What is Mechanical Engineering?

Summary

Mechanical engineering, a versatile field rooted in math and physics, equips students with skills to design, analyze, and manufacture mechanical systems. Graduates can pursue careers in diverse sectors like automotive, HVAC, robotics, and energy. Key coursework includes statics, dynamics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and vibrations, with applications ranging from building structures to aerodynamics. Specializations like HVAC, mechatronics, and manufacturing offer focused expertise, while the curriculum's blend of theory and practical applications prepares students for limitless career opportunities.

Takeaways

• 🔧 Mechanical engineering is a versatile branch of engineering focusing on the design, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical systems.
• 📐 It is highly math-intensive, particularly in calculus and physics, and requires proficiency in software like Matlab for complex calculations and visualizations.
• 🏗️ Graduates can work in various sectors including construction, automotive, HVAC, robotics, energy, and materials science.
• 🔬 The curriculum includes foundational classes like Statics, Dynamics, and Fluid Mechanics, which build on advanced physics concepts.
• 💡 Fluid mechanics explores properties and mechanics of fluids, with applications in car brakes, wind turbines, and airplane aerodynamics.
• 🔥 Thermodynamics studies the relationship between heat and other forms of energy, with practical applications in combustion engines and power plants.
• 🏛️ Vibration analysis is crucial for ensuring the durability and safety of mechanical systems under motion and high-speed operations.
• 🏗️ Design classes combine materials engineering and mechanical engineering to assess the strength and durability of materials and structures.
• 🌐 Concentrations within mechanical engineering include HVAC, mechatronics, and manufacturing, each with specific applications and career paths.
• 🚀 Mechanical engineers have broad career opportunities, from improving car engines to developing alternative energy solutions and working on biomedical devices.

Q & A

What is mechanical engineering and what does it focus on?

Mechanical engineering is a branch of engineering that focuses on the design, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical systems. It is highly math and physics-based, particularly involving calculus and physics.

What are some of the versatile career paths for mechanical engineering graduates?

Mechanical engineering graduates can pursue careers in construction, automotive, heating and air conditioning, materials, robotics, energy sector, combustion engines, and many more.

What additional skills and knowledge does a mechanical engineering student need to acquire?

Mechanical engineering students need to learn about electrical engineering basics, programming, and proficiency in software like Matlab for creating plots and graphs, and advanced math calculations.

What is the first main class in mechanical engineering and what does it cover?

The first main class in mechanical engineering is Statics, which covers the physics of systems that aren't moving, such as analyzing forces and torques in structures like bridges.

How does the Dynamics class differ from Statics, and what does it involve?

Dynamics involves studying systems that are moving, similar to high school physics with projectile motion, momentum, energy, and forces, but in more complex systems and with a focus on velocity, acceleration, and energy force calculations.

What is fluid mechanics and why is it important for mechanical engineers?

Fluid mechanics is a calculus-based course that studies the properties and mechanics of fluids like air and water. It's foundational for understanding how car brakes work, wind turbine physics, and aerodynamics in airplanes and cars.

What is thermodynamics and how does it apply to mechanical engineering?

Thermodynamics deals with the relations between heat and other forms of energy. In mechanical engineering, it is used to study combustion engines in vehicles, the efficiency of power plants, and the creation of energy to power various appliances.

Can you explain the significance of vibrations in mechanical systems and how it is studied?

Vibrations in mechanical systems like planes, cars, satellites, and more are important to analyze to ensure the system can withstand the vibrations. This involves studying mechanical vibrations that occur in objects and understanding natural frequencies to prevent structural failure.

What concentrations are available within mechanical engineering and what do they focus on?

Some concentrations within mechanical engineering include HVAC, mechatronics, and manufacturing. HVAC focuses on indoor comfort and heat transfer, mechatronics combines mechanical, electronics, and computer engineering for robotics and automation, and manufacturing involves part design, material selection, and predicting part failure.

How does a mechanical engineer's work contribute to the development of cars?

Mechanical engineers contribute to car development by working on engine efficiency, suspension systems, crash testing, material selection, and aerodynamics, applying knowledge from various mechanical engineering disciplines.

What alternative forms of energy can mechanical engineers work on?

