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. E

    Applications of Advanced Math to Mechanical Engineering

    Hey Everyone! I was wandering what applications (if any) advanced math topics like topology, functional analysis, abstract algebra, etc. have in Mechanical Engineering. Thanks a lot!
  2. L

    What is the Mechanical Advantage of the Engineer's Machine?

    I've been at this problem for a good hour now and I just can't figure it out :bugeye: Please help me think through this! It is a very difficult problem in my opinion. Or maybe I'm just missing a fundamental point...Thanks in advance...
  3. Pattonias

    Has anyone started a business out of college as a mechanical engineer?

    I am starting a engineering business with some friends while I am still in college. I graduated this past December and I am now working on my Masters. I was curious if anyone else has had a similar experience and what technological field you were in. We are designing an automated welding machine...
  4. Conservation

    Tension - how is mechanical tension even defined?

    Tension -- how is mechanical tension even defined? Hello, I'm currently a student in AP Physics having a little trouble with the concept of tension, especially that of a pulley system or an Atwood machine. First, how is tension even defined? Is it the reaction force to the applied force on...
  5. M

    Mechanical vibration spring/mass help

    Hey guys, I'm working on solving a problem of figuring out what an impact velocity is going to be roughly. The numbers seem very small to me though so I was wondering if you guys could check out my work. This isn't a homework problem, but rather a real problem. I"m trying to build a test...
  6. H

    How to Solve the Eigenfunctions of a Rigid Rotator in a Weak Electric Field?

    Homework Statement Consider the Hamiltonian for a rigid rotator, constrained to rotate in xy plane and with moment of inertia I and electric dipole moment\mu in the plane, as H_0=\frac{L_z^2}{2I}. Then suppose that a constant and weak external electric field,E, in the direction of x is applied...
  7. S

    Mechanical analogue of permittivity

    I refer to the velocity of propagation of an EM wave in a medium. I have been wondering about what plays the role, in this context, of inertia and elasticity. Here the formula has nothing in the numerator and the denominator is the product of the electric permittivity by the magnetic...
  8. M

    Engineering How can a newly graduated mechanical engineer find job opportunities?

    Hey PF! I am a masters student in mechanical engineering, and I am doing really well. However, once I finish my thesis and graduate, what is the typical way to find a job. Are you head hunted or will I send out resumes? Should I talk with my advisers? My uncle works with Boeing and has...
  9. AbhiFromXtraZ

    Can any object with positive mechanical energy collide earth?

    Object with positive mechanical energy in an attractive force field moves along a hyperbolic path and whose energy is zero, moves along parabolic path...isn't it?...But why?...Can't any object with ve energy move along the line joining centre of force?...If its radial component of kinetic...
  10. marellasunny

    Frictional mechanical clutch slip(dry clutch)

    During the short period of engagement of the friction clutch(say t=1sec),energy is obviously lost as heat.I've been asked to calculate this loss of heat by my teacher. I've been given: 1.Input power(engine)= 50kW 2.Slip decreases linearly with time 3.Engagement process time,t=1sec Now,I...
  11. M

    Relevant certificate for a person who wants to become Mechanical Eng?

    Hi and Thank you for taking the time to read this. I have just completed my first semester in Engineer and to be exact, in mechanical engineering. I am obsessed with this field but it will take me at least 4 years to graduate if everything goes as planned. I wanted to know if there are...
  12. C

    Engineering Mechanical Engineering: Jobs, Salary, & Aerospace

    I am thinking about being a mechanical engineer but there are a few things I wanted to take into account before I picked this field. First, the amount of available jobs is important. Second, salary. I'm not a money crazed person but I plan on raising a family. I want to be able to pay...
  13. P

    Calculating Max Power at Chute-Montmorency

    Homework Statement At the Chute-Montmorency, water falls from a height of 83m. The average flow rate of the river is 35000 liters per second. Estimate the maximum power that a hydroelectric plant located at the bottom of the falls would provide. Homework Equations P = W/T W = F x d...
  14. C

    Engineering Weighing the Pros and Cons of a Mechanical Engineering Career

    I am thinking about being a mechanical engineer but there are a few things I wanted to take into account before I picked this field. First, the amount of available jobs is important. Second, salary. I'm not a money crazed person but I plan on raising a family. I want to be able to pay...
  15. E

    Focusing on a specific area of Mechanical Engineering Undergrad?

