Mechanical and automotive engineers have different jobs despite the similarity of the basic subject matter
While these two professions may study the same type of engineering degree during college, their careers differ widely
If you're interested in either of these careers, it's important to assess which path is best for you
What is mechanical engineering?
Mechanical engineering is the branch of engineering that encompasses the study of motion, forces, energy, materials, manufacturing, and design in order to apply them to the creation of mechanical systems and devices that serve society (e
g
, engines, refrigerators, machines, tools, etc)
×Mechanical engineering in the automotive industry involves the design, development, manufacture, and maintenance of vehicles and their critical systems. Mechanical engineers can work on different aspects of automotive engineering, such as engines, brakes, powertrain, vehicle dynamics, and noise and vibration. Some mechanical engineering programs offer an option to specialize in automotive engineering with courses that cover the principles and dynamics of the field. Mechanical engineers can also work as structural or supervision engineers in the automotive industry.
Automobile engineering from mechanical
Device for slowing down large vehicles
A retarder is a device used to augment or replace some of the functions of primary friction-based braking systems, usually on heavy vehicles. Retarders serve to slow vehicles, or maintain a steady speed while traveling down a hill, and help prevent the vehicle from running away by accelerating down the hill. They are not usually capable of bringing vehicles to a standstill, as their effectiveness diminishes as vehicle speed lowers. They are usually used as an additional assistance to slow vehicles, with the final braking done by a conventional friction braking system. As the friction brake will be used less, particularly at higher speeds, their service life is increased, and since in those vehicles the brakes are air-actuated helps to conserve air pressure too.
A transmission is a mechanical device which uses gears
Drivetrain transmitting propulsion power
A transmission is a mechanical device which uses gears to change the speed or direction of rotation in a machine. Many transmissions have multiple gear ratios, but there are also transmissions that use a single fixed gear ratio.
A retarder is a device used to augment or replace
Device for slowing down large vehicles
A retarder is a device used to augment or replace some of the functions of primary friction-based braking systems, usually on heavy vehicles. Retarders serve to slow vehicles, or maintain a steady speed while traveling down a hill, and help prevent the vehicle from running away by accelerating down the hill. They are not usually capable of bringing vehicles to a standstill, as their effectiveness diminishes as vehicle speed lowers. They are usually used as an additional assistance to slow vehicles, with the final braking done by a conventional friction braking system. As the friction brake will be used less, particularly at higher speeds, their service life is increased, and since in those vehicles the brakes are air-actuated helps to conserve air pressure too.
A transmission is a mechanical device which uses gears to change
Drivetrain transmitting propulsion power
A transmission is a mechanical device which uses gears to change the speed or direction of rotation in a machine. Many transmissions have multiple gear ratios, but there are also transmissions that use a single fixed gear ratio.
