Mechanical Definition and 1000 Threads

Mechanical engineering is an engineering branch that combines engineering physics and mathematics principles with materials science to design, analyze, manufacture, and maintain mechanical systems. It is one of the oldest and broadest of the engineering branches.Mechanical engineering combines creativity, knowledge and analytical tools to complete the difficult task of shaping an idea into reality.
The mechanical engineering field requires an understanding of core areas including mechanics, dynamics, thermodynamics, materials science, structural analysis, and electricity. In addition to these core principles, mechanical engineers use tools such as computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and product lifecycle management to design and analyze manufacturing plants, industrial equipment and machinery, heating and cooling systems, transport systems, aircraft, watercraft, robotics, medical devices, weapons, and others. It is the branch of engineering that involves the design, production, and operation of machinery.Mechanical engineering emerged as a field during the Industrial Revolution in Europe in the 18th century; however, its development can be traced back several thousand years around the world. In the 19th century, developments in physics led to the development of mechanical engineering science. The field has continually evolved to incorporate advancements; today mechanical engineers are pursuing developments in such areas as composites, mechatronics, and nanotechnology. It also overlaps with aerospace engineering, metallurgical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, manufacturing engineering, chemical engineering, industrial engineering, and other engineering disciplines to varying amounts. Mechanical engineers may also work in the field of biomedical engineering, specifically with biomechanics, transport phenomena, biomechatronics, bionanotechnology, and modelling of biological systems.

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  1. august jsc

    Machining does not achieve a surface roughness of Ra 0.1

    I'm looking for a way to machine a spherical product made of SUS304, with a required hardness of 60 HRC after heat treatment. I've selected a specialized turning tool designed for machining hard metals, but I still can't achieve a profile tolerance of 0.05 and a surface roughness of 0.1. Can...
  2. E

    I Mechanical Advantage of a Leveraged Squat Machine?

    Can someone explain how squat machines like these seem to allow people to lift an extraordinary amount of weight (more than they would be able to with free-weights)? Would really appreciate a breakdown of how the force applied by the lifter translates to torque across the levers and gears. Thanks!
  3. ysonic2024

    Love mechanical manufacturing since I was a child

    For as long as I can remember, mechanical manufacturing has held a special place in my heart. Growing up, I was captivated by machines—their precision, their power, and the way they transform raw materials into complex products. This fascination wasn’t just a fleeting interest; it was a...
  4. N

    B Electric cars: Could the rotation of tires be used to generate electricity and lengthen range?

    Could the rotation of tires be used to generate electricity and lengthen range?
  5. P

    Admissions What are my chances of getting into a competitive physics PhD program?

    Hello everyone, I'm a fifth-year student at Iowa State University, double majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Physics, and I will be graduating this year. I realized my passion for physics late into my academic career, which is why I'm in my fifth year—I've been working hard to catch up...
  6. T

    Performance of Waters' Wind Turbine in open spaces

    I recently came to know about Waters wind turbine. That turbine has been invented by Michael Waters. In their website, there are many advantaged written about it. But, when I started to search outside to check how effective it is in real condition, haven't got much information instead of a few...
  7. E

    Engineering Mechanical Engineer looking for Career Advice

    Hello, This is my first post on this forum, and I am looking for some career advice. I have a degree in mechanical engineering and 4 years of experience in the medical device manufacturing industry. Recently, I have begun the journey in becoming an entrepreneur a separate field due to the...
  8. E

    Required force for sphere start rolling

    Assume there are two objects on the same surface, one is a cube and the other is a sphere. Both objects have the same mass m. The required applied force to the center of mass of the cube for it to start sliding should be equal to static friction force: μs⋅m⋅g. But what is the required applied...
  9. bobthebuilder

    How Much Sag on a 60-Inch 2x3 Pine Board on Edge?