    I am majoring in Mechanical Engineering, and I found a research opportunity I really want (it focus on Fastening and Joining). I want to take classes relevant to this area, but my university offers different areas to specialize in as an Undergrad, so which one should I focus on in order to take...
  16. W

    Mechanical Engineering and BioMed. Engineering?

    Hello, Has anyone here studied Mechanical Engineering but is doing work related to Biomedical Engineering or in the the Biotechnology or Biomedical Devices industry? If so, I would like to ask a few questions. How applicable was a Mechanical Engineering degree to your current work? Do...
  17. J

    Mechanical vibrations - waterfall plots

    hi! i'm beginner in the subject of vibrations. i'm trying to understand the waterfall plots. i have attached a waterfall plot. can someone please help me to understand it? waterfall plots are used when the operating speeds are varying (run up or coast down). in this plot, as the...
  18. Y

    Mathematically modelling a mechanical system

    Hi all, Consider a simple gear system. I want to learn to model this system and write equation for it that any information/state regarding system can be extracted from. thanks
  19. Patolord

    Mechanical Energy:Potential, kinect, etc.

    Homework Statement A sphere of mass 2kg is release from point A off the edge of a hole that is represented of as a semi-circle of R=0,2 m. consider g=10m/s² What is the force that the ground apply on the sphere when it passes trough point B(bottom of the hole? Homework Equations Ep=m*g*h...
  20. D

    Effective Demagnetization Techniques for Low Coercivity Ferromagnetic Materials

    Is mechanical disturbance an effective method of demagnetization to low coercivity ferromagnetic materials? Other than hammering what other ways are considered mechanical disturbance?
  21. P

    Eigenfunctions and dirac notation for a quantum mechanical system.

    QUESTION A quantum mechanical system has a complete orthonormal set of energy eigenfunctions, |n> with associate eigenvalues, En. The operator \widehat{A} corresponds to an observable such that Aˆ|1> = |2> Aˆ|2> = |1> Aˆ|n> = |0>, n ≥ 3 where |0> is the null ket. Find a complete...
  22. D

    Mechanical Nuclear coolant pumps built on turbine to generator shaft?

    Hello, I'm new to this board. I have a engineering question about the coolant pumps used to maintain reactors. I have been studying the basics of a PWR. I notice the pumps are fed mostly by electricity. While I see the logic and efficiency of that..I am left wondering why the space on...
  23. T

    Best way to lift weight using mechanical arm

    Hi! For my finally year design project, I intend to try and solve the problems with existing shower bathing aids for the elderly and disabled. I won't go into details of what problems and how, etc, but I will give you an overview of the mechanism I intend to use. My product is essentially...
  24. B

    Where Can I Find High-Quality Prototyping Parts Like Actobotics?

    I have been looking for quite some time for a source of high quality prototyping parts that I can use to quickly make small to medium sized physical models without having to resort to making one-off parts which eat up time and materials. I think I have found the source here...
  25. K

    Mechanical energy of a wooden block sliding down an incline.

    Homework Statement A wooden block is on an incline with θ = 18.5 degrees. The angle was determined to be big enough that the wooden block would experience kinetic friction ( slides down the ramp). A photo-gate was used to measure the time it took for the block to move a certain distance. Five...
  26. C

    Self Study for Physics for a mechanical engineer

    I am a mechanical engineer with 2 1/2years working experience. I have a Bachelor degree in Science (Mechanical Engineering). Physics is one of my favorite subject when I was in high school. Even though I already graduated from University, during my free time, I will self study Physics. I have an...
  27. P

    Rotational mechanical systems and electrical analogs.

