FAQs - Mechanical

Mechanical Engineering is the discipline that applies engineering, physics and material science principles to design, analyze, manufacture, operate and maintain mechanical systems. It is one of the oldest and broadest of the engineering disciplines. This field requires an understanding of core areas which include mechanics, kinematics, thermodynamics, and material science. In addition to these core principles, mechanical engineers use tools such as computer-aided design (CAD) and product life-cycle management to design and analyse manufacturing plants, industrial equipment and machinery, heating and cooling systems, aircraft, robotics, medical devices, weapons and others.

Degree in mechanical engineering is offered at various universities worldwide. Standard set by each country’s accreditation society are intended to provide uniformity in fundamental subject material, promote competence among graduating engineers, and to maintain confidence in the engineering, and to maintain confidence in engineering profession as a whole. The fundamental subjects of mechanical engineering usually include:

• Mathematics (in particular, calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra)
  
• Basic physical sciences (including physics and chemistry)
  
• Statics and dynamics
  
• Strength of materials and solid mechanics
  
• Materials Engineering, Composites
  
• Thermodynamics, heat transfer, energy conversion, and HVAC
  
• Fuels, combustion, Internal combustion engine
  
• Fluid mechanics (including fluid statics and fluid dynamics)
  
• Mechanism and Machine design (including kinematics and dynamics)
  
• Instrumentation and measurement
  
• Manufacturing engineering, technology, or processes
  
• Vibration, control theory and control engineering
  
• Hydraulics, and pneumatics
  
• Mechatronics, and robotics
  
• Engineering design and product design
  
• Drafting, computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)
  

Mechanical engineers researches, design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal devices, including tools, engines, and machines. Mechanical engineers typically do the following:

• Analyze problems to see how mechanical and thermal devices might help solve the problem.
  
• Design or redesign mechanical and thermal devices using analysis and computer-aided design.
  
• Develop and test prototypes of devices they design.
  
• Analyze the test results and change the design as needed.
  
• Oversee the manufacturing process for the device.