Mechanical engineering is one of the oldest disciplines of engineering, dating back to inventions of ancient times and incorporating aspects of material science and physics to develop and maintain functioning mechanisms. To study to become a mechanical engineer, you would need to study a vast array of technical subjects such as physics, mathematics, chemistry, dynamics, fuels, combustion, materials engineering, fluid mechanics, machine design, instrumentation and measurement, hydraulics, control theory, pneumatics, robotics, mechatronics and more. The field of study has been evolving and adapting to changing technologies since ancient times and will continue to do so as engineers and scientists cooperate to pursue fields such as robotics and nanotechnology.

Below is a list of subdisciplines within mechanical engineering and an outline of each:

• Power plant engineering
• Energy engineering
• Vehicle engineering
• Thermal engineering
• Sports engineering
• Optomechanical engineering
• Acoustical engineering

Power plant engineering

Covering the design and maintenance of diesel engine, tidal, geothermal, hydroelectric, coal-fired, wind turbine and solar power plants. These are the main sources of the world’s electricity.

Energy engineering

These engineers work closely with power plant engineers and focus on plant engineering, facility management, energy services and efficiency, compliance with environmental standards, and the development of alternative and renewable energy sources.

Vehicle engineering

These engineers are concerned with everything related to vehicles, from design and maintenance to operations. This subdiscipline includes the specializations of naval, marine, auto, automotive and aerospace vehicular engineering.

Thermal engineering

Thermal engineering involves any technology used to heat or cool an environment such as air conditioning, refrigeration, and ventilation.

Sports engineering

Sports engineering concerns the study, trial, and development of sportswear and sports equipment used by athletes.

Optomechanical engineering

Optomechanical engineers focus on optical systems including laser systems, fiber optics, telescopes, cameras and other optical instruments, particularly the mechanical functionality of this type of technology.

Acoustical engineering

Acoustical engineers are primarily focused on noise control, developing technology such as buffers, suppressors, absorbers and barriers to limit vibration and sound.