    Hi, Homework Statement Upon converting rotational mechanical components into their electrical analogs, one thing in particular baffles me. When is a rotational component converted into two sets of dependent sources and when is it converted into a single set? Let me try and clarify my question...
  28. T

    Mechanical Engineering Dynamics Problem

    Homework Statement A plastic film moves over two drums. During a 4s interval the speed of the tape is increased uniformly from v0= 2ft/s to v1= 4ft/s. Knowing that the tape does not slip on the drums, determine (a) the angular acceleration of drum B, (b) the number of revolutions executed by...
  29. H

    Mechanical Energy- Geosynchronous Orbit

    Homework Statement What is the total mechanical energy of a 290 kg satellite in a geosynchronous orbit around the Earth? Homework Equations W= K + UG where K= 1/2 (mv2) and UG= -(GmM)/r Fc= mac where ac= v2/r The Attempt at a Solution I think the geosynchronous part is what is...
  30. R

    How Do I Calculate the Natural Frequency and Time Elapsed for a Gas Compressor?

    I hope I am posting in the right place. I am a 1st year University student. Although I am undertaking a BSc in Computer and Electronic System Engineering I have a Mechanical Principles module which I am finding a little bit of a struggle. Mechanical Principles - Dynamics: a) A diaphragm type...
  31. P

    Engineering Mechanical problems converted into electrical circuits.

    Hi, Homework Statement Attached (Q1,Q2) are two mechanical systems I am asked to convert into analogous electrical circuits. In Q2, it was stated that B4 is the friction between each of the three masses and the surface. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution Attached (Q1 -...
  32. H

    E= 2.377074x1010 J * 380 kgE= 9.038314x1012 J

    Homework Statement What is the total mechanical energy of a 380kg satellite in a circular orbit 3.0 Earth radii above the surface? Homework Equations W= E2- E1 E= 1/2 mv2- \frac{GmM}{r} The Attempt at a Solution I'm not sure if the equations above are suitable to solve this or...
  33. J

    Using Newtons law and mechanical energy?

    1. Homework Statement [/b] A car is rolling down a ramp that is inclined at and angle of 9.9 degree with respect to horizontal. There is no friction acting from the road on the tires. Employ conservation of mechanical energy to find the speed of a car that starts from rest and rolls down...
  34. P

    Why and How are Mechanical and Kinetic Energy different?

    Hey guys, I am in a teaching assistant in another 8th grade science class for my 2nd field experience in a title 1 school. The teacher is really struggling(*) to explain to the students the difference between Mechanical and Kinetic Energy. The book their using defines Mechanical Energy as...
  35. N

    Determine total mechanical energy

    Homework Statement What's the total mechanical energy of a 400kg satellite in circular orbit 1100km above Earth's surface? Homework Equations The Gravitational potential energy U=-(Gm1m2)/r kinetic energy k=1/2mv^2 The Attempt at a Solution At first i thought i could do...
  36. J

    How Much Speed Can You Generate Using Mechanical Energy?

    Homework Statement Converting the energy of one food calorie into mechanical energy, starting from rest, to what speed could you accelerate a 133-lbs person? Homework Equations 1 calorie= 4.184J 1 lbs= 0.453592kg K=1/2mv^2 The Attempt at a Solution here what I did, I converted the...
  37. X

    Calculating Spring Constant and Mechanical Energy

    Homework Statement When a .5kg mass is suspended from a spring, the spring stretches 4cm. The mass is then displaced 2cm from its equilibrium position and released. (a) What is the spring constant? (b) What is the mechanical energy of the mass? (c) What is the speed of the mass as it passes...
  38. T

    Mechanical property of quasicrystals

    Are there anybody doing some research on quasicrystals ,especially its mechanical property? I am just wondering why so few people are working on it,because intuitively I think quasicrystals will have a bright future. So what do you think of quasicrystals? Is it worthy of research? I want...
  39. C

    Programs Could I finish a Mechanical Engineering Major and EE minor in time?

