Mechanical Engineer

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Mechanical Engineer

Introduction

Mechanical engineering involves the application of engineering principles, material science and use of physics. The manufacturing, analysis and maintenance practices involved in mechanical systems are enabled through the discipline. It is an engineering branch responsible for designing, producing and operating a variety of tools and machines. Some of the core concepts required to understand includes thermodynamics, kinematics, mechanics, and structural analysis among others. The discipline is believed to have emerged from the proceeds of industrial revolution, which occurred in the eighteenth century in Europe. The development of the profession has been witnessed around the world for several years throughout history. Mechanical Engineering is a sophisticated profession, which requires sound academic excellence, passion, proficiency through experience and eagerness in research.

Discussion

History and Education

In the history of humankind from the medieval times to the present, mechanical engineering has primarily existed from the foundations of societies. Great contributors of the discipline have been witnessed through the works of Archimedes, Heron from Alexandria, Al-JAzari, Sir Isaac Newton, and Gottfried Leibniz to mention but a few (Herweck 34). They provided innovations at different periods that were instrumental in shaping machines, tools, instruments and science aspects. Education requirements for the discipline are undertaken within university institutions for minimum lengths of six years that includes training. Different countries have unique examination qualities with final year standards. The content is relatively similar with the minimum levels ranging from certificate to doctor of philosophy.

Coursework and License

Each country sets an accreditation society tasked with providing the guidelines and uniformity of the subject material for all students. The society also promotes the required competency levels in graduating engineers while maintaining professionalism and confidence in the occupation. Different programs are enabled with different subject matters with the fundamental ones being mathematics, basic physical sciences, statistics and dynamics, strength of materials, thermodynamics, and instrumentation among others. Qualified engineers have to obtain licenses from the national government before being permitted to practice (Herweck 35). The license enables the engineers to posses experience in the real world, technical knowledge and the practice legal jurisdiction of the profession. Once the license is obtained, the engineers are granted permission to perform.

Research and Work Outlook

Under research, mechanical engineers try to produce more efficient, cheaper, safer and more reliable mechanical systems and machines for the help in humankind’s activities. The research modalities require familiarity with the technologies involved in the discipline. Some of the essential technologies involved include nanotechnology, mechatronics, composites, friction stir welding, biomechanics and micro electro-mechanical systems. In the professional work outlook, mechanical engineers take products from ideas and transfer them into the marketplace. They analyze, design, develop, test, and put into effect the different machines, tools, instruments into utilities that can be used in everyday activities. They also determine the best way of manufacturing of the utilities while ensuring that failure of any kind is minimized to the lowest level when put in use.    

Conclusion

Mechanical Engineers form an integral part of the society we live in as they determine the machines, tools, instruments and applications that are used in everyday activities, as it is an engineering branch responsible for their design, production and operation. It is a sophisticated profession in existence since human history, which requires sound academic excellence, passion, proficiency through experience and eagerness in research. Despite the difference in examination curricular from one country to another, the standards of qualification, technologies in use, licensing and research methods are relatively similar.

Works Cited:

Herweck, Don. Mechanical Engineering. Mankato, Minnesota: Compass Point Books, 2009. Print.