Bouira University 2023_2024 Faculty of Mechanical Engineering

Teacher: Miss. GAALOUL Chahrazad Level: Master 01

Lesson One: Introduction to Mechanical Engineering

Introduction:
Engineering is the designing, testing and building of machines, structures and processes using maths and
science. Studying it can lead to a rewarding career. Engineering is a discipline dedicated to problem
solving.

1_ Who is an Engineer?
An engineer is a person who uses scientific knowledge to design, construct, and maintain engines and
machines or structures such as roads, railroads, and bridges. As he repairs mechanical or electrical
devices.

2_ Types of Engineering:
Engineering professions typically fall under four different types: chemical, civil, electrical and mechanical
engineering.

Engineering is a vast and intricate field, encompassing a wide range of specialities. These are the four
main types of engineering.

A_ Chemical Engineering:

Chemical engineers use their knowledge of sciences — such as chemistry, biology, physics and math —
to solve problems that affect the use or production of chemicals, food, drugs and more…

They often work in offices and laboratories, and nearly all work full-time, chemical engineers use their
knowledge in the sciences and manufacturing to bring chemical processes developed in a laboratory to a
commercial or industrial process to create products and then evaluate and improve those processes.

B_ Civil Engineering:

Civil engineers solve infrastructure problems. The projects they design, build and maintain span a wide
range in both the public and private sectors, including bridges, roads, tunnels, dams and water and
sewer systems. They often split their time between an office and project sites. Similar occupations
include construction manager, landscape architect and urban or regional planning.

C_ Mechanical Engineering:

Mechanical engineers design, build and develop mechanical and thermal sensing devices, such as
engines, tools and machines. Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering fields and they
can be found working on a vast range of products, from electric generators to batteries to refrigeration
systems.
Mechanical engineers analyze projects to determine how a mechanical device can be used and then
design and test machines to help the project. They can also investigate equipment that has failed to
determine how part of the mechanics needs to be repaired.

D_ Electrical Engineering:

Electrical engineers focus on the design, testing and manufacturing of electrical components, such as
motors, navigation, communications systems and power generation.They work in a range of industries,
including research, manufacturing, telecommunications…

Other types:

Aerospace engineering, agricultural engineering, biomedical engineering, computer hardware

engineering, environmental engineering, health and safety egineering, industrial engineering, marine
engineering, materials engineering mining, nuclear engineering and petroleum engineering…

3_ The difference between Science and Engineering:

• Science seeks to explain phenomena through theory, hypothesis and experiment in an effort to
ascertain natural laws. For example: chemistry investigates the structure of chemicals and their
interactions.
• Engineering seeks to apply natural laws to the solution of practical problems. For example:
Chemical Engineering might use the results of chemistry to come up with a better way of refining
gasoline.

4_ The Importance of Mechanical Engineering:

Mechanical engineering is one of the oldest and most diverse branches of engineering. It is a field that
deals with the design, development, and maintenance of machines, tools, and other mechanical
systems. Mechanical engineers play a crucial role in many industries, including manufacturing,
construction, transportation, and energy production. The importance of mechanical engineers cannot be
overstated as they are essential for the development and growth of modern society.

One of the main responsibilities of mechanical engineers is to design and develop machines and systems
that are both efficient and cost-effective. They use their knowledge of mathematics, physics, and
materials science to create mechanical systems that are capable of performing specific tasks. Mechanical
engineers are involved in the entire lifecycle of a machine or system, from its initial design to its
manufacture and maintenance.

Another important aspect of mechanical engineering is the development of new technologies.

Mechanical engineers are constantly working to improve existing systems and create new technologies
that can make our lives easier, safer, and more efficient. For example, they have developed innovative
technologies such as solar panels, wind turbines, and hybrid vehicles that are now being used to produce
clean energy and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.

Mechanical engineers are also critical to the manufacturing industry, which is a significant contributor to
the economy of many countries. They work closely with manufacturers to develop efficient and cost-
effective production processes. They also help manufacturers improve the quality of their products and
reduce waste. This not only benefits the manufacturers but also the consumers as it results in better
products at a lower cost.

In the construction industry, mechanical engineers play a vital role in designing and building safe,
efficient, and environmentally friendly structures. They work with architects and other engineers to
ensure that the mechanical systems in a building are properly integrated with the rest of the structure.
They also design heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, plumbing systems, and
elevators to make sure that the building is comfortable and functional.

Finally, mechanical engineers are essential for the safe and efficient operation of transportation systems,
including cars, trains, and aircraft. They design and develop these systems, ensuring that they meet
safety and performance standards. They also work to improve the fuel efficiency of vehicles, which helps
to reduce emissions and save energy.

In conclusion, mechanical engineers play a critical role in the development and growth of modern
society. They are involved in the design and development of machines, tools, and systems that are
essential for many industries. They work to improve existing technologies and develop new ones that
can make our lives easier, safer, and more efficient. Without mechanical engineers, many of the
technologies and systems that we rely on every day would not exist, and the world as we know it would
be very different.

5_ Qualities of an Engineer:
1_ Focus:

focus and attention to details are essentials to get the job done accurately, safely and on time.

2_ Problem Solver:

Engineers are excellent problem solvers and are able to see the potential solution to seemingly
impossible tasks, and then work hard to figure out how to get there.

3_ STEM Skills:

STEM ( science, technology, Engineering and mathematics) skills are what fuel the complex mind of
engineers.

4_ Team Player:

Cooperation is the key to a well-planned project. Engineers frequently work in diverse teams to
collaborate, share ideas and work together to make the project the best it can be.

5_ Communication Skills:

Engineers need strong communication skills to work with clients, team members and supervisors
effectively and efficiently.

6_ Ethical:

Engineers frequently work to solve problems for people. Thus, it’s essential for engineers to always
follow the rules and complete work in an ethical manner, keeping everyone safe and happy.
7_ Curious:

Curiosity is the key ingredient to coming up with innovative ideas and developing extraordinary products
and infrastructures. Engineers constantly want to know how things work and how they can make them
better.

8_ Practical and resourceful:

When issues arise, an engineer must be able to think out of the box and apply their knowledge in
practical and resourceful ways.