Historical development of the mechanical engineering

discipline.
Mechanical engineering is a field that incorporates physics principles,
mathematics, materials science, and engineering techniques to design, analyse,
manufacture, operate, and maintain mechanical systems. The aim is to ensure
these systems are cost-effective, reliable, safe, and efficient. Mechanical
engineering is a diverse field encompassing the design and production of anything
from small components and devices such as sensors and inkjet printer nozzles to
large systems like spacecraft and machine tools.

Mechanical engineering is one of the earliest

branches of engineering and has been closely linked
to other branches of engineering throughout history.
The history of machines covers an extensive period
of human history and can be studied from different
perspectives. Mechanical engineering, architecture,
civil, and military engineering are the precursor to
newer types of engineering. The historical
development of mechanical engineering can be
traced back to ancient Greece, China, and Islam,
where various mechanical devices and inventions
were made. The Greeks developed the concept of
simple machines, such as the lever and the screw,
and made significant contributions to the fields of
mathematics, physics, and engineering. The Egyptians built incredible structures
such as the pyramids, which required advanced knowledge of mechanics and
construction.

In the Middle Ages, mechanical engineering continued to advance, with

important developments in areas such as waterpower, mining, and the
development of machines for agriculture and industry. During the Renaissance,
mechanical engineering rapidly advanced, with important developments in areas
such as the design and construction of clocks and the development of the modern
scientific method by figures such as
Galileo, Archimedes, and Leonardo
da Vinci.

Mechanical engineering became a

formal field of study in the 18th and
19th centuries, during the Industrial
Revolution, when the demand for
new machines and technologies increased. Pioneers in mechanical engineering
include James Watt, who improved the steam engine, Henry Maudslay, who
developed the screw-cutting lathe, and Charles Babbage, who designed the first
mechanical computer.

The first mechanical engineering departments and laboratories in universities,

such as the University of Glasgow, the University of Karlsruhe, and the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, were established during this time. The
first mechanical engineering societies and journals were also founded in this
period, like the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in 1847 and the American
Society of Mechanical Engineers in 1880. In December 2002, the Nigerian
Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE) was established as the
Mechanical Engineering Division of The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).

Initially, the subject of mechanical engineering was focused on designing and

analysing mechanisms, such as gears, linkages, and cams, which were essential
for machine operation. Later, the scope of mechanical engineering expanded to
include other topics such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, materials science,
and control engineering, which enabled the development of more complex and
diverse machines and systems.

In the 20th century, World Wars drove technological innovations, particularly in

aircraft and automotive engineering. Post-war, the field diversified, embracing
computer-aided design and automation. Today, mechanical engineering spans
various domains, including robotics, renewable energy, nanotechnology,
mechatronics, and biotechnology. Mechanical engineers have contributed to the
innovation and improvement of various products and systems, such as
automobiles, aircraft, spacecraft, power plants, medical devices, and renewable
energy sources.
Mechanical engineers research, develop, design, manufacture, and test tools,
engines, machines, and other mechanical devices. They work on power-
producing machines such as electricity-producing generators, internal
combustion engines, steam and gas turbines, and jet and rocket engines. They also
develop power-using machines such as refrigeration and air-conditioning
equipment, robots used in manufacturing, machine tools, materials handling
systems, and industrial production equipment.
Philosophy and scope of contemporary mechanical
engineering course.
The Mechanical Engineering programme aims to cultivate a thirst for knowledge
and encourage the sharing of research findings. The goal is to produce self-
motivated and reliable mechanical engineers and researchers who will be the
driving force behind our nation's progress towards qualitative and large-scale
technological development, as well as dynamic industrialization.

Mechanical engineering is a field that involves collaboration with other branches

of engineering, such as electrical, civil, and chemical engineering, as well as other
disciplines like mathematics, physics, biology, and computer science. It is one of
the oldest and most extensive engineering fields, and its impact on society,
economy, and the environment is significant.

