Definition of Mechanical Engineering.

Synthesis by Tony JOLLEY, based upon the list of attributes brainstormed by the two Mex groups in October 2012 at ENSISA, UHA Mulhouse, France :

Mechanical Engineering is the name given to the field of endeavor representing the systematic application of the scientific theories, principles and practices enshrined in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Technology to the solving of problems requiring a physical, manufactured/constructed output. In addition to such ‘hard’ sciences, it also harnesses ‘softer’, yet no less important, qualities and skills such as curiosity, creativity, ingenuity, determination, communication and vision which, taken together, are the drivers of innovation which have fuelled the Ascent of Man [Bronowski, J. 1973] from the first crude tools such as the spear or the axe to complex machines like the Voyager spaceship which has now left the Solar System to head for the stars.

It involves a process, or more correctly, a set of processes, which involve at least two ‘pieces’ operating together in a synergistic way to achieve a purpose which neither element could achieve independently or jointly but without direct interaction with each other. This process and its output may [or may not] involve both movement and the application or use of power. Although the process may vary, it usually involves: problem specification, analysis and evaluation; creative vision, R&D and solutions conceptualization, solutions selection, experimentation, design, tooling, prototyping, testing and ultimately construction and/or production. Given such complexity, excellent communication between and co-ordination of the various scientific specialities is essential: the ‘art’ of achieving this being known as Project Management.

Mechanical Engineering has as its intended output and outcome: innovation, systems improvement and simplification, greater efficiency and effectiveness and ultimately a better way of life for the people served by the engineered solution.