    How long would a EE minor take? My future plans are this: Either just get the ME undergraduate degree and do a masters in Systems engineering, or get the ME degree and EE minor and then get a Masters in ME, possible specializing in Dynamics and Controls. I've been looking at systems...
  40. S

    Water Slide Mechanical Energy Problem

    Homework Statement A 58.5 kg child slides down a water slide with a velocity of 1.2 m/sec at the top. At the bottom of the slide, she is moving horizontally, y=1.5 meters above the water. She splashes into the water d=2 meters to the left of the bottom of the slide. 1) Assuming potential...
  41. alane1994

    MHB When does the mass first return to its equilibrium position?

    Here is my problem verbatim. A mass weighing 100g stretches a spring 5cm. If the mass is set in motion from its equilibrium position with a downward velocity of 10cm/s, and if there is no damping, determine the position \(u\) of the mass at any time \(t\). When does the mass first return to its...
  42. alane1994

    MHB Mechanical Vibrations - Linear Combinations

    The title may be incorrect, I named this after the section of my book in which this is located. My problem is as follows. Determine \(\omega_0\), R, and \(\delta\) so as to write the given expression in the form \(u=R\cos(\omega_0 t-\delta)\) \(\color{blue}{u=4\cos(3t)-2\sin(3t)},~\text{My...
  43. R

    Programs Bachelors degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering?

    I want to be an aerospace engineer, but the university i want to go to doesn't offer it as a major (or master for that matter). So i was wondering if it would be best to first get a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering then get a master's degree in aerospace engineering (in another...
  44. P

    Mechanical design - cam timing chain versus gear-driven

    mechanical design -- cam timing chain versus gear-driven hey all, I am a mech-e student, but I am still in the infancy of my degree, so I haven't really had any courses pertaining to this sort of thing, but having work with cars for a number of years, and having what I consider a strong...
  45. Pythagorean

    Insect uses mechanical gears to coordinate jumping

    Insect uses mechanical "gears" to coordinate jumping journalist report: http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2013/0912/Insect-uses-gears-to-jump-study-finds scientific report: http://www.sciencemag.org/content/341/6151/1254
  46. R

    Is Mechanical Drafting a Good Career Path?

    Hello all, I was wondering if anyone is or knows any Mechanical Drafters? I am trying to find out if it is a good career path. Also is there a demand for Mechanical Drafters or is work hard to find? I am trying to explore some new career options. I was thinking I would maybe start out with...
  47. MacLaddy

    Thermodynamics- determining mechanical power

    Homework Statement Hello all, I've worked through the problem below, but I feel my answer is incorrect. I would appreciate it if someone could check my work. Water is pumped from a lower reservoir to a higher reservoir by a pump that provides 20kW of shaft power. The free surface of...
  48. Dembadon

    The Mechanical Universe And Beyond - Physics Lectures Online

    "The Mechanical Universe...And Beyond" - Free Physics Videos Online My physics (Thermo and E&M) professor recommended the following set of lectures from Annenberg Learner, produced by CalTech in 1985: http://www.learner.org/resources/series42.html Scroll down and click the "VoD" button to...
  49. B

    Show mechanical energy is not conserved in an inelastic collision.

    Homework Statement Using the equation for the final velocity of an inelastic collision, show that mechanical energy is not conserved in the collision. (Do this only with variables.)Homework Equations Vf = (m1v1i + m2v2i)/(m1 + m2) KE = (1/2)mv2 TME = KE + PEThe Attempt at a Solution I honestly...
  50. A

    How to find the maximal mechanical power output of a stearin engine?

    Homework Statement "How does the placement of the puncture hole of a stearin engine affect the power output of the system?" By a stearin engine, it just means an oscillating candle around a fixed point; a video can be viewed at . I have done all of the data collection by testing...
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