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. Glenstr

    Could FTL Communication be Achieved via Mechanical Connection?

    Say we have this scenario, we have two bodies (big rocks, asteroid etc), existing in the vacuum of space, both are in perfect sync with each other (distance between them remains static) and are 1 light second apart in distance. Bob is standing on one rock and Mary on the other. Each has a radio...
  2. W

    Gyroscopic/Self balancing Mechanical Ankle Joint

    Hello. This is the first post on this site I'm making outside of the "New member welcome" part, and I intend on getting right down to why I'm here: I would like to know of any possible designs or methods by which to build a mechanical ankle joint capable of holding at least 500 US pounds, and...
  3. S

    Calculating Amplitude and Velocity of Mechanical Waves in Non-Uniform Wire

    Homework Statement The linear mass density of a non-uniform wire under constant tension gradually decreases along the wire while ensuring an incident wave is transmitted without reflection. The wire has constant density μ for x ≤ 0. In this region a transverse wave has the form y(x,t) =...
  4. jmex

    Drafting: Exploring the Future of Piping Design

    Hello, I am working as a drafter more than a year now in a valve industry but always keen to learn more. I do like designing, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics and as a drafter I came to learn API. I want to know if piping design course is worth to undergo? I mean looking at current scenario...
  5. R

    Ideal Mechanical Advantage of this bicycle?

    A bicycle wheel has a diameter of 73cm and is driven by a chain on a gear of 8.5cm diameter What is the ideal mechanical advantage? I know that IMA=de/dr But I'm not sure which one is de and which one is dr.
  6. S

    Engineering Mechanical Engineering Research Project

    Hello, my name is Lucas and I am currently in year 11. For my research project I decided to research mechanical and mechatronic engineering to compare both of the occupations in order to make a decision of what I want to pursue as career. If you have the time, please feel free to help me answer...
  7. T

    Mechanical Engineering and the military?

    Hello I'm curios to know if any of you have been affected by my current situation. Currently I go to school and major in Mechanical Engineering, I live on my own(with a roommate) have a full time job and go to school all at the same time. I wouldn't be doing all of that if I didn't have to but...
  8. F

    What is the link between chaos and ergodicity in mechanical systems?

    There are many formal definitions of an ergodic mechanical system. 1) A system whose time average equals the ensemble (space) average. 2) A system that visits every point in its phase space. Etc. What are some actual, real examples of an ergodic mechanical system? Also, since a chaotic...
  9. REVIANNA

    Why Is Longitudinal Strain Zero for a Heated Copper Rod on a Smooth Surface?

    Homework Statement A copper rod of length l_0 at 0 C is placed on a smooth surface.Now the rod is heated up to 100 C.FIND THE LONGITUDINAL STRAIN DEVELOPED ? The Attempt at a Solution What I did : strain = delta l/ l_0 = l_0 alpha(coefficient of linear expansion) delta T/l_0...
  10. C

    Mechanical Principles Factor of Safety Help?

    Hi, I'm currently puzzled on a question as I don't have/know the equation required to find the answer. The question is as follows:- Several sections of the structure are to be held together using bolts, determine the suitability of the proposed material given the following: The material for the...
  11. H

    I am ready to make a mechanical drawing but have issues

    One question is, I need a rod that both has grooved bearing tightly fit and a linear bearing on the same rod with no slop. Is this possible? What is a "press fit" tolerance? If I have a 0.5 hole, what size rod will be press fit? What size will locate without pressing? Boy I wish I had an...
  12. A

    Mechanical properties Graphene nanoribbons

    For the calculation uniaxial strain in graphene nanoribbons, Which of the bonds sigma or pi should be considered?
  13. L

    Who is Tony? A 52-Year-Old Practical Engineer

    Hello I am a 52 year old practical engineer.
  14. AmyForbis

    Engineering Mechanical Engineer Technologist Career

    Hey guys I have a question. I was interested in Mechanical Engineering however do to financial difficulties I decided to go with Mechanical Engineering Technology as a degree. I have a question concerning careers in Mechanical Engineering Technology. I went online and the internet stated the...
  15. R

    Can't decide Mechanical vs Electrical Engineering

    I am equally interested in both topics, but I am having trouble making up my mind as to which one to pick. Anyone here wish they did one or picked the other? Future prospects? I like MechE topics such as thermodynamics, FEA, CFD, materials etc, but I also like ElecE topics such as...
  16. UMath1

    Mechanical Advantage in absence of resistance or load

    I want to understand what happens to the energy inputted into a simple machine if there is no resistance or load. For example, let's say you have a U-shaped tube of water with greater surface area on the left side. If a piston applies pressure to the left side and there is no piston on the right...
  17. Z

    Trying to decide between Electrical and Mechanical....

    I am 2nd year engineering student. I haven't had to take any classes that were specific to a certain type of engineering but next semester I will and now I'm stressing which one I should choose. I know a lot more about mechanical engineering than I do electrical, but I think electrical would...
  18. Islam Hassan

    Four Classes of Quantum Mechanical Effects are Independent?

