What is Mechanical Engineering?

Mechanical engineering is one of the largest and most comprehensive engineering fields in the world. Its spread in the modern world is unimaginable today. From mobile phones to satellites floating in the sky, its touch is also present. Mechanical contributions are always present in all technology dependent disciplines. That's why mechanical engineering is called the mother of engineering. 

What is Mechanical Engineering?

Mechanical engineering is an important field of engineering that deals with the development of machinery, maintenance, design and development of mechanical systems, manufacturing of products, etc. The importance of mechanical engineering is immense in the manufacture of automobiles, airplanes, air conditioning systems, industrial plant machinery and medical science equipment.

History of Mechanical Engineering:

The use of mechanical engineering or machine technology can be seen from ancient times or through medieval scientists all over the world. In ancient Greece, useful applications of mechanics were seen in the works of Archimedes and the Heroes of Alexandria. China's Zeng Heng (78-139AD) invented the water clock and a seismometer, and Ma Jun (200-265 AD) invented the differential gear shape. Medieval Chinese engineer and astronomer Su Santre invented a mechanism for the astronomical clock tower, the first endless power conversion chain drive in Europe and the world. The seventh to ninth centuries are called the Golden Age of Islam, during which Muslim inventors made significant contributions to mechanical technology. Al-Jaziri was one of them. He wrote a book titled 'Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices' in 1206, which covers the design of various types of devices. He is recognized as the inventor of many basic tool designs, such as the crank shaft and cam shaft. In the early nineteenth century, the development of mechanical parts in the United Kingdom, Germany and Scotland made mechanical engineering a distinct and thriving field within the engineering discipline. The first professional association of mechanical engineers was formed in 1847, followed thirty years later by a similar union of civil engineers. Johann von Zimmermann (1820–1901) established the first grinding machine factory in Germany in 1848. The American Society of Mechanical Engineering (ASME) was founded in the United States in 1880. It is the third society of engineers after civil and mining engineers. Mechanical engineering is built on a historically strong mathematical and scientific foundation. Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest fields of engineering, ranging from the ocean floor to deep space.

Mechanical Engineers Jobs:

We see small and big machines and equipment spread all around us (houses, offices, courts, mills, factories). Do we ever wonder how they work? We all know that a machine is made up of many parts and components, but where do they come from? Who makes them! In fact, they are the result of the tireless work and thinking of mechanical engineers. Mechanical engineers work to make the entire process of designing and manufacturing that product more efficient, from small parts and components to larger machines, equipment or vehicles. They handle all phases of product development, such as research, design, manufacturing, installation and commissioning.

Mechanical engineering jobs are generally as follows:

• Creating an economically viable product. Safe and durable equipment design and manufacture as per design.
• Discussing with different categories of engineers to select the required aspects for a project.
• Manufacture high performance parts at low cost as per factory demand.
• Communicating with production department personnel, suppliers and customers to resolve product related issues.
• Working with professionals from engineering and other fields.
• Installation of heavy machinery. Commissioning and Maintenance.
• Carrying out maintenance duties of equipment.
• Playing a proper role in replacing parts.
• Repair of parts etc.

Workplace of Mechanical Engineers:

The job sectors in Bangladesh are as follows:

• Power plants
• Mills
• Of gas fields
• Shipbuilding industry
• Petroleum Products (Lubricating Oil, Petrol, Diesel)
• In the utility and maintenance segment of any industry.
• Automobile
• In various cement industries
• Fertilizer factory
• Railway
• Airplane
• Renewable energy
• In generator/captive power etc.

Demand for Mechanical Engineers Abroad:

The demand for mechanical engineering outside the country is increasing day by day. A competent engineer is eagerly accepted by any organization. Because skilled engineers can bring quick success to an organization. According to 2009 estimates, there are approximately 1.6 million engineers working in the United States. Of these, about 239,000 (15%) are mechanical engineers, the second largest category after civil engineers (278,000). According to 2009 statistics, employment of mechanical engineers is growing at 6% per decade, making the starting salary for every engineer with a bachelor's degree is $58,800 per year. Mechanical engineers have an average salary of $74,000 per year, with a high $86,000 per year and a low $63,000 per year. Mechanical engineers are also in great demand in Germany. In addition, the demand for mechanical engineers is increasing in Malaysia, China, Singapore.

Mechanical Engineering Syllabus:

Although different universities and colleges have different courses, the following subjects are commonly taught.

• Mathematics (in particular, calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra)
• Basic Physics (including Physics and Chemistry)
• Statics and Dynamics
• Strength of materials and solid mechanics
• Materials Engineering,
• Overall thermodynamics, heat transfer, energy conversion, and HVAC fuel, combustion, internal combustion engine
• Fluid mechanics (including fluid static and fluid dynamics)
• Mechanism and machine design (including kinematics and dynamics)
• Instrumentation and measurement engineering, technology, or manufacturing processes
• Vibration, Control Theory and Control Engineering
• Hydraulics, and pneumatics
• Mechatronics, and Robotics
• Engineering Design and Product Design
• Drafting, Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)