Mechanical engineering is a field that deals with anything that moves, including
the human body, which is a very complex machine. Mechanical engineers learn
about various aspects such as materials, solid and fluid mechanics,
thermodynamics, heat transfer, control, instrumentation, design, and
manufacturing to understand mechanical systems. The specialized areas of
mechanical engineering include biomechanics, cartilage-tissue engineering,
energy conversion, laser-assisted materials processing, combustion, microfluidic
devices, fracture mechanics, nanomechanics, mechanisms, micropower
generation, tribology (friction and wear), and vibrations.

Typically, the major topics covered in a mechanical engineering curriculum are

shown in Figure 1. While the topics are allocated into separate branches, the
mechanical engineering curriculum is becoming an integrated system with
interrelationships among many of the courses, topics, and knowledge areas.

Mechanical engineering involves innovation and design at its core. To get started
in this field, it's crucial to understand how the design of products, systems, and
processes is integral to addressing social, global, environmental, and economic
challenges in the world. As a mechanical engineer, you're expected to be creative
in solving technical problems in innovative ways, as well as identifying and
framing these problems in new and unique ways.
Fig 1: Hierarchy of topics and courses studied in a typical mechanical engineering
curriculum.
Overview of mechanical engineering special fields
Mechanical engineering covers a range of engineering science disciplines, each
with its own unique applications and uses. Undergraduate students studying
mechanical engineering are typically taught several of these subdisciplines,
including specialized subdisciplines that may be focused on during graduate
studies or on-the-job training. A mechanical engineer will often use skills and
techniques from multiple subdisciplines to complete their work. Here are some
examples of subdisciplines commonly studied at the undergraduate level:
 Thermodynamics: the study of energy transfer and conversion, often used
in power generation and refrigeration systems.
 Applied Thermodynamics
 Fluid Mechanics: (involving the analysis of the behaviour of liquids and
gases and employing the knowledge in the design and development of
machinery and systems that can and/or do influence that behaviour –
pumps, fans, turbines, piping systems etc.
 Heat and Mass Transfer
 Refrigeration & Air Conditioning
 Turbo-Machinery
 Thermal Engines
 Engineering Graphics & Machine Drawing
 Mechanics of Machines: the study of forces and stresses in materials,
often used in designing structures and machines (statics and dynamics).
 Strength of Materials
 Theory of Machines
 Engineering Metallurgy
 Metrology
 Dynamics of Machinery
 Auto- systems& Vehicle Dynamics
 Manufacturing Processes
 Maintenance Engineering
 Industrial Engineering
 Control Engineering
 Systems Analysis
 Electrical Machine
 Applied Computers Programming
 Engineering Economics
  Operation Research
 Technology Policy
 Industrial Training
 Project
By understanding and utilizing these subdisciplines, a mechanical engineer can
design, analyse, and optimize mechanical systems for a wide range of
applications.
Engineering Mechanics
Mechanics is the study of forces and their effect on matter. Engineering
mechanics is a branch of applied science that analyzes and predicts the
acceleration and deformation of objects under known forces or stresses, including
both elastic and plastic deformation. It deals with the laws and principles of
mechanics and their applications to engineering problems. Engineers need to have
a thorough knowledge of engineering mechanics to plan, design, and construct
structures and machines. In order to excel in their job, engineers must study
engineering mechanics in a systematic and scientific manner. Engineering
mechanics can be divided into different areas for more focused study and practice.
1. Statics: It is that branch of Engineering Mechanics, which deals with the
forces and their effects, while acting upon the bodies at rest.
2. Dynamics: It is that branch of Engineering Mechanics, which deals with
the forces and their effects, while acting upon the bodies in motion. The
subject of Dynamics may be further sub-divided into; Kinetics and
Kinematics.
a. Kinetics: It is the branch of Dynamics, which deals with the bodies
in motion due to the application of forces.
b. Kinematics: It is that branch of Dynamics, which deals with the
bodies in motion, without any reference to the forces which are
responsible for the motion.
3. Mechanics of materials, the study of how different materials deform under
various types of stress.
4. Fluid mechanics, the study of how fluids react to forces.
5. Continuum mechanics, a method of applying mechanics that assumes that
objects are continuous (rather than discrete).
Mechanical engineers typically use mechanics in the design or analysis phases of
engineering. If the engineering project were the design of a vehicle, statics might
be employed to design the frame of the vehicle, in order to evaluate where the
stresses will be most intense. Dynamics might be used when designing the car's
engine, to evaluate the forces in the pistons and cams as the engine cycles.
Mechanics of materials might be used to choose appropriate materials for the
frame and engine. Fluid mechanics might be used to design a ventilation system
for the vehicle (see HVAC) or to design the intake system for the engine.
Thermal Engineering
Thermal engineering is a branch of mechanical engineering that deals with the
generation, transfer, and conversion of heat energy into other forms of energy.
This field involves the application of thermodynamics, which focuses on the
science of heat and temperature, and heat transfer, which is the process of heat
flow between different objects or fluids. In order to be a thermal engineer, one
must possess knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and
mass transfer, as well as the design and operation of various machines and
systems that utilize heat energy, such as boilers, engines, refrigerators, and power
plants.
Thermal engineering finds its applications in various fields such as internal
combustion engines, aircraft propulsion, heating and cooling systems, and
electrical power generation through both renewable (solar, wind, hydroelectric,
geothermal, and biomass) and non-renewable (oil, petroleum, natural gas, coal,
and nuclear) sources. The field is also constantly evolving and dynamic, as it
incorporates new technologies and challenges, such as nanotechnology,
biotechnology, renewable energy, and environmental engineering.
Thermal engineering involves topics like:
1. Laws of thermodynamics, heat engine, heat pump, refrigerator (simple
numerical)
2. Modes of heat transfer Conduction, convection, Radiation, Fourier’s law,
Newton’s law of cooling, Stefan Boltzmans law (simple Numerical)
3. Two stroke and Four stroke engines (Petrol, Diesel and CNG engines).
4. Steam generators.
Production Engineering

