Technically, mechanical engineering is the application of engineering principles and problem-solving techniques to the marketplace for any object, from design to manufacture. Mechanical engineers use the principles of motion, energy, and force to analyze work and ensure that designs function safely, efficiently, and reliably, all at a competitive cost.
Mechanical engineers make a difference. That’s because a career in mechanical engineering focuses on creating technologies that meet human needs. Virtually every product and service in modern life is probably served to humanity in some way by mechanical engineers.
About the Book
This volume of Case Studies in Mechanical Engineering is intended to provide real-world experience for students, recent graduates, and those seeking formal or self-taught education. Unlike traditional engineering case studies, these particular cases are not evaluations of failures, nor do they attempt to explore the field of engineering ethics.
Instead, the authors present cases from their years of engineering experience that have influenced their own careers and brought new understanding to the field and practice of mechanical engineering. Each case deals with the impact of engineering on a company’s revenue and profits.
Each case is a study based on a real problem solved by industrial engineers. The facilities and participants in the cases are not named, and the facts have been altered, but the lessons learned remain intact. Some of the case studies were gathered from different projects or events that took place over several years. Most cases have been shortened or simplified to be completed in a reasonable amount of time. Thus, the case studies provide a glimpse in to how real-world engineering differs from traditional textbook issues and how engineering affects management and corporate profits.