Mechanical Engineering - Download Now DOC

							                            Mechanical Engineering
Submitted by: Group 7
Husaninder Singh
Raluca Munteaunu
Kenneth Thomas

         Engineering is the art and science of production. Its influence spans across the
entire planet and affects every nation. The process of engineering can be divided into
three main phases: engineering science, design and development, and management and
organization. Within the process and development stage, lies mechanical engineering.
         Mechanical engineering is a vital branch of the engineering sector because its
products require the cooperation of many other fields of engineering. The work of a
mechanical engineer can be divided into several broad areas: research, development and
design and manufacturing.
                                                                The method mechanical
                                                        engineers use to solve a problem is
                                                        quite simple. First, they observe a
                                                        problem. Then, they research ways
                                                        to deal with the problem. Finally,
                                                        they develop methods to efficiently
                                                        implement their ideas.
                                                                Upon the completion of the
                                                        research and development stages, the
                                                        design process takes place. This is
                                                        most often done with the aid of
                                                        computer-assisted design, also
                                                        known as CAD. With the aid of
                                                        CAD software, mechanical engineers
                                                        are able to adjust and modify their
                                                        designs as they deem necessary.
                                                        Computer assisted design also
                                                        provides the benefit of allowing
                                                        engineers to test their designs in
simulations, before the product is manufactured.
         Once a mechanical engineer is completely satisfied with his/her product’s design,
it is then manufactured and undergoes a myriad of tests, to ensure it can withstand the
rigorous abuses of everyday use.
         Once a product passes the required tests, it is released to the market and
depending on the product; it could be used by millions of people for everyday use, or by a
single contractor, working on a single project. However, the work of a mechanical
engineer does not stop here. He/she continues to play an important role throughout the
lifespan of their product, providing maintenance checks and ensuring that the product
remains up to par.
         Becoming a mechanical engineer requires plenty of hard work and a great deal of
education. A student planning to become a mechanical engineer should expect to take
such courses as: dynamics, statics, strength of materials, heat transfer, fluid dynamics,
solid mechanics, control theory, pneumatics, hydraulics, kinematics, and applied
thermodynamics. Mechanical engineers must also possess an understanding of the
chemical, electrical and computer engineering fields because they are often necessary for
completing a product.
                                                                   A mechanical engineer is
                                                          expected to possess certain skills
                                                          and interests if he/she is to
                                                          become successful. He/She
                                                          should be able to apply a
                                                          methodical approach to solving a
                                                          problem and exercise good
                                                          judgment and reasoning skills
                                                          when faced with a challenge.
                                                          Good leadership skills and the
                                                          ability to work efficiently in a
                                                          team are qualities highly
                                                          recommended for mechanical
                                                          engineers, since they often work
                                                          on big projects, which can only
be completed as a team.
        Keeping up with new and upcoming technology is a challenge that mechanical
engineers often encounter. If an engineer can’t keep up with new techniques e.g. usage
of the internet, computer software like CAD/CAM, certain electronic devices etc, he/she
will find themselves lagging behind. Successful engineering requires a detailed
knowledge and understanding of current engineering applications, and an idea of
practical skills to put plans into practice.
                                                           The average week of a
                                                  mechanical engineer consists of
                                                  approximately forty work hours.
                                                  However, project deadlines may often
                                                  cause an increase in the number of
                                                  hours spent working during a week.
                                                  Mechanical engineers work mainly
                                                  indoor, and physical injury is not
                                                  entirely uncommon because of their
                                                  constant exposure to hazardous tools.
                                                  Many mechanical engineers find
                                                  themselves standing for long periods of
                                                  time throughout the course of the day,
while others have the luxury of starring at a computer screen for eight hours.
        Opportunity for an engineer is largely determined based upon their experience. A
mechanical engineer possessing three to five years of experience is often granted the
responsibilities of a team leader. Experience of ten or more years often qualifies
mechanical engineers for supervisory positions. The completion of business courses or a
business degree opens many doors for a mechanical engineer; such as in marketing and
management. The national mean salary for a mechanical engineer in October of 2003
                        was $53,615. An entry level employee can expect to earn around
                        $47,000.
                                In a recent interview with Dr. Dinu Tarazer of the
                        Mechanical Engineering Department at Wayne State University,
                        he explains what a young engineer should expect as an entry level
                        employee.
                                “When a young engineer is first on a job in a big company,
                        he/she is first rotated every few months through different
                        departments, so they can get a feel and knowledge for the
                        business. This can take up to a year. The supervisors then watch
                        him/her and decide at what they are best.”
                                Mechanical devices are everywhere. Mechanical engineers
                        constantly strive to improve technology and the quality of human
                        life. Old mechanical parts and machines will forever need
replacing. In every discipline of engineering, there is a mechanical aspect. Thus, there
should be no worries as to the future of mechanical engineering, whose job outlook is
expected to grow steadily alongside all other occupations in the next few years.
        An ever-changing world requires those with the ability to adapt at a moments
notice. Mechanical engineers have proven time and again that they are up to the
challenge and will continue to do so, well into the future.