Production engineering is a type of engineering that focuses on the development,

design, and management of the production of goods and services. Production
engineers utilize the principles of mathematics, engineering, and management
science to ensure that production processes and systems are efficient, of high
quality, and cost-effective. Production engineers work in various industries,
including manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, chemical, and energy. Some of
the skills and knowledge that production engineers should possess include:

 Manufacturing technology; refers to the various methods and tools used to

produce different products. This includes techniques such as machining,
casting, welding, moulding, and additive manufacturing.
 Industrial engineering; concerned with analysing and improving the
performance, productivity, and safety of industrial systems. This can
include factories, warehouses, and supply chains.
 Quality engineering; involves the use of techniques and standards to ensure
that products and processes are of high quality and reliability. This may
involve implementing quality control, quality assurance, and statistical
process control.
 Operations research; involves the use of mathematical models and
algorithms to solve complex decision-making problems in production. This
can include tasks such as scheduling, inventory management, and
optimization.
 Project management; encompasses the planning, execution, and
monitoring of production projects. This can include tasks such as product
development, process improvement, and resource allocation.
The linkage between mechanical engineering and other
engineering disciplines and the sciences.
Mechanical engineering is a vast field that interacts with many other engineering
disciplines and sciences. Mechanical engineers use their knowledge of physics,
mathematics, and engineering to design, analyse, and manufacture machines and
systems. Here are some examples of how mechanical engineering is linked to
other fields:

 Electrical engineering: Mechanical engineers work with electrical

engineers to design and develop electromechanical systems, such as
motors, generators, sensors, and actuators. They also need to understand
the principles of electricity, circuits, and electronics to integrate electrical
components into their designs.
 Chemical engineering: Mechanical engineers collaborate with chemical
engineers to design and optimize equipment and processes that involve
chemical reactions, such as reactors, distillation columns, heat exchangers,
and pumps. They also apply their knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid
mechanics, and materials science to analyse and improve the performance
and efficiency of chemical systems.
 Biomedical engineering: Mechanical engineers contribute to biomedical
engineering by applying their skills in mechanics, dynamics, and
biomechanics to design and develop medical devices and systems, such as
artificial organs, prosthetics, implants, and surgical instruments. They also
use their expertise in modelling, simulation, and testing to study the
behaviour and function of biological systems, such as cells, tissues, and
organs.
 Materials science: Mechanical engineers rely on materials science to select
and characterize the materials that are suitable for their designs, such as
metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. They also use materials
science to investigate the properties and behaviour of materials under
different conditions, such as stress, strain, temperature, and corrosion.
 Computer science: Mechanical engineers use computer science to enhance
their design and analysis capabilities, such as using computer-aided design
(CAD), computer-aided engineering (CAE), and computer-aided
manufacturing (CAM) software. They also use computer science to
 program and control various machines and systems, such as robots,
microcontrollers, and embedded systems.

