Mechanical Engineering is a discipline of engineering that applies the principles of physics and materials science for analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. It is the branch of engineering that involves the production and usage of heat and mechanical power for the design, production, and operation of machines and tools. It is one of the oldest and broadest engineering disciplines.
Here's the list of popular specialisations in the field of Mechanical Engineering:
BIOMECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Description:
A typical biomechanical engineering program concentrates on parts like musculoskeletal biomechanics, neuromuscular biomechanics, cardiovascular biomechanics, and rehabilitation engineering. Research in other areas including hearing, ocean, plant, and vision biomechanics exist in collaboration with associated faculty in biology, engineering, and medicine. Students will have to apply all the concepts of mechanical engineering to analyse situations related to humans and other living beings. Biomedical systems design involves designing machines for medical purposes; it is an intersection of medicine, mechanical engineering and electronics.
Pre-Requisites:
This course will DEFINITELY require certain background liking as well as knowledge in the field of biology. Some universities maybe strict with regard to the specific biological information required for the course. Modelling softwares like MATLAB, Catia and SolidWorks will come in handy in this course.
Prospects:
There is a lot of scope for research due to the intersection of this field with medicine which by itself requires incessant research. Students can also find work in biomedical manufacturing companies as well.
MATERIALS SCIENCE & MANUFACTURING
Description:
In this course a mechanical engineer studies various aspects of a particular material in-depth to suggest usage and applications. Major work is involved with applying concepts of mechanics, stress and fatigue analysis to all the materials. Thermodynamics, phase transformations all play an important role in the study of materials. The field of nanomaterials is an upcoming one and is covered by many renowned universities in their programs. Understanding the process of manufacturing these materials and the optimization of the processes is another aspect of the program.
Pre-Requisites:
Much like thermal engineering even in this field all the undergraduate level courses must be strong. Some colleges do not offer UG level materials science courses so do a thorough check on all the prerequisites on the website of the college you wish to apply to.
Prospects:
Materials science has a wide variety of application from the construction industry to electronics chip designing and every part of the spectrum of size in between. Research along the lines of nanomaterials, application in biomaterials are the things for the future. Analytical and testing work is generally the profiles offered to students in this field.
THERMAL SCIENCES
Description:
A major in thermal engineering will include further emphasis on traditional concepts of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, radiation theory, thermodynamics, gas dynamics and combustion process fundamentals. Modern applications like space rocket propulsion, bio-analytical systems, material processing and electronics fabrication and cooling. There maybe courses related to pure physics like optics and laser physics but this varies from one university to another.
Pre-Requisites:
This course will require strong fundamentals in almost all undergraduate courses in the afore mentioned fields along with a will to work in labs for long hours. If you have an aptitude for engines especially and are looking for something which can have varied applications then thremosciences is your gig.
Prospects:
The course on thermal sciences has a lot of industrial viability in the energy, oil and gas sectors. Almost all manufacturing units require experts in thermal engineering. One can also diversify into any of the application fields of thermal engineering which are all very nascent and upcoming.
AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING
Description:
And finally the one everyone has been waiting for. This course will teach you to understand the working of man’s favourite toy. The various aspects of a car like chassis, suspension, engine, transmission, automotive electricals etc. are covered in a great detail. Finding flaws, testing, quality control and innovative designing will be the major aspect of study of every course. A course on aerodynamics is also covered by certain universities (If aerospace and mechanical are collaborated), this will give you exposure to the foundations of building your dream F1 car.
Pre-Requisites:
Apart from the passion for moving machines one must be ABSOLUTELY THOROUGH with UG level courses like theory of machines, IC engines and thermodynamics to be able to excel in the experimental and application parts of the program. Being familiar with manual and computer aided engineering IS A MUST.
Prospects:
DO WE HAVE TO EVEN TALK ABOUT THIS.