    Are the four classes of quantum mechanical phenomena for which classical physics cannot account independent of one another or can one derive one or more phenomena from other(s)? These according to the Wiki are: Principle of uncertainty; Wave-particle duality; Quantisation of certain physical...
  19. Ali Durrani

    Understanding the Basic concepts of Mechanical Engineering

    Hi And Assalamualaikum i am a mechanical Final Year student i have almost completed All the subjects, but my basic concepts are very weak, can anyone help me suggesting few books or handouts that are easy in understanding the basic concepts of Mechanical Engineering. my...
  20. P

    Engineering Engineering Career Survey Questions: Insights from Professionals

    Good evening, forum members... I'm currently enrolled in an Engineering class in my school and I'm considering engineering as one of my career pathways, but I would like to know the good, the bad, and the prospects of an engineering career before making a decision. I'm also interested to know...
  21. M

    Combine conservation of mechanical energy with the work-ener

    Homework Statement Find the horizontal distance the skier travels before coming to rest if the incline also has a coefficient of kinetic friction equal to 0.210. Assume that theta = 20.0°. Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution
  22. D

    How to design a biaxial fixture for uniaxial testing machine

    Im a senior student in mechanical engineering. My senior project is to build a biaxial fixture to mount on a uniaxial testing machine. The reason for this is so that we can perform a biaxial stress testing on a cruciformed shaped specimen. Right now, me and my group are just brainstorming ideas...
  23. mia_material_x1

    Conservation of Mechanical energy

    Homework Statement Attached figrue shows an 8.00 kg stone at rest on a spring.The spring is compressed 10.0 cm by the stone. (a) What is the spring constant? (b) The stone is pushed down an additional 30.0 cm and released.What is the elastic potential energy of the compressed spring just...
  24. pioneerboy

    Engineering From mechanical to optical engineering

    Hi there, Is it easily possible to change to optical engineering for the MSc and being involved in big telescope constructions after getting a BSc degree in mechanical engineering? Lucius
  25. P

    Engineering Mechanical Engineering Technology

    I have a question do you think Mechanical Engineering Technology is a good degree to obtain? Would Mechanical Engineering Technology still be in demand even with manufacturing jobs being shipped over seas? Do you think getting a bachelors degree In Mechanical Engineering Technology gives you a...
  26. L

    Limit on mechanical & electric energy conversion efficiency

    I regret to say that I know little of engineering, but, to make a long story short, I'm nagged by two questions about energy conversion efficiency. There is a thread i made titled "giant railguns recycling their own energy in space" in the science fiction & fantasy forum here that explains my...
  27. M

    Electrical engineering with mechanical interest...?

    Hi, I am 1st year undergrad student at "national technical university of athens" (probably you have never heard of this university :biggrin:) in the department of electrical and computer engineering. When applying I had a very hard time choosing between electrical and mechanical engineering.(I...
  28. **Mariam**

    Mechanical waves transmission through different mediums

    Homework Statement Do waves travel faster in dense or less dense mediums? As a wave moves from a less dense to a denser medium at a boundary end what properties change? (Wavelength, speed, frequency, amplitude...) If waves travel faster in solids then why do we hear better through air, and if...
  29. David Gin

    Compressor Water Cooled Chiller Thermal Calculations

    Hi All, Is there a list of thermodynamics equations regarding the chiller process from condenser, evaporator, compressor to the regulator. Say I have chiller load at 90%, what set of equations could I use to determine the supply temperature of chill water and condenser supply temperature to...
  30. TMECLT

    Programs What Major Is Best For My Future?

    I know that when I get out of school I want to help develop solar roadways, bike paths, and parking lots. Potentially even help with the efficiency rate of solar panels. However, I'm currently a mechanical engineering student with a concentration in energy. The only way to get a concentration in...
  31. J

    Studying both Mechanical and Electrical Engineering?

    Hello! Right now I'm having some trouble deciding whether to continue studying just Electrical Engineering or besides that also start studying Mechanical Engineering. I have heard about mechatronics but that degree is not taught here. I would like to know from you which career you think has...
  32. A

    Thermodynamics Problem - Adiabatic Reversible Process....

