Mechanical engineers research, develop, design, manufacture and maintain machines, machine components and systems in various fields of application.
They work on power-producing machines such as generators, engines and steam and gas turbines. They also work on power-using machines such as refrigeration and air-conditioners, robots used in manufacturing, elevators and escalators, and industrial production equipment. Mechanical engineering can be considered to be the cornerstone of modern technology because it applies the principles of natural science in a way that leads to the greater convenience, progress and safety of mankind.
Mechanical engineers usually specialise in one of the fields set out below:
Transportation: these engineers, together with other engineering specialists, design and develop equipment such as aircraft, helicopters, missiles, ships, motorcars, trains, as well as the steam and gas turbines and petrol and diesel engines needed for propulsion.
Power generation: engineers in this field attempt to provide the energy required by consumers. The demand on existing natural resources provides a challenge for engineers to provide energy and power without harming the environment or depleting resources.
Agriculture: by providing modern equipment such as threshing machines, tractors, harvesters and milking machines for food producers, engineers in this field assist in the economical production of food.
Mining: the wealth-producing minerals and mining industry is one of the sectors where great demands are made on the initiative of the mechanical engineer. Pumping plants, hauling machines, winding equipment, ventilation fans, conveyor belts, drilling-machines and underground railways are a few of the devices which require the input of a mechanical engineer.
Environmental engineering: specialist mechanical engineers create the controlled indoor environment that people need in order to work in comfort. Factors such as humidity, temperature and cleanliness of the air in the workplace are monitored, adjusted and controlled by these engineers. In this field of study the mechanical engineer works particularly closely with engineers from other disciplines.
Biomedical engineering: heart-lung machines, artificial kidney machines, heart valves, pacemakers and operation monitors are all examples of the work of a biomedical engineer. Without this equipment the medical profession could not progress (see biomedical engineer).
Industrial engineering: mechanical engineers also play a major role in industrial and manufacturing processes such as production technology and quality control (see industrial engineer).
Other areas of specialisation include: