How do the Branches of Mechanical Engineering Shape Modern Technology?
There are about 8 Mechanical Engineering Branches, each of which plays a key role in contributing to technology. Mechanical Engineering is a very vast field but it can be defined as the study of physical machines that are moving.
Mechanical systems are present all around us in our everyday lives. For example elevators, HVAC systems, plumbing, vehicles, steering systems, skateboards, escalators, dishwashers and many more.
DISCOVER HOW MECHANICAL ENGINEERING BRANCHES HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO REVOLUTIONIZING TECHNOLOGY AND HOW THEY HAVE PLAYED A KEY ROLE IN INNOVATIVE ADVANCEMENTS.
Role of a Mechanical Engineer
Let’s understand the role of a mechanical engineer first. Following are some of the duties and responsibilities of a mechanical engineer:
- Designing and manufacturing machinery
- Play a key role in Mechanical Estimating Services by assessing project cost
- Carrying out test runs under different conditions
- Modifications in existing designs
- Installing mechanical systems
- Maintenance of mechanical systems
- Assess construction project requirements
- Creating and understanding technical drawings
- Risk assessments
- Reporting and documentation
Brief Introduction to Mechanical Engineering Branches
Following are the major mechanical engineering branches, contributing to science and technology:
Robotics
Concerned with developing automated robotics systems and ensuring their proper functioning.
Thermal Engineering
Thermal Engineering or thermodynamics deals with heat transfer and generating energy.
Fluid Mechanics
Deals with the flow of liquids by using mechanical engineering principles.
Design and Manufacturing
Concerned with designing and developing mechanical systems and improving the performance of existing systems.
Aerospace Engineering
It is one of the mechanical engineering branches that deals with the development of spacecraft and aviation.
Biomechanical Engineering
Deals with applying the principles of mechanical engineering to improve the medical field.
Automotive Engineering
Deals with designing vehicles such as cars, bikes, trains etc.
Acoustical Engineering
It deals with reducing unwanted noise and vibrations in mechanical systems.
Material Science and Engineering
MSE deals with the process, performance and properties of materials.
Influence of Mechanical Engineering Branches on Modern Technology
1) Role of Mechanical Engineering Branches in AI and Automation
All of us are familiar with artificial intelligence. However, not everyone knows that mechanical engineering has played a crucial role in the development of AI and automation.
Robotics has provided a structural framework on which AI has been built. The technology of sensors is also incorporated with AI which was also developed through mechanical engineering.
2) Sustainable Environment
The demand for renewable energy has increased a lot. Nowadays, contractors and MEP Estimating Services are looking for sustainable energy sources to use in construction projects. It’s not only environmentally friendly but also helps to reduce the cost of bills.
Through mechanical engineering, we have solar panels, wind turbines, hydroelectric dams, fuel-efficient vehicles, electric and hybrid engines and many more! It has also played a role in reducing environmental pollution by minimizing waste and use of harmful products.
Engineers have played a key role in mechanical cost estimation. Get in contact with an expert cost estimator for your mechanical project!
3) Medical Devices
One of the mechanical engineering branches, Biomechanical Engineering, specifically deals with the medical field. Mechanical engineers use their knowledge to contribute to the medical field and indirectly save the lives of thousands of people. Their contributions include:
- Limb prosthetics
- Mechanical organs
- Implants
- Medical documenting devices
- Imaging devices such as CT scans and MRIs
- Assistance in medical procedures
- Devices for physical therapy
- Gait analysis
4) Space Exploration
Aerospace is considered one of the most difficult of mechanical engineering branches. It deals with designing, manufacturing and testing spacecraft. These spacecraft need to be able to survive in space. Engineering makes sure that the spacecraft can withstand the harsh conditions of space such as extreme temperature, vacuum etc.
Mechanical Engineering is one of the reasons that we have satellites orbiting space, not to mention the moon landing!
5) Smart Devices
Many smart devices require mechanical systems and components to work. The hardware of devices is usually made by engineering. They need to make sure that the device is working perfectly.
Some examples of smart devices engineered by mechanical professionals include security cameras, dishwashers, disk drives, transmissions, sensors etc.
6) Contribution to Manufacturing Industry
Almost all mechanical engineering branches are instrumental to the manufacturing industry. Aerospace engineers make aircraft, automotive engineers create vehicles, acoustical engineers create soundproof mechanical components etc. Each discipline is contributing towards the manufacturing industry.
Design and Manufacturing engineers study and experiment with different types of materials to use them for various products. They also work to enhance the properties of materials by making mixtures or molding them.
7) Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology involves engineering materials at the nanoscale. This process imparts unique properties in the material, making it the ideal choice for various construction projects. They are better than normal material with more resistance and strength.
Mechanical engineers use nanotechnology to create high-quality and premium materials. Sensors, materials, Coatings and mechanical components made from nanotechnology have unique features.
Conclusion
Behind every man’s success, there is a mechanical engineer. Mechanical engineering has played a crucial role in shaping Modern technology. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that we wouldn’t have made it this far if it wasn’t for the various branches of mechanical engineering. Engineers have not only shaped technology but also our worlds and they are only beginning. The future of mechanical engineering looks very bright and promising. With the increased demand for high-quality materials and mechanical components, the advancements in mechanical engineering keep on increasing.