Mechanical engineers can work on alternative forms of energy such as wind farms, hydroelectric power, solar energy, and more, applying their knowledge of mechanics, thermodynamics, and materials.

Outlines

00:00

🔧 Introduction to Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering is a multifaceted discipline within engineering, emphasizing the design, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical systems. It is grounded in mathematics, particularly calculus, and physics. The versatility of this major allows graduates to pursue careers in various sectors such as construction, automotive, HVAC, materials, robotics, energy, and more. Students are exposed to a broad curriculum, including electrical engineering, programming, and the use of Matlab for advanced mathematical computations. Core mechanical engineering courses start with Statics, focusing on the physics of stationary systems, and Dynamics, which delves into the motion of complex systems. Further studies include fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and vibrations, each building on advanced physics and calculus. Practical applications range from understanding how car brakes function to optimizing the aerodynamics of vehicles and structures to withstand natural disasters.

05:01

🛠 Specializations and Career Prospects in Mechanical Engineering

Within mechanical engineering, there are several concentrations such as HVAC, mechatronics, and manufacturing. The HVAC concentration focuses on the design and maintenance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for indoor comfort, utilizing knowledge of fluid dynamics and thermodynamics. Mechatronics combines mechanical, electronic, and computer engineering to create systems like robots, where mechanical engineers contribute to the structural integrity and force resistance of such systems. The manufacturing concentration covers a wide range of topics from part design to material selection, emphasizing the impact of design and material choices on cost and business operations. Mechanical engineers have diverse career opportunities, from improving car engines for efficiency to working on biomedical prosthetics, alternative energy sources, satellites, and more. The field offers extensive flexibility and nearly limitless possibilities for innovation and application.

Keywords

💡Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering is a branch of engineering focused on the design, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical systems. It plays a central role in the video as the subject being discussed, highlighting its versatility and relevance in industries such as automotive, construction, and robotics. The script emphasizes the depth of mathematical and physics-based knowledge required for this major.

💡Statics

Statics is a foundational course in mechanical engineering that deals with the analysis of forces and torques in systems that are not moving. In the video, it is mentioned as the first main class mechanical engineering students take, where they learn to calculate forces in structures like bridges.

💡Dynamics

Dynamics is another core mechanical engineering subject that focuses on systems in motion. It involves studying velocity, acceleration, energy, and forces in more complex systems, building on high school physics knowledge. The video describes this course as a crucial part of the curriculum, preparing students for analyzing moving mechanical systems.

💡Fluid Mechanics

Fluid mechanics is a course that studies the properties and behavior of fluids, such as air and water. The video discusses how this class involves using calculus to analyze problems like changes in water pressure in pipes or wind flow over a wing. This subject is vital for understanding systems like car brakes and wind turbines.

💡Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics is the study of heat and its relation to energy and work. In the video, this subject is linked to the functioning of engines, including combustion engines in cars, planes, and boats. The course helps mechanical engineers understand energy conversion, which is essential for designing efficient power systems.

💡Vibrations

Vibrations refers to the study of mechanical oscillations within systems, such as engines or buildings. The video explains how mechanical engineers need to understand vibrations to ensure the durability and stability of structures under stress, such as buildings during earthquakes or cars and planes under operational conditions.

💡Mechatronics

Mechatronics is an interdisciplinary field that combines mechanical engineering, electronics, and computer programming. The video describes how this concentration allows engineers to design and program robots, making it a key area of study for those interested in embedded systems, robotics, and automation.

💡HVAC

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. It is a concentration within mechanical engineering that applies principles from thermodynamics and fluid mechanics to maintain indoor climate comfort. The video gives examples of HVAC systems in buildings and vehicles, emphasizing the role of mechanical engineers in designing efficient ventilation systems.

💡Manufacturing

Manufacturing in mechanical engineering involves the design, production, and testing of mechanical components. The video highlights how knowledge in this area allows engineers to optimize the materials and design of parts, affecting their durability and cost. This concentration can cover a wide range of industries, from automotive to aerospace.

💡Combustion Engine

A combustion engine is a type of engine that generates power through the burning of fuel. The video mentions this as a critical topic in thermodynamics, where mechanical engineers study its design and efficiency. Combustion engines are used in cars, boats, and planes, and engineers work to improve their performance and energy efficiency.

