Millwrights of the past were the precursors of mechanical engineers. To produce mechanical power, they used windmills and water mills. In the early 1800’s when steam power began to be used in manufacturing and transportation, mechanical engineering became a separate branch of engineering.
The production and use of mechanical power is the main objective of mechanical design and analysis. San Diego customers have access to mechanical engineering services in a variety of different industries, such as transportation, power generation, and various types of manufacturing. A company that provides mechanical design and analysis can construct, operate and test all kinds of machines that produce power. The engines or machines produce power from gasoline, steam, nuclear energy, and other sources. Mechanical engineers also design and build special machines used in manufacturing processes.
Specialized Fields of Mechanical Design and Analysis
- automotive engineering
- aeronautical engineering
- industrial engineering
- heating and air conditioning
Mechanical Design
Mechanical design uses energy to create mechanisms which obtain useful output to meet the needs of customers. It often leads to the development of a completely new machine or it can lead to enhancement of the existing machine. In the case of an existing gearbox that is too cumbersome or cannot tolerate appropriate loads, a completely new gearbox can be designed. Alternatively, it can be upgraded by making specified changes in its design if it has potential to handle more loads.
Analysis as it Relates to Mechanical Design
A mechanism’s motion, force magnitudes, and directions throughout various scenarios is determined by a performing a multibody dynamic analysis. A multibody dynamic analysis is useful to check for part interference, and plot various parameters of interest throughout a mechanism’s motion. Advanced techniques are used in analysis that model the effects of flexible components. One of the advantages of using these advanced techniques is that it does not limit the analysis with the rigid body assumption producing more accurate results.
Types of Analysis Used in Mechanical Design
- Design optimization via FEA (finite element analysis)
- Mechanical stress analysis of components and structures
- Vibration and acoustic analysis
- Experimental Stress Analysis
- Failure analysis
Knowledge of Mechanical Design and Analysis Helps Designers to:
- Select best suited shapes and correct materials
- Calculate measurements based on the loads and strength of the material
- Identify the manufacturing process of the designed part or the whole machine
Mechanical design and analysis services are essential to the creation of so many tools and equipment used today. These services are integral to many of the industry operations that from which we derive many benefits.