The Mechanics of Flight

This article illustrates contribution of mechanical engineering in the aviation industry. The most obvious role of the mechanical engineer involves the design of engines. From the Wrights’ four cylinders, 12-horsepower engine, aircraft propulsion has evolved into today’s high-bypass turbofans developing over 90,000 pounds of thrust in some instances. The most visible contribution of mechanical engineers to aviation, engines are far from their only contribution. Changes in the design, construction, and capabilities of increasingly modern aircraft challenged the mechanical engineering in many other regards. The introduction of gas-turbine power required a concurrent revolution in manufacturing, test, and maintenance facilities and techniques at the engine builders. As advancements in aircraft construction and power opened the door to higher and faster flight, virtually every system within the airplane had to become more sophisticated, and new ones had to be devised. Air conditioning systems also changed, both to better suit the gas turbine prime mover and to accommodate wider external temperature extremes.