Highlights

Mechanical engineering focuses on the design, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical systems.

The major is highly math and physics-based, especially in calculus.

Mechanical engineering is versatile, with graduates working in various sectors like construction, automotive, HVAC, robotics, and energy.

Students take a mix of electrical engineering, programming, and software classes, including proficiency in Matlab.

Mechanical engineering involves extensive study of advanced physics throughout the curriculum.

Statics is the first main class, analyzing forces and torques in stationary systems like bridges.

Dynamics explores moving systems, including projectile motion, momentum, and energy.

Advanced Dynamics in the third year covers complex systems in three dimensions.

Fluid mechanics studies the properties and mechanics of fluids, with applications in car brakes and wind turbines.

Thermodynamics deals with the relationship between heat and other forms of energy, including combustion engines.

Vibrations class analyzes mechanical vibrations in objects and structures, crucial for durability and safety.

Mechanical engineers can work on optimizing car engines for efficiency or aerodynamics.

HVAC concentration focuses on indoor comfort and heat transfer in buildings and vehicles.

Mechatronics combines mechanical, electronics, and computer engineering for applications in robotics and embedded systems.

Manufacturing concentration covers part design, materials, and manufacturing techniques, impacting cost and business.

Mechanical engineers have flexibility in career paths, including work on biomedical devices, alternative energy, satellites, and more.

