The mechanical engineering discipline at Flinders includes not only the mechanical engineering degrees but also our activities in naval architecture that have been developed in collaboration with the Australian Maritime College in Launceston. Both mechanical engineering and naval architecture have been developed as a result of the strong demand for engineers in these areas, particularly in South Australia. As a result, mechanical engineering represents the youngest but the fastest growing discipline at Flinders, both in terms of staff and students.
Mechanical engineering applies the principles of physics, materials science and mathematics to the design, development, research, evaluation, manufacture, installation, testing, operation, maintenance and management of mechanical systems. It involves an understanding of concepts such as mechanics, kinematics, fluid and solid dynamics, machines, thermodynamics, materials science and structural analysis and well as supporting techniques such as computer-aided systems, process management and control systems.
As a discipline, mechanical engineering is applied in a variety of areas including mining, minerals processing, manufacturing, the oil and gas industry, the automotive, aviation and shipbuilding industries, electrical power generation and distribution, road and rail transport, defence, agriculture, fishing and food processing.
