector

    • Combustion engines

  • Mechanical engineering classes encompass a broad array of subjects beyond just mechanical topics.

Required Coursework

  • Electrical Engineering Basics

    • Understanding of circuits and electronics.

  • Programming Skills

    • Proficiency in MATLAB for complex calculations and plotting.

  • Welding Classes

    • Essential for hands-on mechanical work.

  • Mathematics

    • Approximately two years focused on calculus.

  • Physics

    • About one year of foundational physics education.

Core Classes

  • Statics

    • Studies systems at rest.

    • Analyzes forces and torques in structures (e.g., trusses in bridges).

  • Dynamics

    • Investigates systems in motion.

    • Explores concepts like velocity, acceleration, energy, and forces more deeply than high school physics.

  • Fluid Mechanics

    • Studies properties and mechanics of fluids (air, water).

    • Applications include understanding pressure changes in pipes and aerodynamics in vehicles and aircraft.

  • Thermodynamics

    • Focuses on heat and energy relations, combustion engines, and their efficiency.

    • Reviews historical developments from early steam engines to modern energy production.

  • Vibrations

    • Examines mechanical vibrations in various structures and systems (e.g., buildings, vehicles).

    • Evaluates impacts of vibrations during dynamic situations like drops or earthquakes.

    • Case study of the Tacoma Bridge collapse to emphasize the importance of vibration management.

  • Design Classes

    • Interrelate materials engineering and mechanical principles.

    • Focus on durability, strength, and stress analysis of materials and structures.

Areas of Concentration

  • HVAC

    • Understanding fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer.

    • Focuses on indoor comfort systems in buildings and vehicles.

  • Mechatronics

    • Combines mechanical engineering with electronics and computer engineering.

    • Prepares students for roles in robotics, embedded systems, and controls.

  • Manufacturing

    • Involves design techniques, materials knowledge, and predicting part failures.

    • Emphasizes the financial impacts of material and design changes on production.

Practical Applications of Mechanical Engineering

  • Problem-solving opportunities involve:

    • Automotive Engineering

      • Improving engine efficiency, suspension analysis, crash testing, and aerodynamic optimization.

    • Biomedical Engineering

      • Collaborating on prosthetics, assessing strength and suitable materials.

    • Alternative Energy

      • Working on wind farms, hydroelectric, and solar energy.

    • Aerospace Engineering

      • Analyzing satellite dynamics, vibrations, and thermal conditions in space.

    • Robotics and Machine Design

      • Applying mechanical principles in various innovative technologies.

Conclusion

  • Mechanical engineering offers diverse career paths and is applicable across numerous industries. The skills developed are not just technical but also encompass problem-solving and innovative thinking.

robot