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.