This blog post explores how mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering have converged to develop into the field of mechanical aerospace engineering, and examines their contributions to various industries.
Mechanical engineering and aeronautical engineering have evolved alongside human history. Mechanical engineering is closely tied to humanity’s history of creating and using tools, with its origins traceable to the pulleys used in ancient Egyptian pyramid construction. Aeronautical engineering, meanwhile, began its serious study in the early 20th century when the Wright brothers achieved the first successful manned powered flight. Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, the fusion of these two fields, is a crucial discipline that forms the core of modern technology and the foundation of future industries.
I once received a question about my major while giving a tutoring demonstration at a student’s home. When I replied, “I’m in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering,” the follow-up question was, “What is that?” I answered, “It’s kind of like mechanical engineering…” but both the questioner and I couldn’t help but look awkward. Why did this happen? The reason is very simple. I attend the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, but the other person knew absolutely nothing about the field. For people uninterested in engineering, the word ‘mechanical’ can be very unfamiliar or an overly broad concept. But this is natural.
Look around, and you’ll see countless objects: clocks, wardrobes, cars, doors, and so on. If you call a clock or a car a ‘machine,’ most people would nod in agreement. So, can a wardrobe or a door also be called a machine? The answer is ‘yes.’ The hinges on a wardrobe, the pulleys in a drawer unit, or the locking mechanism on a door are all mechanical components. There are so many everyday objects that can be classified as machines. It’s now almost harder to find things that aren’t machines. Mechanical engineering thus has a very broad scope of study. It involves researching the operating principles of these machines, designing them, and applying them.
So why is it called the ‘Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering’ rather than simply ‘Mechanical Engineering’? The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering combines mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering. While the two fields are not entirely separate, the subjects studied differ. While mechanical engineering researches and designs the operating principles of general machinery, aerospace engineering is the discipline that studies machinery specifically related to aviation. The reason aerospace engineering is studied as a separate discipline, distinct from mechanical engineering, lies in the difference in the operating environments of aircraft. Aircraft operating at altitudes ranging from as low as 6 km to the outer reaches of space face vastly different variables, including atmospheric pressure, compared to ground-based machinery. Consequently, they require distinct operating principles. Therefore, aerospace engineers must not only study the fundamental principles of machinery but also adapt and design these principles according to the specific environmental conditions in which the machinery operates.
Because mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering have these differences in their underlying theoretical foundations, the subjects they study also differ. For example, while students studying mechanical engineering are primarily interested in fields like automobiles or heavy industry, students studying aerospace engineering tend to be more interested in aircraft or the space industry.
So, what career paths do graduates of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering pursue? Generally, over 60% of students who complete their bachelor’s degree proceed to a master’s program. Among those who complete their master’s, over 40% go on to pursue a Ph.D. However, many students also choose to enter the workforce immediately after their bachelor’s graduation. While it might seem unlikely that students who studied mechanical engineering could get jobs at aerospace companies, this is not the case. In reality, only about five domestic universities offer aerospace engineering programs, and not all employees at aviation companies are graduates of those schools. Aircraft are also machines, and since the fundamental principles are the same, students who studied mechanical engineering can also work in the aviation field.
One of the greatest advantages of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is collaborative research with other fields. Since machinery is an essential element across various engineering disciplines, those who study mechanical engineering can play important roles in diverse sectors. For example, you can work at a shipbuilding company without majoring in naval architecture and ocean engineering, and you can get a job at a construction company without majoring in architectural engineering. Graduates often find employment in automotive, heavy industry, and aerospace companies. Of course, many students also pursue careers in academia or research institutes.
Thus, graduates of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering can leverage their expertise across diverse fields. Another advantage is the utilization of linked majors. Linked majors allow students to select courses from other departments as a minor, enabling them to gain additional knowledge in various fields. For example, students aspiring to work in mechanical design can choose a design minor, while those aiming to become managers can select a business administration minor. These minors not only aid academic growth but also provide significant advantages during job hunting.
At first glance, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering might seem like a broad and difficult major to grasp. However, the crucial point is that Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is not merely an extension of mechanical engineering, but a core discipline forming the foundation of all engineering fields. Furthermore, the process of personally designing a path suited to oneself from among so many options is both highly interesting and rewarding. The academic journey within the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering will present students with new challenges, and through this, it will greatly assist them in carving out their own futures.
