Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineers build things that move or have internal components that move. As the early inventors showed, it is possible to design and build machines without detailed calculations or even an understanding of the physics involved in the problem. Because the design methods were based on simple procedures, the efficiency of these early machines was very low. Over the past 100 years, engineering has developed analytical methods for solving engineering problems and developing safe, efficient mechanical systems.
 
Designing moving systems involves the calculations of forces acting on, and motion of, the moving parts. We calculate the required size and strength of the moving parts so that they don’t fail during operation. Mechanical engineers also study and develop new materials which are used in structures and machines. Because forces are required to move objects, mechanical engineers study ways to create, store and...