These are just a few examples of how mechanical engineering is linked to

other engineering disciplines and sciences. Mechanical engineering is a
multidisciplinary and collaborative field that can benefit from and contribute
to many other fields of knowledge.
The Concept of Innovation
In engineering, Innovation refers to developing and implementing new ideas, processes, or
technologies that improve the design, construction, or functionality of products, systems, or
structures. Innovation is about thinking outside the box and creating creative solutions to
complex problems. Engineers constantly push the boundaries of what is possible, using their
knowledge and expertise to develop new technologies and improve existing ones. As a result,
engineers are at the forefront of innovation in many ields, from designing more ef icient engines
to developing cutting-edge medical devices. The innovation mindset consists of six core
principles:

 Be iterative,
 Be creative,
 Be relevant,
 Be at ease,
 Be inclusive,
 Be inquisitive.

Importance of Innovation in Engineering

Innovation is crucial for driving progress and solving complex problems. Here are a few
reasons:
1. Technological Advancement: Advancements in technology have resulted in innovations
that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of engineering projects.
2. Cost Savings: Inventions and new techniques can reduce the cost of materials, labour, and
maintenance, making engineering projects more accessible and affordable.
3. Environmental Sustainability: Engineers can help protect our planet for future generations
by finding innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
4. Enhanced Safety: Innovations in engineering can lead to safer buildings, roads, bridges,
and other structures by improving design and construction methods.
Types of Innovation:
1. Product Innovation

This type involves the development of new or improved products that enhance functionality,
performance, or usability. Examples include:
- New materials: The use of composites or biodegradable materials in manufacturing.
- Smart devices: Engineering advancements in IoT (Internet of Things) technologies to create
smarter and more efficient consumer products.
2. Process Innovation

Process innovation refers to changes in the way products are created or delivered. This can lead
to enhanced efficiency, reduced costs, and improved quality. Examples include:
- Lean manufacturing: Implementing methodologies that reduce waste and increase efficiency
in production pipelines.
- Automation: Using robotics and artificial intelligence to streamline production processes.

3. System Innovation
This involves integrating existing technologies and components into a comprehensive system
that delivers greater value or functionality. Examples include:
- Smart grids: Combining traditional power distribution networks with modern sensors and
information technology to optimize energy consumption.
- Sustainable urban systems: Engineering cities with integrated transportation, energy, and
waste management systems aimed at enhancing sustainability.

4. Architectural Innovation

Architectural innovation refers to the reconfiguration of existing technology in a new

contextual framework, altering the overall design or structure. Examples can include:
- Modular buildings: Designing structures with prefabricated sections that can be easily
assembled on-site.
- Green architecture: Innovating building designs that prioritize energy efficiency, sustainable
materials, and minimal environmental impact.

5. Service Innovation
This type focuses on enhancing or creating new services through engineering solutions. It often
involves integrating technology to improve customer experience. Examples include:
- Telemedicine: Using digital technologies for remote diagnostics and patient care.
- Smart home services: Developing automated systems that enhance security, energy efficiency,
and user convenience in residential environments.

6. Business Model Innovation

This innovation focuses on redefining how value is delivered to customers, sometimes through
entirely new approaches to revenue generation. Examples include:
- Subscription services: Innovating delivery models for software or products to enhance
customer accessibility and engagement.
- Crowdsourcing: Engaging the community or crowd for product development or problem-
solving, leveraging collective intelligence.

