What is mechanical engineering?
Mechanical engineering is a broad engineering discipline concerned with the design, analysis, manufacture and operation of mechanical systems. It applies principles of physics, mathematics and materials science to understand how systems move, transfer energy and perform under different conditions.
Mechanical engineering plays a role in the development of many everyday and large-scale systems, from machines and tools to infrastructure, energy systems and manufactured products.
What mechanical engineers work with
Mechanical engineering covers a wide range of systems and technologies, including:
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Mechanical components and structures
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Thermal and fluid systems
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Materials and manufacturing processes
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Mechanical design and analysis
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Machinery, plant and equipment
The discipline often focuses on how systems are designed, built, tested and maintained to operate safely and efficiently.
Areas within mechanical engineering
Mechanical engineering includes a number of interconnected areas, such as:
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Mechanics and dynamics
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Thermodynamics and heat transfer
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Fluid mechanics
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Materials and manufacturing
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Mechanical design and systems engineering
These areas may be studied together or explored in more depth depending on the education pathway or area of interest.
Mechanical engineering and related disciplines
Mechanical engineering often overlaps with other engineering disciplines, including electrical engineering, civil engineering and mechatronics. While each discipline has a distinct focus, they frequently work together on complex systems and projects.