Why be a Mechanical Engineer? by Dr. Tom Adams

Dr. Tom, what is mechanical engineering?

Engineering in general has been defined as "applying creativity, mathematics and science to solve problems within economic constraints." Mechanical Engineering is the broadest of all the engineering disciplines in terms of scope, and thus this definition could well apply to mechanical engineering too.

Engineering was once largely a trial and error endeavor (That looks strong enough - D'oh!). Now it relies heavily on the scientific method in the research, design, and production of products and processes. Specifically, the "science" in mechanical engineering refers to the mechanical sciences, a term which loosely describes those aspects of physics which are mechanical in nature. But we'll see that even this may be a bit too restrictive. For example, Heat Transfer is not particularly mechanical, but it is a major focus of mechanical engineering.

That seems pretty broad, so let me ask this. What does a Mechanical Engineer do?

The short answer is everything! A little more specifically, one could break the functions of a mechanical engineer (ME) into four categories:

1) Analysis and modeling of systems : The ME must understand the basics of mechanical science, which include, but are not limited to:

• Dynamics - the relation between forces and motion, such as in vibration
• Machines - the analytic study of planar linkages, gear trains, cams, governors, flywheels and gyroscopes
• Automatic Control - controlling machines and systems based on feedback from the systems themselves
• Thermodynamics - the relations among the various forms of heat, energy, and power
• Fluid Flow - the relation between forces and motion in fluids
• Heat Transfer - the transport of thermal energy due to temperature differences, including conduction, convection and radiation
• Materials - properties of metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites including strength, stress and strain

An ME uses her/his knowledge of these sciences to analyze and predict the behavior of systems. These systems may be real, existing systems, or they may be imaginary systems that someone is thinking about building.

2) Design, research and development : The mechanical engineer doesn't just perform calculations all day. She uses her knowledge and ability to solve real world problems by creating new products and processes, as well as improving existing ones. When engaged in design, the mechanical engineer creates something that has never existed before, whether that is a product or a process. In addition to being a highly creative endeavor, the design process involves careful planning, evaluation of alternatives, and the production and testing of prototypes.

There are a lot of things we still don't know about the mechanical sciences, and sometimes the solution to a problem involves a process or technique unlike anything anyone has ever seen. The mechanical engineer who devotes herself to these areas is engaged in research and development. The research and development specialist is often at the cutting edge of new technology.

3) Production of products and processes : It's not enough simply to analyze and develop stuff. If a real life problem is going to be solved, eventually something has to be built. But sometimes the problems involved with building a device are tougher to solve than the problem the device is supposed to solve! The operation and maintenance of the resulting equipment is no picnic either.

MEs are involved in all of these processes, and aim to maximize the value of products and processes while at the same time minimizing cost. Manufacturing engineers are often specialists in this area.

4) The ME as coordinator : Engineering doesn't exist in a vacuum. MEs must interact with many people from other fields, and are often called upon to take on some of those roles. These include management, consulting and, in some cases, marketing and technical sales. Many MEs perform a great number of these other functions, and might call their profession engineering management - something of a hybrid between business and engineering.

A mechanical engineer most likely performs some of all these functions at one point or another. Most mechanical engineering jobs, however, emphasize one of these functions over the others.

Can you give me some typical employers of MEs?

The list is almost as big as industry itself. ALLTELL Corporation, Andersen Consulting, Caterpillar, Cummins, Cybo Robots, Dow Chemical, Ford Motor Company, GE Corporation, Ingersoll-Rand, Johnson Controls, Lockhead-Martin, Milliken, NASA, Otis Elevator, PSI Electric Company, Raytheon, Rocketdyne, Schlumberger, Trane and Wavetek all employ lots of MEs. There are countless others.

MEs needn't work just in industry, however. The well-roundedness of an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering gives you an excellent background to go to law school, medical school or business school. You can even combine the areas of expertise to become a sought-after specialist. (Patent lawyers are a good example.)

Why, you might even end up as an educator like me!

Where can I go for more information?

Check out these websites for starters:

• http://www.asme.org/students/whichpath.html
• http://www.mecheng.adelaide.edu.au/About/history.html
• http://www.mecheng.adelaide.edu.au/About/Careers/index.html

You should also talk to a mechanical engineer. Chances are that you know one, or at least someone you know knows one.