Concrete examples of mechanical engineering

What do engineering students do? We assume that they come out of the faculties with ideas in their heads that they try to put into practice. Some branches of engineering seem more concrete than others; for example, those specializing in construction will think about and supervise human constructions. But do we really know what mechanical engineers can do? Very few would be able to say what they do, yet they are behind countless innovations.

A profession that turns the world upside down

A list on Wikipedia shows the milestones in engineering history as outlined by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. By the end of 2019, 273 inventions had been recorded. This gives a good idea of what these professionals are working on. Many of them have improved naval, aerial, rail and land technologies when it comes to means of transportation.

From small parts to improve vehicle operation, to the design itself. The company also produces mechanical parts used in the energy sector and even in the design of astronaut suits for space exploration. While this hall of fame is very much American, some foreign finds are also highlighted.

In fact, since the dawn of time, mechanics have enriched the lives of human beings in their movements and everyday uses. Indeed, as far back as Ancient Greece, mechanisms were created to predict astrological phenomena. Since then, from Gutenberg's printing press to supersonic cars, engineers have been constantly improving the development of our societies.

Graduates in mechanical engineering have a wide range of possibilities. They can work in energy companies as well as in transport, machinery and other sectors. They can also work as researchers to develop new technologies that will conquer the world.

In constant search of innovation

For example, MIT students are working on an aerogel that could be used in the manufacture of windows to reduce energy loss. As a result, homes would be better able to retain warmth in cold weather or let it out in hot weather. In the same establishment where a large number of American engineers are trained, others are producing an electroadhesive capable of picking up items a thousand times finer than a human hair. A technology that could facilitate the handling of small electronic components.

On the Quebec front, Concordia mechanical engineering students have developed an aquatic drone capable of detecting plastic in the ocean and collecting it. Prototypes that could potentially lead to larger models of clean-up boats that would ply the vast expanses of water to eliminate continents of detritus.

At the École Polytechnique de Montréal, research chairs are working on lighter, quieter types of aircraft. The idea is to reduce noise pollution and the carbon footprint of flights. At the instigation of a city councillor, students at the Université de Sherbrooke have tried to make public transport more attractive to Sherbrooke residents. For example, one team worked on smart lights that could sense the number of people in a vehicle and prioritize buses, while others worked on stop positioning.

These few examples show just how lively and dynamic the mechanical engineering community is. It also seems to be in tune with its world, addressing both local and global issues, particularly climate change.

What's more, discoveries in mechanical engineering are further expanding the field of engineering possibilities. Developable mechanisms, once the stuff of fiction, are now a reality that engineers will be able to work with in the future.

We could therefore see devices that adapt in the manner of Iron Man's armor. A surgeon could, for example, have a scalpel that cuts tissue and deploys light at the same time, or spacecraft with extra wheels for climbing rocky surfaces.

Illustration: Christian Reil from Pixabay

References

Boisse, Meagan."Five Concordia Engineering Students Design an Aquatic Drone Prototype That Cleans the Ocean." Concordia University. Last updated April 25, 2019.
https://www.concordia.ca/fr/actualites/nouvelles/2019/04/25/cinq-etudiants-en-genie-de-concordia-concoivent-un-prototype-de-drone-aquatique-qui-nettoie-l-ocean.html

Bourcier, Nicolas. "Des Chaires De Recherche Pour Des Avions Plus Légers Et Plus Silencieux." La Presse. Last updated: April 25, 2019.
https://www.lapresse.ca/affaires/201904/24/01-5223426-des-chaires-de-recherche-pour-des-avions-plus-legers-et-plus-silencieux.php

Brigham Young University."Study Unfolds a New Class of Mechanical Devices." EurekAlert! Last updated February 13, 2019.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-02/byu-sua021219.php

Chu, Jennifer. "'Electroadhesive? Stamp Picks Up and Puts Down Microscopic Structures." MIT News. Last updated on October 11, 2019.
http://news.mit.edu/2019/electroadhesive-stamp-microscopic-manufacturing-1011

"Des étudiants En Génie De L'Université De Sherbrooke Proposent Des Idées Pour Améliorer Le Transport Durable." Radio-Canada. Last updated: April 9, 2019.
https://ici.radio-canada.ca/premiere/emissions/Par-ici-l-info/segments/entrevue/113330/sherbrooke-genie-mecanique-evelyne-beaudin-transport-collectif-commun-voiture-auto-universite-etudiant

Gallagher, Mary Beth. "Preventing Energy Loss in Windows." MIT News. Last updated: January 6, 2020.
http://news.mit.edu/2020/preventing-energy-loss-through-windows-0106

Society of Women Engineers."Day in the Life of a Mechanical Engineer." All Together. Last updated: November 18, 2019.
https://alltogether.swe.org/2019/11/day-in-the-life-of-a-mechanical-engineer-2/