{"id":26,"date":"2025-02-25T09:20:37","date_gmt":"2025-02-25T14:20:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/?page_id=26"},"modified":"2026-04-14T15:49:59","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T19:49:59","slug":"mechanical-engineering","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/about\/mechanical-engineering\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Mechanical Engineering"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-full\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--small)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2250\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/innovation-south-robot.jpg\" alt=\"Student works with equipment at Innovation South\" class=\"wp-image-509\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/innovation-south-robot.jpg 2250w, https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/innovation-south-robot-300x160.jpg 300w, https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/innovation-south-robot-1024x546.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/innovation-south-robot-768x410.jpg 768w, https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/innovation-south-robot-1536x819.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/innovation-south-robot-2048x1092.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2250px) 100vw, 2250px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--x-large);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--x-large)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center alignwide has-condensed-font-family\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--small);font-size:clamp(1.743rem, 1.743rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 1.704), 3rem);font-style:italic;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase\">What is<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-smokey-color has-text-color has-link-color has-xx-large-font-size wp-elements-f1e4e232adb94f3c8d82d4b1f0d2d1bb\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;text-transform:uppercase\">Mechanical Engineering<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Mechanical engineering is a versatile field that involves the design, analysis, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. It encompasses a broad range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, energy, robotics, and manufacturing. Mechanical engineers apply principles of physics and mathematics to develop innovative solutions that improve efficiency, safety, and functionality in various systems<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-081cea82 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"width:100%\"><div style=\"width: 100%;height: 10px;margin: 10px 0px;border-bottom: 2px solid #ff8200\"><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center alignwide has-condensed-font-family\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--small);font-size:clamp(1.743rem, 1.743rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 1.704), 3rem);font-style:italic;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase\">WhY Study<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-smokey-color has-text-color has-link-color has-xx-large-font-size wp-elements-f1e4e232adb94f3c8d82d4b1f0d2d1bb\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;text-transform:uppercase\">Mechanical Engineering<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Mechanical engineering at UT combines hands-on experience with innovative research to prepare students for a broad range of careers. With access to cutting-edge labs, collaborative research with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and real-world co-op and internship programs, students gain the technical skills and professional experience needed to lead in industries like energy, robotics, and manufacturing. Opportunities for study abroad and engagement with a strong alumni network further enrich the academic journey.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull utkwds-gallery is-style-orange-texture has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-light twoUp-gallery-lgsm\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-0 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group twoUp-gallery is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-bottom is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:60%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Mechanical Engineering at the University of Tennessee\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/FL5lex3AqBA?start=1&#038;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-bottom is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-full twoUp-gallery-img-sm\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1493\" height=\"996\" src=\"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/graduate-student-battery-lab.jpg\" alt=\"Graduate student works on project in Arc battery lab\" class=\"wp-image-508\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/graduate-student-battery-lab.jpg 1493w, https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/graduate-student-battery-lab-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/graduate-student-battery-lab-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/graduate-student-battery-lab-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1493px) 100vw, 1493px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4383d167 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center alignwide\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--medium);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--medium)\">Interdisciplinary Examples<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Mechanical engineering work across disciplines on projects like biomechanics to improve people&#8217;s access to the world, advancing clean energy solutions, and much more. Check out just a few of the ways that mechanical engineers work to benefit society. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-081cea82 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"width:100%\"><div style=\"width: 100%;height: 10px;margin: 10px 0px;border-bottom: 2px solid #ff8200\"><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Biomechanics and Assistive Technology<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-b90d7d0e wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--x-small);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--large)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>Mechanical engineers collaborate with health professionals to develop prosthetics, orthotics, and rehabilitation devices that mimic or support human motion. By applying principles of dynamics and materials science, engineers improve the quality of life for individuals with physical impairments or injuries.