    DIY harry homeowner here. Always building something. Often with an engineering question I need resolved. Most recent challenge: how much sag on a 60-inch 2x3 pine board on edge. [Turns out there's a website to answer this question] So I look forward to picking the big brains on the physics...
  10. l4teLearner

    To what extent does this system behave as a pendulum?

    In the formula above I have that the mechanical momentum of the horizontal force with respect to ##C## is always ##0## because the point of application coincides with the pole. Also, the mechanical momentum of the costraint reactions is ##0## because the costraint is smooth so the reaction is...
  11. H

    A Thermal stresses in the stress tensor

    Suppose I have a mechanical stress tensor \sigma. Say I have the stress tensor for viscous flow: \boldsymbol{\sigma}=-p\mathbf{I}+\frac{1}{2}(\nabla\mathbf{u}+(\nabla\mathbf{u})^{T}) If the thermal flux is given by \boldsymbol{\sigma}_{th}=\alpha T\mathbf{I}, so I have a total flux as...
  12. JimmyThe9

    Motorhome engine starting Issues

    My 1979 Dodge Fireball D450 5.9l Motorhome. It has recently stopped running after having a starter issue. I replaced the starter, starter relay, starter solenoid, spark plugs, distributor and router, battery, and cables, and it still won't start. The fuel pump and filter are good. Also, I have...
  13. leonardo_alex

    Help with Moments in Mechanism

    I'm developoing one mechamical device, that we'll put two nutrunner in one gear. One spur gear will rotate the gear and put the nutrunner and one position. Each nutrunner will fix one bolt with 70Nm. I need put one motor in pinion, but i need consider the moments to define de size of the motor...
  14. bremenfallturm

    Test question: What is true for a mechanical impact?

    TL;DR Summary: I'm trying to figure out why this answer is not correct for a mechanical impact: "Conservation of energy and conservation of momentum can be used to find the relative velocities after the impact" Hi! I have a multiple choice test that asks...
  15. S

    Mechanical guy needs help with endothermic reaction and heat decomposition

    How did you find PF?: Google I am working on a project that requires us to protect components from high heat. We were thinking on using sodium bicarbonate, but our module needs to be exposed FIRST to 85C for long periods.... then the high heat exposure will be present. We believe this...
  16. N

    Thermodynamic Work vs Mechanical Work

    At first I thought these values should be equal because I thought thermodynamic work is simply the work done as the gas compresses or expands. That is, the work done as the gas expands ( and the mass gets lifted up) should be equal to the work done against gravity as the mass goes up, and the...
  17. RonG

    RonG Mechanical Engineer Student

    Hello, My name is Ron. I am currently attending Old Dominion University majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Engineering Management. I am returning to obtain my bachelors at age 54 and currently hold an associate in Drafting and Design. I have worked in the construction industry...
  18. K

    Hi there! I'm Kiran. I need to know advance physics.

    Hi! My name is Kiran. I am a mechanical engineer working for various practical application projects such as renewable energy products, efficiency improvement, customized machines, etc. On many circumstances, I encountered with a problem of solving some advance and complicated physics. And in one...
  19. M

    Just a new guy who likes exploring -- I dislike doing math for the sake of math

    Just a guy who likes exploring. I hate math, but enjoy viewing mechanical models of things.
  20. MrAndrew

    What Is PF and Why Is It Popular Among Mechanical Engineering Enthusiasts?

    Hello everyone, I heard about PF from Reddit. I'm a mechanical engineering enthusiast and looking forward to engaging with everyone here!
  21. M

    How Can a Mechanical Engineer Transition into Academic Physics?

    Hello there, fellow physics enthusiasts, I am a mechanical engineer looking forward to pursuing physics academically. I am interested in gaining knowledge from this forum and connecting with students and scientists. Have a nice day, Madladkaiser
  22. Ranger Mike

    How Do Pulleys Multiply Force in Complex Systems?

    many pulleys at various angles multiply the initial power of the winch
  23. D

    Understanding the mechanical advantage of a Pneumatic linkage system

    Hi all, I need to derive an equation for the mechanical advantage between the force applied at the wall and the force at the piston for a linked system. I have attempted this but my equation suggests that the wall force increases expenantionally as the connecting rod approaches the horrizontal...
  24. B

    How can I calculate the Density and Volume of a mechanical mixture (atoms)?

