Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineers apply principles of physical sciences to the analysis, simulation, design and testing of mechanical components. With expertise in the mechanical engineering sciences of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, kinematics and engineering design, mechanical engineers apply their expertise to the design of a wide range of components in a variety of industries. In developing these designs, mechanical engineers often use computer aided design and simulation software to create virtual prototypes. Examples of components developed by mechanical engineers include automotive parts, robots, biomedical devices, heating and ventilation systems, and aerospace components. Mechanical engineers are actively involved in the advancement of alternative energy sources including the implementation of wind power technology, solar energy, lightweight materials and structures, and nuclear power. Mechanical engineers with advanced degrees often work in research and development. After beginning their career in a technical position, many mechanical engineers move into management.
To illustrate the diversity of career opportunities for mechanical engineers, consider the following list of people who began their careers with degrees in the area of mechanical engineering:
- Neil Armstrong, astronaut, aerospace engineer and first human to set foot on the moon
- Alexander Calder, artist
- Philip Condit, former CEO of the Boeing Company
- Rudolf Diesel, inventor of the diesel engine
- Y-C Fung, founder of the field of modern biomechanics
- John Sununu, former White House Chief of Staff
- Alfred Hitchcock, filmmaker
- Lee Iacocca, former chairman and CEO of Chrysler Corporation
- Lonnie Johnson, African American NASA engineer and inventor of the "Super Soaker"
- Bill Nye, the "Science Guy" television personality
- Ferdinand Porsche, automobile designer
- Ben Rich, director of Lockheed's Skunk Works, developer of the stealth aircraft
- Igor Sikorsky, inventor of the single-rotor helicopter
- Eli Whitney, inventor
For more information about things Mechanical Engineers do:
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Department News
Alumnus Sharon Ruggieri appointed Chief Operating Officer
MCE/IEP (Spanish) Class of 2007 alum Sharon Ruggieri has returned to Rhode Island as Chief Operating Officer
of Dear Kate, a Providence based lingerie company.
(URI News Release)
Lean Manufacturing Applied to Health Care
ISE Prof. Valerie Maier-Speredelozzi is leading a team of researchers that is applying principles of
lean manufacturing to a variety of systems at the VA Medical Center in Providence to find faster,
better and more cost effective delivey of health care
(URI News Release,
video).
Consumer Product Sustainability
At a recent meeting led by ISE Prof. Manbir Sodhi, industry representatives, sustainability
advocates and researchers met to discuss
sustainable manufacturing of consumer products.
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