Learn Mechanical Engineering to Play with Machines.
Mechanical engineering is a field of study that deals with the design, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical systems and devices. The mechanical engineering course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles and concepts of mechanical engineering. The curriculum typically covers topics such as dynamics and vibration, engineering design, heat and mass transfer, fluid mechanics, and systems. Through this course, students gain a deep understanding of the underlying principles of mechanical systems, which helps them develop the skills necessary to design and analyze complex mechanical systems.
The core concepts covered in a mechanical engineering course include stress and strain, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, automotive engineering, and engineering design and product development. Students learn how to apply these concepts to solve real-world problems and develop innovative solutions to complex mechanical engineering challenges. Additionally, students are introduced to computer-aided design (CAD) software, which allows them to create 3D models of mechanical systems and devices. This software is essential for mechanical engineers, as it enables them to design and test new products and systems.
A mechanical engineering degree opens up a range of career opportunities for graduates. Graduates can work in fields such as aerospace engineering, automotive engineering, biomedical engineering, construction engineering, and manufacturing engineering. Mechanical engineers can also work as project managers, entrepreneurs, and technology consultants. The job options for mechanical engineering graduates are diverse and include roles such as aerospace engineer, CAD technician, maintenance engineer, and HVAC technician. Furthermore, mechanical engineering graduates can work in manufacturing, scientific research and development, and governmental positions at NASA and the Department of Energy.
.Popular Mechanical Engineering Specializations
Mechatronics- The application of mechanical engineering to electrical and electronics engineering. Mechatronics involves designing automated, robotic systems which have direct applications in mechatronic devices used every day!
Biomedical Engineering- It is the branch of Mechanical Engineering that deals with living beings, usually by applying principles of biology or medicine. Biomedical Engineers are often involved in the design and creation of medical instruments, equipment, etc.
Vehicle Engineering- Vehicle Engineering is a subdivision of mechanical engineering which deals with designing automobiles, trucks, etc.
IT/Computer-Aided Design- CAD is a very important tool used by all engineers to simplify the design process from brainstorming to creating final drafts so they can be analyzed properly.
Designing Airplanes- Mechanical engineers are often involved in the designing of aeroplanes, so by learning how to design an aeroplane using concepts of physics you can also learn mechanical engineering!
Space Engineering- A branch of engineering that deals with the research and development of equipment used for travelling through space. Aerospace Engineering is usually under Space Engineering.
Other Important Branches of Mechanical Engineering
Industrial Engineering– Industrial engineering is all about designing proper systems for better productivity in industries. The concepts of industrial engineering are used to improve the conditions inside any factory, mine, etc. It also has applications in supply chain management and logistics, warehousing, etc.
Mechanical Design- Learning how different mechanical devices like hydraulic cylinders and electric motors operate is an important part of learning how to design mechanical parts.
Production Engineering- It is the application of engineering principles to the production of goods and services by industries. Production engineers also need to learn how different machines and tools work and then apply that knowledge to designing things like assembly lines, manufacturing processes, etc.
Machine Dynamics- The study of movements in machines is the essence of machine dynamics.
Quality Engineering- Quality engineering has applications ranging from designing better-automated systems like self-inspection devices for factories to improving existing products through testing and analysis. Quality engineers work towards making sure that everything made by any company is up to standard.
Solid Mechanics- Learning how solid objects deform, bend and break is a very important part of this course.
Mechanism Design- A branch of machine design where engineers need to learn different kinds of linkages and their behaviour. The concept of kinematics comes under mechanism design.
Thermal Engineering- The branch of this course that deals with heat transfer and the different ways that heat can be produced.
Material Science- Material science is the study of how materials are made, their properties, and why they behave the way they do under certain conditions.
Machine Design- Machine design deals with designing tools, devices, or machines to do work more efficiently or in a better manner than before.
Manufacturing Engineering- Manufacturing engineering is all about designing processes for producing goods cheaply and easily from raw materials.
Welding Engineering- All engineers need to learn welding to deal with metal parts. Welding engineers have applications in construction, shipbuilding, automotive engineering, etc.
CAD/CAM- CAD deals with the digital representation of a design while CAM is all about programming machines to follow these designs.
This course is the amalgamation of every discipline that has to do with designing mechanical equipment or tools. Anything from cars, trucks, planes, construction equipment, medical equipment, etc. are designed by engineers so learning how all these different types of tools work will enable you to design any machine with ease.
Self-Assessment Quiz: Should I Become a Mechanical Engineer?
If you are wondering which engineering branch to choose, you may ask yourself these questions:
Do I like working with machines?
Am I good at science?
Do I like to learn math and physics about how machines operate?
Can I imagine designing something that helps people somehow?
Do I enjoy figuring out how things work and why they behave the way they do under certain conditions?
Do I have a scientific mind that likes to solve problems step-by-step in an orderly manner?
If your answer is a resounding “Yes” to all these questions, you would make a very good mechanical engineer!
How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in India?
If you are looking to become a mechanical engineer here in India, it would be good if you had an engineering degree. To get admission to an undergraduate Mechanical Engineering program in India, you must complete your 12th-standard science with mathematics and physics. If you are thinking of taking the IIT JEE entrance exams for engineering, physics and chemistry will be mandatory subjects to study throughout high school.
Once you have finished your 10+2 or an equivalent examination in science, get through JEE (Joint Entrance Exam) for IITs and get admission to any of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT). This is one of the most competitive exams you will ever come across.
Best Engineering Colleges in India for Mechanical Engineering
IIT Kharagpur, IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur, and VJTI (Veermata Jijabai Technical Institute) are five of the best colleges for mechanical engineering in India. Each college has its own set of pros and cons so it might be a good idea to take up an entrance exam preparation course and take a look at the scope of various colleges in India.
After you have graduated from an IIT, it will be easier to get into Master’s programs abroad. You may also opt for MTech or PhD in Mechanical Engineering after your undergraduate degree.
Best Countries to Study Mechanical Engineering Abroad
If you are planning to study this course abroad, the USA is the best place to do so. The second best would be Europe, where countries like Germany and France offer degrees in Mechanical Engineering. Other than that you can find good universities for this course in Japan, Canada, and Australia.
Here’s a quick glimpse:
Mechanical Engineering in the USA:
Mechanical engineering degrees in the USA are not difficult to get into. The best universities for this course in the USA are the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Purdue University, Stanford University, and California Institute of Technology (Caltech).
Mechanical Engineering in the UK:
If you are looking to study this course in the UK, universities like the University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, and Thomas Telford School all have good reputations. You should also check out Heriot-Watt University’s School of Engineering & Physical Sciences.
Mechanical Engineering in France:
If France is your destination, you will find great universities like the École Polytechnique, École Centrale Paris, and Grenoble Institute of Technology.
Mechanical Engineering in Germany:
If Germany is the place you want to study, several good universities offer world-class education in mechanical engineering. The best universities for this course in Germany are the Technical University of Munich and RWTH Aachen University.
Mechanical Engineering in Japan:
Japan is a powerhouse in the field of engineering, so it would make sense to study this course there. The best universities for it in Japan are the Tokyo Institute of Technology and Kyoto University.
Mechanical Engineering in Canada:
In Canada, McGill University and McMaster University are some of the best universities for mechanical engineering.
Mechanical Engineering in Australia:
When it comes to studying abroad, Australia offers some really good options depending on your budget. Flinders University has a low tuition fee as compared to other universities offering similar courses. The University of New South Wales is one of the most celebrated universities in Australia for Mechanical Engineering.