Introduction to Mechanical Engineering - Essay Example

Mechanical engineering is among the oldest engineering branches. The branch has also been named as the ‘mother’ branch of engineering. One appealing characteristic of mechanical engineering is the extreme broadness and diversity of its application base. Nearly all inventions made in the ancient times and most in this modern era are attributed to one or more applications of mechanical engineering (ASME International). Mechanical engineers are usually involved in concepts like thermodynamics, kinematics, robotics, fluid mechanics, structural analysis among others.

The above concepts are used in the designing process of state-of-the-art units of manufacturing, aerospace and aircraft parts, a range of industrial machinery and various motor vehicle types. Mechanical engineers have a large contribution to the development of different power-plant equipment, engines, complex and simple machinery and cooling and heating systems. Apart from designing mechanical systems, mechanical engineers are also involved in maintaining, testing and manufacturing them (Wickert 2).

The abovementioned are the conventional responsibilities and roles of mechanical engineers. . list of 36 technical divisions, ranging from aerospace engineering and sophisticated energy systems to textile engineering and solid-waste engineering. Due to the diverse nature of mechanical engineering, professionals are involved in designing and building of devices and machines which allow people to survive and work under water, on the ground, in the air and in space. They manufacture machines which can extend people’s abilities, health and living standards, and impact their living environment.

Naturally, the availability of materials for tackling their tasks determine most of the things these professionals can or cannot achieve. This is the reason why engineers work closely with material scientists with the aim of tailoring the mechanical as well as electrical and chemical characteristics of materials to explore the possibility of making new applications (Wickert 7). The job profile of mechanical engineering is ever increasing and this calls for professionals to venture into marketing and financial features of product development as well as into management of both people and resources.

In general, mechanical engineering provides a wide range of job choices to students seeking a stable and interesting career. Beginning Your Journey into Mechanical Engineering The first step to take in order to become a mechanical engineer is passing in chemistry, mathematics and physics. To qualify for enrollment into a mechanical engineering programme in a college, one should score at least 50 to 60 percent in the three subjects. After this, one is expected to sit for entrance examinations like The Joint Entrance Examination for IITs (IITJEE) to be admitted to different IITs among others.

There are numerous engineering colleges in the world where one can get enrolled into a