7. Social Innovation
In engineering, social innovation refers to new strategies or concepts aimed at addressing
societal challenges, especially in developing regions. Examples include:
- Affordable housing solutions: Engineering cost-effective building techniques that provide
shelter for low-income populations.
- Clean water technologies: Innovations aimed at purifying water supply and ensuring access
to safe drinking water.

8. Technological Innovation
This encompasses advancements in technology itself, leading to new engineering feats or
improved capabilities of existing technologies. Examples include:
- Advanced robotics: Development of robots with enhanced sensors and intelligence for
complex tasks.
- Nanotechnology: Utilizing properties at the molecular level to create innovative materials
with unique characteristics
Skills for Innovative Mechanical Engineers:
1. Curiosity: Embracing lifelong learning and exploration.
2. Critical Thinking: Analyzing complex problems and identifying opportunities.
3. Communication: Effectively conveying ideas and collaborating with teams.
4. Adaptability: Embracing change and iterating on designs.
Impact of Innovation on Engineering
Innovation has profoundly impacted engineering, with new technologies and techniques
constantly being developed to improve processes and products. Innovation has helped towards
the transformation in engineering. Here are some ways that innovation has affected
engineering:
1. New Materials: Innovations in materials science have allowed engineers to develop
stronger, lighter, and more durable materials for construction, transportation, and other
industries.
2. Automation: The rise of automation has revolutionised manufacturing processes, allowing
for greater efficiency and accuracy in production.
3. Digitalisation: Advances in digital technology have transformed how engineers design and
simulate systems, making it easier to test and optimise designs before they are built.
4. Sustainability: Innovations in sustainable engineering have led to the development of eco-
friendly products and solutions that minimise environmental impact.
5. Cost Savings: Inventions and new techniques can reduce the cost of materials, labour, and
maintenance, making engineering projects more accessible and affordable.
6. Enhanced Safety: Innovations in engineering can lead to safer buildings, roads, bridges,
and other structures by improving design and construction methods.

Recent Innovations in Engineering

Recent Innovations in Engineering have brought about exciting changes in various fields. Here
are a few noteworthy examples:
1. 3D Printing: This technology allows complex designs to be constructed layer by layer,
providing efficient and cost-effective solutions for creating prototypes and small-scale
products.
2. Renewable Energy: Engineers are developing new ways to harness energy from solar, wind,
and hydropower sources. These innovations can transform our energy systems and reduce our
dependence on fossil fuels.
3. Autonomous Vehicles: Engineers are working on creating self-driving cars and trucks that
can navigate roads and highways safely and efficiently. This technology has the potential to
revolutionise transportation and reduce accidents caused by human error.
4. Biomedical Engineering: This field combines biology and engineering to develop new
medical devices, prosthetics, and disease treatments. Recent innovations include 3D-printed
organs and advanced prosthetic limbs that respond to neural signals.
5. Self-Healing Materials: Engineers are developing materials that can heal themselves when
damaged, reducing maintenance costs, and prolonging the lifespan of products.
6. Bio-degradable Plastics: With increasing concerns about environmental pollution,
engineers have developed biodegradable plastics that break down naturally over time.
7. Nanotechnology: Nanotechnology is the field that is concerned with manipulating materials
at the atomic and molecular levels, creating new materials with unique properties.

8. Smart Infrastructure: Engineers are developing infrastructure that can monitor itself and
communicate data to a central system, allowing for more efficient management and
maintenance.
9. Robotics: From drones to humanoid robots, engineering has created a range of robotic
machines that can perform tasks autonomously or be controlled remotely.

The Process of Innovation in Engineering

The innovation process in engineering is an exciting journey involving creativity, problem-
solving, and collaboration. To successfully innovate in engineering, it is crucial to follow these
important steps:
1. Identify an Issue or Opportunity: The first step in innovation is to identify a problem or
opportunity that needs to be addressed.
2. Research and Gather Information: Once the problem has been identified, it is time to
research and gather information about the issue. This may involve conducting market research,
analysing data, or consulting with experts.
3. Brainstorm Ideas: With the information, it is time to start brainstorming ideas for potential
solutions. This is where creativity comes into play!
4. Develop A Prototype: Once you have some ideas, it is time to develop a prototype or proof
of concept. This could be anything from a physical model to a computer simulation.

