Mechanical Engineering : Introduction
Mechanical engineering, the broadest of all Engineering disciplines
deals with design and production of tools, machines and all other mechanical
equipment to be used in industries. The industry offers a wide choice
of options extending across many interdisciplinary interdependent specialties.
Mechanical engineering is concerned with all types of machinery in industries
and all aspects of their mechanism and functioning; the design, development,
construction, production, installation, operation and maintenance; such
as large steam and gas turbines, components of thermal power stations,
internal combustion engines, jet engines, machine tools, air conditioning
and heating machines, refrigerators etc to name a few. They not only design
and create new products, but also develop materials for them and ways
of making them.
In a way, mechanical engineers are involved in creating the future. They
are the driving force behind many of our technologies and industrial processes
including innovative products like mobiles, PCs and DVD etc in our modern
world. The work of a Mechanical Engineer can be extremely challenging
and fulfilling, requiring IT, design and analytical skills together
with an ability to work as a team. As their work involves production,
transmission and use of mechanical power and heat, they have to analyse
the different materials used for the machines and their tolerances, investigate
the different energy sources and the power they generate and the design
problems if any. When designing and making a commercial product they have
to take into account all the business and marketing aspects to make sure
that the product is affordable. They share interests with many other engineers
like Civil Engineers in structures and stress analysis; Electrical engineers
in electronics, computing and control theory; Aeronautical Engineers in
fluid flow and turbomachinery etc and also design tools needed by other
engineers for their work. They work as part of a team with other engineers
as well as financial, business and management professionals on a project
together. Mechanical Engineers are also responsible for maintenance and
repair of the devices. Care has to be taken that the plants give maximum
output and the machinery is properly maintained.
The specialisations include in areas like thermal engineering, design,
and production engineering etc. Mechanical engineers work mainly in manufacturing
firms. They can find work in administrative and managerial positions in
government departments or public and private sector industries or do research
as well as teaching in Research and teaching institutes. They could also
opt for technical sales / marketing or work as independent consultants.
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