All You Need To Know About Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering is one of the oldest engineering disciplines, dating back to the 18th century. Even in the 21st century,  mechanical engineering is still as relevant as it was in its early days. 

Mechanical engineering focuses on designing, manufacturing, and maintaining mechanical systems (systems that involve moving parts). It’s one of the most versatile engineering disciplines, and it involves subjects like fluid dynamics, material science, control systems, mechanics of materials, computer-aided design, and others. 

Mechanical engineering has had more impact on the world than any other engineering discipline: 

• Transportation is easier than ever before: The entire automotive industry started because of the wheel, axile, and engine inventions. 
• The lifting of heavy objects was made easier thanks to innovations like pulleys. Today this kind of innovation might seem very simple, but it was a big deal when it was first presented to the world. Pulleys have become more sophisticated and are now used in several mechanical systems such as elevators, cargo lifting systems, etc. 
• Bridges and other constructions on water bodies made it possible for people to cross over large water bodies. This was an effort of both civil and mechanical engineering. 
• The innovation of gears made it possible to transfer motion from one mechanical component to another. Today, gears are used in cars, trains, aircraft, ships, and lots of other mechanical systems. 
• Material science is implemented in almost every product design process. Whether it is designing a computer, car, or rocket, materials engineering plays a key role.

The list of mechanical engineering innovations that have changed the world is endless because almost everything in your house or office has some essence of it.

If you want to become a mechanical engineer, you’ll have to study at university for at least four years. The two core subjects you must pass before being admitted for the engineering course are mathematics and physics. 

Some of the best mechanical engineering schools to study at include the following: 

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• Stanford University
• University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
• University of California–Berkeley

Most of the engineering courses take four years before you are awarded a bachelor’s degree. After becoming a mechanical engineer, you will earn an annual average salary of about $63,000 and higher.