Introduction
Mechanical engineering is one of the most fascinating careers. Mechanical engineers design different machines. They also install and operate machines used in various industries. As a field of study, mechanical engineering has evolved to encompass the study of sophisticated machinery of the twenty-first century. It dates back to the period of Industrial Revolution in Europe. During the Industrial Revolution, several machines were invented in order to facilitate the production of industrial goods. In the last five decades, mechanical engineers have made several inventions. Consequently, this has led to the production of efficient machines. This paper discusses how mechanical engineering has evolved overtime as a field of study.
A Description of Mechanical Engineering
My academic field is mechanical engineering. It is a broad field of study that covers diverse topics. Mechanical engineering entails designing, manufacturing and operating varied mechanical systems. For instance, it involves the manufacture of automotives, spacecrafts, computers, engines and prosthetic devices. It also involves the study of motion, energy and force. A mechanical engineer requires a wide range of skills in order to develop and produce different types of machines. He or she must have a clear understanding about the thermal environment of a given machine. Similarly, a mechanical engineer should have knowledge about the various forces that affect how machines operate.
Mechanical engineering has different subdivisions. For example, some of the major areas of specialization in mechanical engineering include biomechanics, micro power generation, fracture mechanics, cartilage tissue engineering, combustion and vibrations. Thus, a course in mechanical engineering provides students with a variety of career options. It also equips students with analytical and creative skills necessary for designing and producing various mechanical systems.
I am interested in mechanical engineering because of several reasons. First, I am passionate about machines. Through this course, I will be able to learn how to design and operate various machines. Second, I have a solid foundation in science subjects that are critical to undertaking a course in mechanical engineering. For instance, I am good at mathematics, physics and chemistry. Additionally, I have excellent oral and written communication skills. Third, I am aspiring to utilize the knowledge that I will acquire to devise efficient and effective automotive devices.
History of Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering is one of the first branches of engineering. During pre-history, man developed different tools in order to perform different functions. In the nineteenth century, more sophisticated machines and tools were developed due to the Industrial Revolution. One of the major inventions made during the Industrial Revolution was the steam engine. This invention led to the development of mechanical engineering as a field of study.
Over the years, mechanical engineering has had tremendous progress. Mechanical engineers have managed to invent sophisticated machinery in various industries. This has been possible due to computer technology. As a result, mechanical engineers have been able to solve technical mechanical problems using diverse computer software. Currently, mechanical engineers are interested in designing environmentally friendly machines. Consequently, this will reduce the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Review of Scholarly Articles
A lot of research has been conducted in the field of mechanical engineering. In 2010, the Journal of Advanced Research in Mechanical Engineering published an article titled “airflow CFD modeling in the test section of a low speed wind tunnel” (Guzella, et al., 2010, pp. 210-225). “This article discusses the numerical results and experimental data of the airflow inside a low-speed wind tunnel made of wood” (Guzella, et al., 2010, pp. 210-225). The authors compare the numerical results and the experimental data by using varied mathematical formulas. The mathematical models showed a reasonable correlation between the numerical results and the experimental data. I choose this article because it provides insight into the effects of moving air around a body.
The second article that I choose is about “effective project-oriented approach for training professional mechanical engineers in undergraduate education” (Cheng, et al., 2013, pp. 289-296). This article presents a discussion about a pedagogical approach that can be adopted to train undergraduate mechanical engineering students. It recommends a project-oriented approach for training mechanical engineers. This can allow students to acquire practical skills. The approach also gives students an opportunity to explore and solve problems with a real application. I choose this article because it provides a detailed description about an effective way of training mechanical engineers.
The third article discusses the history of locomotives. In particular, the article addresses the disadvantages of the earliest steam engines (Hammond, 1892, p. 707).
I believe that I will fit perfectly in the field of mechanical engineering. For instance, I intend to read about various inventions in order to acquire knowledge about different machinery. Additionally, I will visit various industries to gain practical experience on how to design and operate machines.
Conclusion
From the above discussion, it is evident that mechanical engineering offers diverse career options. It can also lead to the acquisition of skills and knowledge necessary to design unique and efficient devices.
References
Cheng, W., Wu, X., Zhang, Z., Liu, F., Zhang, M., & Guo, P. (2013). Effective Project-oriented Approach for Training Professional Mechanical Engineers in Undergraduate Education. International Journal of Mechanical Engineering Education, 41(4), 289-296.
Guzella, M. S., Manto, D., Soares, C. B., Maia, C. B., Hanriot, S. M., & Gomez, L. (2010). Airflow CFD Modeling in the Test Section of a Low-Speed Wind Tunnel. Journal of Advanced Reseach in Mechanical Engineering, 1(4), 210-225.
Hammond, C. G. (1892, September 9). Mechanical: An Interesting Bit of History. America Periodical, p. 707.