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/MAE-Website-Icons-v0.1-wearable.png\" alt=\"Wearable Tech Icon\" class=\"wp-image-504\" style=\"width:175px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/MAE-Website-Icons-v0.1-wearable.png 300w, https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/MAE-Website-Icons-v0.1-wearable-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clean Energy and Sustainable Design<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-b90d7d0e wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--x-small);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--large)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>From wind turbines to solar tracking systems, mechanical engineers are vital to advancing renewable energy technologies. Their understanding of thermodynamics and fluid dynamics helps optimize energy conversion systems and reduce carbon emissions, contributing to a more sustainable planet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/MAE-Website-Icons-v0.1-energy.png\" alt=\"Energy Tower Icon\" class=\"wp-image-503\" style=\"width:175px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/MAE-Website-Icons-v0.1-energy.png 300w, https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/MAE-Website-Icons-v0.1-energy-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-b90d7d0e wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--x-small);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--large)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>Mechanical engineering intersects with computer science and electrical engineering to develop autonomous systems, robotic arms, and precision manufacturing techniques. These innovations are transforming industries from automotive production to medical device fabrication, improving efficiency, accuracy, and customization.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/MAE-Website-Icons-v0.1-drill.png\" alt=\"Drill Icon\" class=\"wp-image-502\" style=\"width:175px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/MAE-Website-Icons-v0.1-drill.png 300w, https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/MAE-Website-Icons-v0.1-drill-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Climate Control and Environmental Systems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-b90d7d0e wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--x-small);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--large)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>Mechanical engineers design HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems and sustainable building solutions that enhance comfort and energy efficiency. Their work is critical in designing systems that balance human needs with environmental conservation, especially in urban and industrial spaces.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"625\" height=\"625\" src=\"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/MAE-Website-Icons-v0.1-hvac.png\" alt=\"City scene icon\" class=\"wp-image-506\" style=\"width:175px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/MAE-Website-Icons-v0.1-hvac.png 625w, https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/MAE-Website-Icons-v0.1-hvac-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/MAE-Website-Icons-v0.1-hvac-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-light has-custom-content-position is-position-top-center utkwds-text-media-bg-texture\" style=\"border-top-color:var(--wp--preset--color--orange);border-top-width:5px;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--medium);padding-right:2.25rem;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:2.25rem;min-height:640px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-62\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/tour-texture-white-jpeg.webp\" style=\"object-position:47% 45%\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" data-object-position=\"47% 45%\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-light-background-color has-background-dim-100 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-container-core-cover-is-layout-6e67f333 wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-smokey-color has-text-color has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-e7907d97 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--small);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--small)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-utkwds-left-frame\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1493\" height=\"996\" src=\"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/dickerson-lab.jpg\" alt=\"Andrew Dickerson works with two students in his lab\" class=\"wp-image-507\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/dickerson-lab.jpg 1493w, https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/dickerson-lab-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/dickerson-lab-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/dickerson-lab-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1493px) 100vw, 1493px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-697b061e wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-condensed-font-family\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--small);font-size:clamp(1.502rem, 1.502rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 1.353), 2.5rem);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:1.9px;line-height:0;text-transform:uppercase\"><em>Career<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-x-large-font-size\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--x-small);text-transform:uppercase\">Outlook<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest and most in-demand engineering disciplines, offering a wide array of career paths in industries such as automotive, aerospace, energy, robotics, manufacturing, and healthcare. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is projected to grow 10% between 2023 and 2033\u2014faster than the average for all occupations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Starting Median Salary:<\/strong> $78,000*<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mid-career Median Salary: <\/strong>$103,000**<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Number of Jobs:<\/strong> 323,900***<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-light has-custom-content-position is-position-top-center utkwds-text-media-bg-texture\" style=\"border-bottom-style:none;border-bottom-width:0px;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:0;padding-right:2.25rem;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:2.25rem;min-height:198px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-62\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/tour-texture-white-jpeg.webp\" style=\"object-position:47% 45%\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" data-object-position=\"47% 45%\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-light-background-color has-background-dim-100 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-container-core-cover-is-layout-83887fc0 wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-smokey-color has-text-color has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-e7907d97 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--small);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--small)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-x-small-font-size\">*These figures include the median salary of engineers with 0-5 years of experience. The data comes from payscale.com, July 2025.