    Is it correct that: density = [ 0.09 * (density of NaCl) ] + [0.91 * (density of water) ] volume = [ (volume of water) + ( { (volume of NaCl) / 48} * 9) ] Thank you so much for any advice.
  25. M

    Can Mechanical Engineers Revolutionize the Pump Industry?

    Mechanical engineer working in pump industry
  26. Abdullah A H

    Want to know if there are any particular sites for mechanical engineering for getting recommendable research papers

    where can I get best research papers for my undergrade thesis in Mechanical Engineering?
  27. Tobi9242

    What is Mechanical Engineering at AAU?

    Hi! Studying Mechanical Engineering at AAU. First semester
  28. F

    Hello, everyone. I hope to continue to grow and learn on here.

    Mechanical Engineering working in the automotive industry with a desire for design and testing mechanical systems.
  29. N

    Who is Nappolean, the New Mechanical Engineer Graduate?

    Hello everyone am Nappolean a New Mechanical Engineer Graduate here, nice to meet you all.
  30. Ali sulieman

    How Can AI Tools Benefit Mechanical Engineering Students?

    I started studying mechanical engineering, where I started thinking about things that might make me a successful and highly competent engineer in the near future. Then I started searching through artificial intelligence tools for useful sites for me as a mechanical engineering student, and your...
  31. G

    What industries has a Mechanical Designer worked in?

    I have worked in the Aeronautical, Robotics, Mining, Printing and Petroleum industries.
  32. MecEngPterois

    Help needed with a Statics Question: Load is supported by a Pulley and Cables

    What I did was split the problem into two seperate summations based on x & y coordinates: Tcos(25) - Tcos(55) - Px = 0 Tsin(25+Tsin(55) +Py - Q = 0, Where Q = 1860 I initially got an answer of 2391N, but it keeps marking me wrong for said answer. This is the free body diagram, (the previous...
  33. M

    Instrumentation Amplifier for Wheatstone Bridge Output

    I am going to do some experiment on mechanical mechanism , studying stresses Thing that in my mind Arduino Strain gauge Instrumentation amplifier I want to know that which Instrumentation amplifier i should use to get good output voltage from wheatstone bridge circuit and also easy to use...
  34. P

    Automotive Total machine system efficiency

    Please see the attached sketch. Basically I have a system of three gear boxes, each with their own respective efficiencies. I'm trying to determine, at the end of this string of gearboxes, what the overall efficiency is. How might one go about determining this? Do you just take the average? 70 +...
  35. Z

    What Can You Learn About Engineering on PhysicsForums?

    Hello I'm Mike. I'm a Mech Simulation Engineer. I am grateful with the help from this forum which directly solve my problem. Hope I can gain more engineering knowledge and experience, and also can help others. Best regards!
  36. Daniel Guh

    Mechanical Physics: Coefficient of Friction

    First of all, the pulling force is 300N cos(30) = 260 N At this point, I try to find the friction force Fn = mg = 20kg * 9.81 m/s^2 = 196.2 N Then, Ff = μ * Fn = 0.5 * 196.2 N = 98.1 N So after canceling the horizontal forces, 260N - 98.1N = 161.9N And the acceleration will be 161.9N / 20kg =...
  37. Freyja

    Where Can I Find Free Resources for the Wiesen Mechanical Aptitude Test?