    Homework Statement A specific type of ideal gas has a specific heat capacity at constant pressure (cp=cv+R) that is a function of temperature T, such that cp=0.5+876T, where cp has units of J/kg/K and T has units of K. The gas, which is initially at T1 = 294 K and P1 = 1x105 Pa, undergoes a...
  33. ProjectTruth

    Engineering Could use guidance -- seeking a BA in Mechanical Engineering

    Hello all, So,I am seriously seeking a BA in Mechanical Engineering. I still have 1 year of school,and a few extra since I will be working to save up for college. I'm fairly proffecient in trigonometry and basic Algebra. And am currently studying basic Physics. But I know I need to know basic...
  34. I

    Engineering What job markets can mechanical engineers go into?

    would it be possible for someone in a career like Mech. Engineering to go into a field like investment banking. would skills in M.E serve any purpose in investment banking?
  35. L

    Mechanical energy in situation 1 of the cart

    Hi, I've been trying to figure out how to solve this problem for a few hours, but whatever I do it seems to give me the wrong answer. Problem statement: Fetch data from the roller coaster model. Ignore friction. What is the mechanical energy in cart in situation 1? ## E = E_k + E_p ## Which...
  36. I

    Engineering What job markets can mechanical engineers go into?

    question 1: I heard that mechanical engineering is becoming saturated and that it's kind of dying, is this true? question 2: what jobs can mechanical engineers get into?( please be specific) question 3 : what countries are in most demand of mech.engineers
  37. A

    Calculating Loss of Mechanical Energy in Bouncing Ball Experiment

    Homework Statement I did an experiment in which I bounced a ball under a motion sensor. From that I got a generated graph on the computer in the shape of a parabola. The max height of the ball at each interval was also obtained from looking at the graph. From the maximum height values, I...
  38. Antonio V

    Engineering Where can a degree in mechanical engineering take me?

    Hi! I'm currently studying my mechanical engineering degree at a good uni in the UK . I've been doing really well so far, but I don't really know where I want to take it. I know the obvious places like working for a car company/aeronautical/manufacturing etc. are obviously the main option, but...
  39. P

    Acoustic horns and impedance matching

    I found a fast solenoid valve lying around (~1ms rise time) so I thought it would be fun to hook up to a compressed air line and use to generate some really loud bass. I hooked it up to a function generator and air supply only to find that it was disappointingly quiet (well not quiet, but...
  40. D

    Programs Should I pursue a degree in mechanical engineering?

    Hi Everyone, I'm hoping to get some advice from you all as to whether I should go to school for an engineering degree. My dilemma is that I am 29 years old this year, I am married with a 7 year old son and a daughter to be born in January. I already have a great job and I work between 48 and...
  41. A

    Engineering Mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology

    Hi I am new to this forum and have a series question. I have a dilemma I want to do mechanical engineering, but based on my circumstances I'm worried I may not have enough funds to get past and associates degree of engineering. do you guys think I could get a technicians job with that or should...
  42. J

    Engineering Help with becoming a Mechanical engineer

    hi I'm Jonathon and i would love to get some support from someone who has a mechanical engineer degree. I'm a junior in high school recently i have pinpointed down what i think i what to be career wise and a mechanical engineer is something that i would love to do. I'm a hands on person that's...
  43. C

    Time independent potential and mechanical energy conservatio

    Hi, I was woking on a problem from Taylor Mechanics.(4.27) It reads: Suppose that the force F(r , t) depends on the time t but stillsatisfies ∇ × F = 0. It is a mathematical fact that the work integral ∫12F(r , t) ⋅ dr (evaluated at anyone time t) is independent of the path taken between the...
  44. D

    How much of the mechanical engineering entails maths?

    I am currently in a gap year, as i wanted to be 100% sure on what UNI course i was going to go for in 2016. I've been looking into mechanical engineering as a possible option, but my main worry was regarding the extent to which 'maths' is used during the course, and during your actual career. I...
  45. T

    Engineering Conveyor Engineer/Conveyor Engineering

    Hi to all my colleagues, I am working now days for a Automakers company and I need to be promoted ... What is the essentials to know that makes us Mechanical Engineers to be called Conveyor Engineers! What I should know? What I should understand? What I should know to calculate? and ... Etc...
  46. H

    Mechanical Engineering Personal Statement

    hi, I am applying for mechanical engineering course. The research part of my PS is about Maglev train. I choose it because i like the it works. So, i wrote about how the gap is maintained, how superconducting magnets are used and how researchers tried halbach array. know Mechanical engineering...
  47. vinicius0197

    Change in mechanical energy (gravitation)

    I got a little bit confused while studying gravitational potential energy, particularly the expression for long distances: (-GMm/r). An exercise asks me for the velocity, period and radial acceleration for a 1000kg satellite that I wish to put into orbit. That's okay. But after that, I'm...
  48. K

    What's the greatest mechanical force we can achieve?

    hello everybody, just doing some general designing and was wondering what is the greatest mechanical force we can achieve already, in the form of a piston or a press. i am not to sure how, just want to know the value and how its achieved.
  49. vinicius0197

    Engineering Mechanical Engineering with emphasis on mechatronics?

    Hey guys. I'm graduating in mechanical engineering at a university in Brazil. I'm currently on my second semester. I've started running after a mechanical engineering degree mostly because I've got a strong interest in the field of aircraft engineering, and my initial plan was to graduate in...
  50. V

    Maximum mechanical energy in the spring-block system

    Homework Statement Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution Suppose the free end of hte spring moves towards right .Consider a reference frame moving with speed 'v' along with the free end of the spring . From this frame ,the block has an initial speed 'v' towards left . At maximum...
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