<br>**These figures include the median salary of engineers with 10+ years of experience. The data comes from payscale.com, July 2025.<br>***These figures are based on the projected number of jobs for mechanical engineers in 2033 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is Mechanical Engineering Mechanical engineering is a versatile field that involves the design, analysis, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. It encompasses a broad range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, energy, robotics, and manufacturing. Mechanical engineers apply principles of physics and mathematics to develop innovative solutions that improve efficiency, safety, and functionality in various [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":23,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"no-title","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-26","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What is Mechanical Engineering - Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/about\/mechanical-engineering\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What is Mechanical Engineering - Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"What is Mechanical Engineering Mechanical engineering is a versatile field that involves the design, analysis, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. It encompasses a broad range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, energy, robotics, and manufacturing. Mechanical engineers apply principles of physics and mathematics to develop innovative solutions that improve efficiency, safety, and functionality in various [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/about\/mechanical-engineering\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-04-14T19:49:59+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/innovation-south-robot.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2250\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"12 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/tickle.utk.edu\\\/mae\\\/about\\\/mechanical-engineering\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/tickle.utk.edu\\\/mae\\\/about\\\/mechanical-engineering\\\/\",\"name\":\"What is Mechanical Engineering - Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/tickle.utk.edu\\\/mae\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/tickle.utk.edu\\\/mae\\\/about\\\/mechanical-engineering\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/tickle.utk.edu\\\/mae\\\/about\\\/mechanical-engineering\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/tickle.utk.edu\\\/mae\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/6\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/innovation-south-robot.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-02-25T14:20:37+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-04-14T19:49:59+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/tickle.utk.edu\\\/mae\\\/about\\\/mechanical-engineering\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/tickle.utk.edu\\\/mae\\\/about\\\/mechanical-engineering\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/tickle.utk.edu\\\/mae\\\/about\\\/mechanical-engineering\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/tickle.utk.edu\\\/mae\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/6\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/innovation-south-robot.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/tickle.utk.edu\\\/mae\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/6\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/innovation-south-robot.jpg\",\"width\":2250,\"height\":1200},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/tickle.utk.edu\\\/mae\\\/about\\\/mechanical-engineering\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/tickle.utk.edu\\\/mae\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"About the Department\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/tickle.utk.edu\\\/mae\\\/about\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"What is Mechanical Engineering\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/tickle.utk.edu\\\/mae\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/tickle.utk.edu\\\/mae\\\/\",\"name\":\"Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/tickle.utk.edu\\\/mae\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"What is Mechanical Engineering - Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/about\/mechanical-engineering\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"What is Mechanical Engineering - Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering","og_description":"What is Mechanical Engineering Mechanical engineering is a versatile field that involves the design, analysis, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. It encompasses a broad range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, energy, robotics, and manufacturing. Mechanical engineers apply principles of physics and mathematics to develop innovative solutions that improve efficiency, safety, and functionality in various [&hellip;]","og_url":"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/about\/mechanical-engineering\/","og_site_name":"Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering","article_modified_time":"2026-04-14T19:49:59+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2250,"height":1200,"url":"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/innovation-south-robot.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"12 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/about\/mechanical-engineering\/","url":"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/about\/mechanical-engineering\/","name":"What is Mechanical Engineering - Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/about\/mechanical-engineering\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/about\/mechanical-engineering\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/innovation-south-robot.jpg","datePublished":"2025-02-25T14:20:37+00:00","dateModified":"2026-04-14T19:49:59+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/about\/mechanical-engineering\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/about\/mechanical-engineering\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/about\/mechanical-engineering\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/innovation-south-robot.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/07\/innovation-south-robot.jpg","width":2250,"height":1200},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/about\/mechanical-engineering\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"About the Department","item":"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/about\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"What is Mechanical Engineering"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/#website","url":"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/","name":"Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/26","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/26\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tickle.utk.edu\/mae\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}