    Good day everybody, In a nutshell, I have to take the Wiesen Test for mechanical aptitude before this upcoming 24th, so less than a week from now. I am aware that this might seem a really simple task, and the theoretical concepts are indeed really easy, but the issue would be the timing; I will...
  38. Hallucinogen

    I Understanding Physical Processes: EM, Gravitational, Mechanical & Entropic

    Hi, I'm putting together some resources about theories and would like some help to make sure I don't make a mistake. In particular, I'd like to know if each of the electromagnetic, gravitational, mechanical and entropic processes applies to every physical process. So, for example, due to an...
  39. M

    Differentiating the equation for the mechanical energy of a spring

    Why when we differentiate ## E = \frac {1}{2}mv^2 + \frac {1}{2}kx^2 ## with respect to time the answer is ## \frac {dE}{dt} = mva + kxv ##? I though it would be ##\frac {dE}{dt} = ma + kv ##. Many thanks!
  40. enigmaticbacon

    Converting Effective Mechanical Load to Newtons (Capybara)

    Hello again! I've found the capybara's EMA to be 0.71. Their mass to be 55kg. And their average speed to be ~3.0km/h. I want to figure out how many capybaras it would take to overcome Friction * Normal force of ~125,000N. How would I go about doing that...
  41. S

    What does a numerical rating mean? Mechanical equipment or device

    A certain mechanical appliance or device is given a rating that says, a certain operation or a certain movement can be performed some specified thousand times. What does the rating really mean? Was that movement or operation performed until the piece failed? Does it mean some advanced test...
  42. abdulbadii

    Galvanized Steel vs High Carbon Steel: Mechanical Performance

    In what condition and how definitively galvanized steel is lower in mechanical performance and counts to be ruled out replacing high carbon steel ?
  43. D

    I Equation of motion for a simple mechanical system

    The system is shown below. It consists of a rod of length ##L## and mass ##m_b## connecting a disk of radius ##R## and mass ##m_d## to a collar of mass ##m_c## which is in turn free to slide without friction on a vertical and rigid pole. The disk rolls without slipping on the floor. The ends...
  44. S

    B Quantum mechanical one-liners?

    I got a one liner for QP, Electron behave like wave when no observer is there but when we put observer ELECTRON saw this and they told themself hey they are observing us lets change our behaviour, WE are particle now. That type of strange QP is. Am I right?
  45. Spector989

    Conservation of momentum and mechanical energy on an inclined plane

    So i am tried to conserve momentum and use conservation of mechanical energy but won't there be psuedo force acting on the block if i am solving from non inertial frame ?. If i ignore the pseudo force and simply use C.O.M.E and include the K.E of the wedge and solve normally i do get the...
  46. T

    Question about the conservation of mechanical energy

    For the first part, the mass sits at rest on the spring, so it is at the equilibrium position and thus mg = kd So, d = mg/k For the second part, I assume the uncompressed spring position is 0. When the mass at rest at the top. Its KE and PE is 0. When the mass at distance D, the question said...
  47. J

    Laboratory Rocker - type of mechanical movement & related information

    Hi all I have a question about this device in https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2948680/files. Where can I find more information/reading material about this type of mechanical movement (for example, what is the ratio between the motor circle radius, pin location and the table bearings). I wish...
  48. Ahmed1029

    I Constraints of a mechanical system

    I'm studying theoretical mechanics and I kind of find the notion of a "mechanical system" very slippery, especially when it comes to constraints. Take an example : I know that when a system consists of N particles and p constraints, it has 3N-p degrees of freedom; this is the definition. Then I...
  49. C

    I Exploring the Mechanics of Energy Conservation: Understanding the Paradox

    Hello everyone! I've been studying work and energy, and one problem I have is understanding conservation of mechanical energy. If on a rollercoaster you have two points A and B you expect the mechanical energy at A to be equal to the mechanical energy at point B, makes sense to me; but I started...
  50. leifh

    Question about electrical power compared to mechanical power

    I am new here and I am seeking for help:) Thank you so much. In engineering, electrical formula often analogy to mechanical formula. eg. power[W] = pressure x volume flow rate vs power[W] = voltage x current My question is could we make the simplest unit between electrical and mechanical...
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