Engineers are trained and skilled in the design, construction and use of engines or machines. A mechanical engineer is involved in the design and construction of machines that produce electricity. They work for the industrial world and there are mechanical engineers on the staff of a business, factory and are in constant contact with industrial machinery and equipment. So, we thought we would consider this wonderful profession that has a lot of power over the world around. That is what the American experts of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers have come to a general conclusion.
Mechanical engineering is all about machines, how they work, how they can be improved and how they can be made more productive. It involves the principles of physics, engineering, mathematics and materials science to analyse, design and manufacture mechanical systems. The industry covers everything from machinery, electrical systems, factory production lines, computers, boilers and pressure vessels.
Industrial Revolution
Mechanical Engineering really began to develop during the Industrial Revolution in England. As humans began to rely on and use machines to increase their output and make manufacturing more efficient and reliable, the world of mechanical engineering opened up to incredible possibilities. As we have mentioned in previous blogs, the invention of the steam engine is a monument to the industrial revolution. James Watt is often considered the father of mechanical engineering because that particular invention paved the way for many of the more important developments of the industrial revolution and beyond. His invention was also central to the development of the mechanical profession. Steam engines gave way to modes of transport including steam locomotives and self-propelled boats. This led to the rapid development of railway networks and canals. Soon after, the invention of the automobile also created a great demand for mechanical engineers, especially as the automobile industry was in its infancy and developing new technologies.
Mechanical engineers join the wars
During both World War I and World War II, mechanical engineers, and engineers in general, were very important to the war effort and developed the necessary machinery, aircraft, weapons, etc. to help win the war. Especially during World War II, mechanical engineers contributed to the design and improvement of fighter planes, tanks, vehicles, machinery, etc. The first computers, developed around this time, were mechanical devices combined with electronics. Many of these early mechanical computers were funded by military projects to gain an advantage over the enemy and figure out the trajectory of artillery shells. During this time, mechanical engineers worked together to develop jet engines and space rockets.
Memorable inventions and inventions from mechanical engineers
Throughout history, engineers who have worked to develop electrical machines have had a huge impact on our society. Here are some notable names and their inventions and discoveries in the field of mechanical engineering:
In the 17th century, Sir Isaac Newton formulated Newton's laws of motion and developed calculus, the mathematical basis of physics. In the early 19th century, mechanical devices were developed in England, Germany and Scotland. This helped mechanical engineering develop as a separate, independent field. In 1847, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers was founded, considered the first institution specializing in mechanics in England. In 1848, Johann von Zimmermann established the first grinding mill.
In the United States, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers was founded in 1880, becoming a professional engineering body after the American Society of Civil Engineers (1852) and the American Institute of Mining Engineers (1871).
Thus, later on, mechanical engineering was considered more important and became an official subject at universities. At some schools, this was the main training major and attracted many students, for example, the United States Military Academy (1871) or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1825).
Nikola Tesla: Testa was a Serbian-American famous for his contributions to the design of the modern alternating current power supply system. He also contributed to radio technology and is often referred to as the father of radio.
George Stephenson: This was a British inventor who created the first urban railway system. He is known as the father of railways. This, of course, reshaped the transportation industry.
Aurel Stdola: Began studying thermodynamics and was even a professor of Albert Einstein himself. Most notably, he invented the first heat pump and contributed to the beginnings of steam and gas turbines.
ASME Certified Industrial Suppliers
At Wyler Industrial Works, we are an ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) Certified Repair Team. What is ASME? It stands for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and is a non-profit membership organization that enables collaboration and exchange of knowledge towards the goal of helping the global engineering community. ASME's mission statement is to advance engineering for the benefit of humanity. Therefore, those units that are recognized, certified or awarded by ASME are all reputable and professional mechanical businesses and individuals.
ASME has been the leading resource for mechanical engineers for decades. They publish codes, regulations, changes, and other relevant information for many different industries. Their informational publications are always written into state and federal regulations. They have the legendary Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, where they published the first very detailed code.
There are companies and factories in the US that specialize in mechanical repair that have been around for hundreds of years and are ASME certified repair services. For example, Wyler Industrial specializes in providing high quality service and repair for all of your industrial needs. They are a full service business that has been around for over 100 years. They started with a mechanic in the 1880s who owned a bicycle shop and became a parts supplier and slowly grew and transformed into what they are today.