5. Test and Refine: After creating a prototype, testing and refining it until it meets your
specifications and solves the problem is important.
6. Implement and Market: Once you have a solution, it is time to implement it and market it
to the world!
How to Foster Innovation in Engineering
Fostering innovation in engineering can be a fun and rewarding process with the potential to
yield groundbreaking results. Here are some tips for inspiring creative thinking and innovative
problem-solving:
1. Encourage Brainstorming: One effective way to spark innovation is to encourage
brainstorming sessions among your team. This can help generate various ideas you can refine
and build upon.
2. Provide Resources: Ensure your team can access the necessary tools and resources to
explore different ideas and strategies.
3. Embrace Collaboration: Collaboration is the most important step in innovation. Encourage
your team members to collaborate, share their ideas, and build upon each other’s strengths.

4. Celebrate Successes: When your team comes up with an innovative solution or idea,
celebrate their success! This will not only increase morale but also inspire further creativity.
Collaborative Innovation in Engineering
Collaborative innovation in engineering is all about bringing together teams of creative minds
to solve complex problems and create innovative solutions. When teams collaborate, they can
combine their expertise, capabilities, and assets to develop innovative concepts unattainable
for a single person to accomplish.
One valuable point of collaborative innovation is that it allows engineers to draw on diverse
perspectives and skill sets, leading to more well-rounded solutions.
Additionally, collaboration can foster a culture of creativity and experimentation, encouraging
engineers to take risks and think outside the box.
Finally, collaboration can also lead to increased efficiency and productivity, as team members
can share the workload and tackle challenges together. Overall, collaborative innovation is a
powerful tool for driving progress in engineering.
Benefits of Collaborative Innovation in Engineering
Collaborative innovation in engineering can bring many benefits. Here are some key
advantages:
1. Improved Problem-Solving: When people from different backgrounds and expertise come
together, they bring diverse perspectives that can lead to more innovative solutions.
2. Increased Efficiency: Collaborative innovation can help streamline processes and reduce
inefficiencies by bringing together different teams and departments to achieve a common goal.
3. Faster Time-to-Market: By working collaboratively, engineers can accelerate the
development process, allowing products to reach the market faster.
4. Better Products: Collaborative innovation often leads to more user-centric products as
multiple voices contribute to the design process.
5. Enhanced Creativity: Working collaboratively can inspire creativity and out-of-the-box
thinking, leading to breakthroughs that may not have been possible otherwise.
6. Enhanced Employee Engagement: Employees who are part of a team working towards a
shared objective are more motivated to give their best performance.
7. Better Risk Management: Companies can get a more well-rounded perspective on potential
risks and opportunities by involving multiple stakeholders in decision-making.
Leveraging Technology for Innovation in Engineering
Technology has revolutionised engineering, enabling engineers to design and build more
complex structures and systems. As a result, engineers can create innovative solutions to some
of the world’s most pressing problems by leveraging technology.

Technology is being used in engineering through computer-aided design (CAD) software. This
software allows engineers to create detailed 3D models of their respective designs, which can
then be analysed and optimised using simulation software. This invention saves time and
money and ensures accurate and efficient designs.
Another way technology is being leveraged in engineering is through artificial
intelligence (AI). AI can analyse large amounts of data quickly and accurately, helping
engineers make better decisions about designing and optimising their systems.
Finally, advanced materials such as nanomaterials allow engineers to create stronger, lighter,
and more durable structures than ever before. These new materials open up new possibilities
for aerospace, automotive, and construction innovation.
The Final Say
Innovation in engineering is not just about new gadgets or gizmos; it is a mindset that can
transform how we approach problem-solving, designing, and building solutions. As a result,
technology has the power to revolutionise industries, enhance our standard of living, and
generate fresh avenues for growth.
The key to fostering innovation in engineering is creating an environment that encourages
questioning assumptions, experimenting with new ideas, taking calculated risks, and learning
from failures.
We can drive innovation at scale by leveraging technology and collaborative tools and
techniques.