Mechanical engineering uses materials science and physics to design and create mechanical products or systems. Specializations include aerospace, automotive, and biomedical engineering. Salaries vary, but job opportunities are predicted to increase, particularly in biomedical engineering.
The field of mechanical engineering is one of the broadest areas of engineering. Mechanical engineering uses the principles of materials science and physics to analyze, design, and create mechanical products or systems. All types of mechanical engineers have acquired an understanding of structural, thermodynamic and mechanical analysis. Most mechanical engineers have learned and use the basic principles of chemical engineering, electrical engineering and civil engineering as well. Some of the more common specialist areas of mechanical engineering include aerospace, automotive, and biomedical engineering. Overall, career opportunities in mechanical engineering are predicted to increase during the second decade of the early 21st century.
The conceptualization, design and construction of aircraft, spacecraft and missiles are part of the field of aerospace engineering. In aerospace engineering, there are actually two separate but overlapping areas: aeronautical engineering, which involves the design and construction of aircraft that operate within the Earth’s atmosphere, and astronautical engineering, which involves the design and construction of spacecraft that operate outside Earth’s atmosphere. This part of the mechanical engineering field deals with forces and physical properties involved in aerodynamics, such as lift, drag, airfoils, and control surfaces. Aerospace engineers sometimes need to design for severe structural loads, extreme temperatures and atmospheric pressure levels.
Automotive engineering includes the design and testing of the various parts and processes used by cars and other equipment produced by the automotive industry. Specialties in this engineering area include exhaust systems, engines, and structural design. Some engineers in this field specialize in one or two specific areas, while others may have the opportunity to work in several specialized areas. Environmental issues and opportunities to advance to senior roles indicate strong growth potential in mechanical engineering opportunities for this area of specialization.
Biomedical engineering applies engineering concepts alongside medicine and biology to improve the quality of life for many people. A relatively new source of career opportunities in mechanical engineering, much of the work done in this field involves the design and development of biocompatible prostheses, micro-implants and diagnostic devices such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) equipment. . Some of the sub-disciplines of the field of biomedical engineering include bioinstrumentation, biomechanics and bionics.
Salaries in these professions vary greatly depending on the area of specialization. Opportunities in the various fields of mechanical engineering, however, are projected to increase well into the 21st century. This projected increase is higher in mechanical engineering career opportunities in certain specialization areas such as biomedical engineering.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
