What does mechanical engineering consist of?

Question

Could someone please explain to me what it is.

Answer 1

is concerned with the design, construction, and operation of power plants, engines, and machines. It deals mostly with things that move. One common way of dividing mechanical engineering is into heat utilization and machine design. The generation, distribution, and use of heat is applied in boilers, heat engines, air conditioning, and refrigeration. Machine design is concerned with hardware, including that making use of heat processes. 7

Answer 2

Mechanical engineering consist of product design, testing, and production. I am studying to become a mechanical engineer and the few engineers that I have spoken with say that the job consist of using computer software to aid them in their design. From my understanding, mechanical engineer's design motors, pumps, and various other mechanical components but can also work in other engineering fields like civil engineering or aerospace engineering.

The courses that I have studied in the subject are very challenging. Math is extremely important! Some of the courses that I have had to study are Thermodynamics, Statics , Dynamics, and Material Science. I will soon be taking Fluid Mechanics, and Controls. However, in all the courses that I have taken so far, I solve mathematical problem pertaining to that subject. If you have an interest in how the world works or are constantly saying to yourself "there is a better way to do this", or find your self taking things apart just to see how they work, then Mechanical Engineering may be for you. Engineer's are the people who design the world in which we live in.

Answer 3

Well this is pretty easy to answer, cos thats what I am!

A Mechanical Engineer is a very loose term for someone who solves mechanical problems, whether its involving bits of metal, pipes and steam, nuclear applications (my field). My job mainly calls for answers questions like "How do we get that piece of equipment to fit in there, and connect it up?" So I may measure the bit of kit up, draw it and design a frame for it, then figure out how to pipe it in with the supplies it needs etc. Ive also worked designing night vision equipment and bits for submarines.

There are many different specific fields within a mechanical engineering job, all use a lot of maths however, and computers.
You really have to have a good imagination and be able to visualise stuff. Its a very rewarding job however, when you see you imagined item on the table in front of you, Some of my better works have been sold by companies on the internet! (the night vision stuff, not the sub's obviously!)

Answer 4

First of all I must point out to Grumpy that Mechanical Engineers do not design aeroplanes, Aerospace Engineers do!

Mechanical Engineers tend to study Maths, Mechanics, Materials, Stress, a little Electrical stuff, A little fluid mechanics, a little thermodynamics and Design also management.

I studied Aero Engineering where we did Maths, Mechanics, Stress, more materials, more electrical, more fluid mechanincs, aerodynamics, more thermodynamics, design and management.

I also did Navigation systems, CFD and trials.

Mechanical is moe aimed at cars, tanks bikes etc whereas Aero is obviously aimed at aircraft!

They are both tough but worthwhile disciplines and I enjoy being an Engineer in Aerospace.

Answer 5

As I Understand it:

Mechanical engineers build guns, tanks, bombs, engines and planes.

Civil Engineers: build Targets for the stuff the Mechanical Eng's Make.

Electrical Engineers join the Navy see the world and get the girls.


Yours: Grumpy

Answer 6

For engineers in the UK, it consists of turning bright intelligent young men and women with an insatiable curiosity to know how things work into bitter and twisted grumpy old men.

Answer 7

It primarily consists of beer and cut metal...with the occaisional exam sprinkled in for fun

Answer 8

MECHANIC'S AND ENGINEERING AS FAR AS I LEARNT AT SCHOOL