In this blog post, we will look at how mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering have converged to develop the field of mechanical and aerospace engineering and how it contributes to various industries.
Mechanical engineering and aeronautical engineering have developed along with human history. Mechanical engineering is closely related to the history of humans making and using tools, and the history of mechanical engineering can be said to have begun with the pulleys used in the construction of the pyramids of ancient Egypt in the BC era. In addition, aeronautical engineering began to be studied in earnest when the Wright brothers succeeded in manned powered flight for the first time in the early 20th century. Mechanical aeronautics, which combines these two fields, is an important discipline that is at the heart of modern technology and the foundation of future industries.
I was once asked about my major at a house where I went to give a tutoring demonstration. When I replied, “Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering,” the question came back, “What is that?” I replied, “It’s just like the Mechanical Engineering Department,” but both the person who asked the question and I had to make awkward faces. Why did this happen? The reason is very simple. I’m in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, but the other person knew nothing about that field. For people who are not interested in engineering, the word “mechanical” may be very unfamiliar or too broad of a concept. But that’s only natural.
If we look around, we can see many objects. Clocks, wardrobes, cars, doors, etc. If we call a clock or a car a “machine,” most people will nod their heads. So, can wardrobes and doors be called machines? The answer is “yes.” The hinge part of a wardrobe, the pulley of a chest of drawers, and the lock of a door are all mechanical parts. There are so many things in our daily lives that can be classified as machines. It is now difficult to find something that is not a machine. Mechanical engineering has a very broad scope of research, and it is mechanical engineering that studies, designs, and applies the principles of operation of these machines.
So why is it called the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, not just mechanical engineering? The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is a combined department of Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering. Although the two departments are not completely separate, there are differences in the subjects they teach. While mechanical engineering studies the principles of operation of general machines and designs them, aerospace engineering is a discipline that studies, among other things, aviation-related machines. The reason why aerospace engineering is studied as a separate discipline rather than being included in mechanical engineering is due to the differences in the environments in which aircraft operate. Aircraft that operate at altitudes as low as 6 km and as high as in space have different operating principles because they are subject to various variables, including air pressure, which is different from that on the ground. Therefore, aerospace engineers must not only study the operating principles of the machine, but also adjust and design the principles according to the environment in which the machine operates.
Because of this difference in background theory, there are also differences in the subjects that students learn. For example, if students studying mechanical engineering are mainly interested in automobiles or heavy industry, students studying aerospace engineering are more interested in aircraft or the space industry.
So, what are the career paths for students who graduate from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering? Generally, more than 60% of students who graduate from a bachelor’s degree program go on to pursue a master’s degree. More than 40% of students who complete a master’s degree go on to pursue a doctorate. However, many students choose to enter the workforce immediately after graduating from a bachelor’s degree. It seems that students who have studied mechanical engineering will not be able to find a job at an airline, but this is not the case. In fact, there are only about five universities in Korea that offer aerospace engineering, and not all of the employees at airlines are graduates of those schools. Airplanes are also machines, and the basic principles are the same, so students who have studied mechanical engineering can work in the aviation sector.
One of the biggest advantages of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is its joint research with other fields. Since machines are essential in various engineering fields, those who study mechanical engineering can play an important role in various fields. For example, you can work for a shipbuilding company even if you do not major in shipbuilding and marine engineering, and you can work for a construction company even if you do not major in architectural engineering. In particular, many of them find employment at companies related to automobiles, heavy industries, and aviation. Of course, there are also many students who go on to work in academia or research institutes.
As such, students who graduate from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering can work in a variety of fields using their major. Another advantage of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is the use of interdisciplinary majors. Interdisciplinary majors allow students to take classes from other departments as a minor, which allows them to gain additional knowledge in various fields. For example, students who want to work in mechanical design can choose a design-related major, while students who want to become managers can choose a business-related major. These related majors not only help students grow academically, but also provide great advantages when it comes to finding employment.
At first glance, mechanical and aerospace engineering may seem like a difficult major to understand because of its wide range of subjects. However, the important point is that mechanical and aerospace engineering is not simply an extension of mechanical engineering, but a core discipline that forms the basis of all engineering fields. In addition, the process of designing your own path among so many options is very interesting and rewarding. The academic journey at the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering will present students with new challenges, which will help them to pioneer their own future.
