Another type/branch of engineering is mechanical engineering. Mechanical engineering is possibly the most well-known and arguably the most popular branch of the subject, and has attracted increased interest over recent years.
It basically applies the principles and values of physics and materials science for analysis, product creating/design and maintenance of certain mechanical systems.
Mechanical engineering often involves the production and re-usage of heat to produce and operate large machinery (factory machinery, for example). Believe it or not, mechanical engineering is one of the oldest disciplines in the engineering field..
To become a mechanical engineer, one must be competent and very aware of concepts (along with their current issues) such as kinematics, thermodynamics, science of materials, mechanics – obviously – and structural analysis. It is these concepts, along with state-of-the art tools that allow mechanical engineers to design, analyse and manufacture machinery such as heating/cooling systems, aircrafts, cars, robotics, medical aids, boats… etc.
It was during the industrial revolution in Europe (during the 19th Century) when mechanical engineering became prominent. However, the actual development of the discipline goes back much further than this – possibly even thousands of years. The discipline is constantly changing in order to incorporate new technologies – in fact, the discipline has changed considerably while you’ve been reading this… that’s just how much this field changes.
As for the history of the field. Well, examples are found all over the globe – more prominently in Ancient Greece (in the work of Archimedes (287BC-212BC)). His works influenced the man who created the very first steam engine.
Possibly one of the most significant contributions to mechanical engineering took place during the 7th and 15th century (an era known as the Islamic Golden Age). The work of Muslim inventors during this time produced such works as the crankshaft and the camshaft – which are still both used today.
Of course, lets not forget Sir Isaac Newton. His Laws of Motion, and the development of calculus, lead to many advancements in the discipline of mechanical engineering during the 17th Century.
A little closer to the modern day, and we see the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) formed (1880). Although this was the third such society, it is possible one of the most influential. And although 63 years earlier, the United States Military Academy (now know as Norwich University) had offered engineering education, ASME really pushed for it and allowed education in mechanical engineering to become a strong and important subject for budding engineers worldwide.