Mechanical
engineering is one of the largest, broadest, and oldest engineering
disciplines. Mechanical engineers use the principles of energy,
materials, and mechanics to design and manufacture machines and devices
of all types. They create the processes and systems that drive
technology and industry.
The key characteristics of the profession are its breadth, flexibility,
and individuality. The career paths of mechanical engineers are largely
determined by individual choices, a decided advantage in a changing world.
Mechanics, energy and heat, mathematics, engineering sciences, design and
manufacturing form the foundation of mechanical engineering. Mechanics
includes fluids, ranging from still water to hypersonic gases flowing
around a space vehicle; it involves the motion of anything from a particle
to a machine or complex structure.
Mechanical
engineers research, design, develop, manufacture, and test tools,
engines, machines, and other mechanical devices. Mechanical
engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines.
Engineers in this discipline work on power-producing machines such
as electric generators, internal combustion engines, and steam and
gas turbines. They also work on power-using machines such as
refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, machine tools,
material-handling systems, elevators and escalators, industrial
production equipment, and robots used in manufacturing. Some
mechanical engineers design tools that other engineers need for
their work. In addition, mechanical engineers work in manufacturing
or agriculture production, maintenance, or technical sales; many
become administrators or managers.
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Mechanical Engineering Resources |
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Online |
Overview:
Overview of Mechanical Engineering |
The Field:
Mechanical Engineering Areas of Involvement |
Preparation:
Choosing a Major, Scholarships, Accredited Programs |
Day in the Life:
Teams and Coworkers, Tasks, Workplace,
Challenges, Global
Engineering, Diversity |
Earnings:
Employer Options, Salary Ranges, Types of Employers |
Employment:
Statistics, Industries, Employers |
Professional Development:
Managing Your
Career, Lifelong Learning, Graduate Studies, P.E. License |
Career Path Forecast:
Predictions |
Professional Organizations:
Resources, Networking, Support |
Internet Resources:
 ASME
ASME
Student Center
ASME
Young Engineers
ASME
Professional Practice Curriculum |
Note: Some resources in
this section are provided by
ASME
and the US Department of Labor, Bureau
of Labor Statistics.
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