Transcripts

mechanical engineering is a branch of

engineering that focuses on the design

analysis and manufacturing of mechanical

systems this major is highly math

especially calculus and physics based

one of the great things about mechanical

engineering is that is highly versatile

in what you can do students who graduate

as a mechanical engineering major can go

into construction Automotive heating and

air conditioning materials robotics work

in the energy sector combustion engines

and many more

now besides mechanical engineering

classes you'll take a little bit of

everything basically you have to take a

few electoral engineering classes to

learn about the basics of circuits and

possibly some of the basics of

electronics as well you have to do a

little programming and become decently

proficient in Matlab which is a software

that allows you to create plots and

graphs and do complicated math Way

Beyond what your graphing calculator can

do you'll possibly have to do a welding

class then of course you have to take

about two years of math mostly calculus

and about one year of physics

now the first main class of mechanical

engineering would be Statics where

you'll look at the physics of systems

that aren't moving this would be like

looking at the forces and torques in

something like a truss that holds up a

bridge where you have to analyze the

forces that individual beams feel due to

external forces

then the next class would be Dynamics

where you look at systems that are

moving it's similar to your high school

physics class with projectile motion

momentum energy forces and more but is

much more involved you'll look at the

motion of much more complex systems have

to find things like velocity

acceleration energy force and more of

different parts of that system

then your third year you'd even take a

more advanced version of this class

where you look at these complex systems

but now in three dimensions so as you

can probably already see mechanical

engineering involves a lot of advanced

physics

when you enter your third year you'll

take a course called fluid mechanics and

in this course you'll say the properties

and mechanics of fluids such as air and

water this Glass is very calculus based

for example you could study how the

pressure of water changes as it flows

through a set of pipes in a closed

environment as height and pipe

dimensions change the principles to

solve this are foundational for how your

car brakes work

this class also includes the physics of

how wind turbines work and why they are

made the way they are so that they move

as much as possible from any amount of

wind and you can analyze why different

shapes are better or worse and if

airplanes interest you you could even

learn how wind flows over a wing to

produce aerodynamic Force which also

applies to car aerodynamics which if

optimize increases car's MPG

you also take a class called

thermodynamics which deals with the

relations between heat and other forms

of energy such as mechanical electrical

or chemical

in this class you'll study the

combustion engine which applies to cars

boats and aircrafts and you'll learn

these engines in great depth and see how

they are constantly making adjustments

to make them more efficient you'll go as

far back and learn at how the first

steam engine was created and we'll learn

how similar ideas are still being used

in power plants today to produce energy

to power your TV turn on your lights and

power your appliances

you'll then take a vibrations class

where you'll analyze the mechanical

vibrations that occur in different

objects think about if you were to drop

a metal object when it hits the ground

you might observe or even hear it

vibrating well in mechanical systems

like planes cars satellites and more

that are moving but also contain Parts

like Motors and engines that are also

moving at very high speeds it's

important to analyze the system even

down to the vibrations to ensure the

system can withstand those vibrations

that occur

have you ever seen in movies a person

make a high-pitched note and it causes

something like a glass to shatter that's

because the sound is making the glass

vibrate at just the right frequency

called the natural frequency that makes

it shatter

buildings even need to account for this

because in the case of an earthquake the

building will shake and vibrations will

be created

this is actually a building in Japan

that was structurally built to withstand

high winds and strong earthquakes from

causing strong vibrations one thing they

did was put something called a tuned

Mass damper near the top of the building

which weighs 728 tons and is something

that is engineered to reduce mechanical

vibrations that can actually save the

building from destruction during natural

disasters

in 1940 the Tacoma Bridge collapsed and

what they found afterwards was the

vibrations occurred due to interactions

between the bridge and the wind which

just kept amplifying until it fell apart

like most mechanical engineering classes

this one is highly calculus based

because you have to model very complex

systems and motion

then you'll take some design classes and

these are kind of a combination of

materials engineering and mechanical

engineering where you'll look at the

strength and durability of different

materials mechanisms and structures as a

mechanical engineer someone might tell

you they need a certain motor to make a

million Cycles without breaking or maybe

they needed to run for 10 years without

braking this could even apply to just

how much weight can a beam support

before braking and how much stress is it

subject to with a certain amount of

weight

now there are a few concentrations

within mechanical engineering a few

specific ones include Heating and

ventilation air conditioning and

Refrigeration or HVAC as it's called

then mechatronics and Manufacturing

now HVAC goes into more vehicle and

Indoor Comfort using your knowledge of

fluids thermodynamics and heat transfer

in HVAC concentration leads to working

on maintaining heat and ventilated air

in something like a large commercial

building cars apartment buildings homes

hospitals hotels and more where you'll

have to understand how heat travels

throughout the building and different

materials when you see those ducks in

large buildings those have to be

carefully placed in order to ensure

Comfort throughout the whole building by

knowledge of thermodynamics and airflow

now it may not seem like it but seeing

how these systems actually work can

actually be pretty involved

then mechatronics is like the

combination of mechanical engineering

electronics and some computer

engineering as a mechanical engineer

when it comes to robotics you'd be able

to build the robot structurally and make

sure it can withstand a certain amount

of force but with mechatronics you dive

more into also the programming and

thickening of the robot

so with a mechatronics concentration

you'd basically have all the

sub-disciplines necessary to build

circuit and program a robot and this has

applications in embedded systems sensing

and controls Robotics and more

now the manufacturing concentration is a

little more broad because you can learn

things from the design of a part to the

actual materials used for the part

manufacturing might involve learning

techniques that help you predict when a

certain part will fail

this major will be helpful in teaching

you that slight alterations in design or

material of a part can have a drastic

impact on the overall price which

becomes an important component in the

design and manufacturing of Parts

related to profit margins and running a

business

now these are just some examples of

concentrations but there are many more

sub-disciplines and as a mechanical

engineer you have a lot of flexibility

as a mechanical engineer you could work

on cars but to be more specific you

could work on improving the engine to

make it more efficient you can work on

the suspension of the car to ensure it

can handle the forces that the car is

subject to like could it handle going

over a speed bump too fast or you could

do crash testing and look at the

materials and shape of the car to see

what it can withstand and how it would

affect a person inside or you can maybe

analyze how air flows over or through

the car and optimize its aerodynamics to

make it go faster from knowledge of your

fluids classes and this could even be

applied to planes or drones

a mechanical engineer could also work

with biomedical Engineers on things like

prosthetic body parts they might need to

help make sure the mechanism is strong

enough to understand the forces they'll

have to put up with or they might have

decide what's the best material to use

mechanical engineers can also work on

Alternative forms of energy like on wind

farms hydroelectric solar and more

they can work on satellites and use

mechanics to analyze the vibrations

during High acceleration or they can use

thermodynamics to analyze the

temperature differences that the

satellites go through as they orbit the

Earth they can work on robotics Weaponry

machines and the list just goes on as

you can see mechanical engineers really

have no limits to what they can see in

their career