Mechanical Engineering

Engineering (1) is one of the most ancient occupations in history. Without the engineering skills our present-day civilization can’t evolve. The first toolmakers who chipped arrows and spears from rock were the forerunners (2) of modern mechanical engineers. Engineering refers to the profession in which the knowledge of the mathematical and natural sciences, gained (3) by study, experience, and practice finds its application in the efficient use of the materials and forces of nature. There are many branches of engineering – mechanical (4), civil (5), electrical (6), nuclear (7), power (8), military (9), communication (10), chemical (11) and space engineering.

At present mechanical engineering occupies a prominent position among modern production processes. Mechanical engineering deals with design, construction and operation of structures, machines, engines and other devices used in industry and everyday life. Among these machines are engines and turbines using air, gas, steam and water; pumping machines and other hydraulic apparatus; heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigerating equipment; transportation structures for aviation, railroads and ships; machine-tools for industry and construction. A typical example of modern mechanical engineering is the design of a car or an agricultural machine.

In fact, mechanical engineering enters into the work of all engineers.

Advanced technologies are applied in most branches of engineering. There are two main trends in modern machine – building: automation and raising of the reliability of machines. Automation includes the creation of “unmanned” industries. The machine modules on a large scale will provide automation in industry. Robots are not mere manipulators which can take up a workpiece and pass it on. We need robots which can identify objects, their position in space, etc. Reliability is a basic requirement of any instrument, plant or machine. An important reserve in increasing reliability and the service life of machines is strengthening treatment (12).

Advanced technologies require high demand for qualified mechanical engineers. Mechanical engineers have a wide range of job opportunities. Mechanical engineers are vital to the running of plants (13). Without them production is impossible. In plant operation the engineer runs the manufacturing process (14) and stimulates the team to make better use of equipment to improve performance. Mechanical engineers are at the core of production (15).