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Engineering in History: Examples

By Mike Richardson 13 May, 2023 4 mins read

There have been many examples of engineering throughout history, ranging from ancient monuments all the way to modern technology. Ancient Egyptians, for example, credit Imhotep with building a step pyramid in Saqqara. Imhotep was credited with building the Saqqara step pyramid, which was completed in 3000 BC. Egyptians then deified him. You may have heard of this ancient Egyptian engineer, but did you know that he was also a deified god?

Ancient engineering monuments

There are many ancient engineering monuments that stand as testaments to the talents of human beings. Ancient Egyptian civil and military engineer are represented by the pyramids in Egypt, the ziggurats at Mesopotamia and Pharos from Alexandria. The Acropolis and cities of Indus Valley civilization are two other examples of ancient engineering monuments. The Colosseum as well as the Acropolis were created by Roman and Ancient Greek engineers. The impressive structures built by Mayan civil engineers include the drainage systems and aqueducts at Teotihuacan (Mexico). Al-Jazari was a Turkish engineering monument. It featured five water pumps that were used by the Artuqid dynasty's kings. Others engineers like Mechanics developed the concepts for gears, escapement mechanism, and more.

Mechanical engineering in the early days

The 5th century BC in Mesopotamia is the beginning of mechanical engineering. The field has expanded greatly over the years, encompassing everything from automobiles to energy conversion to microelectromechanical systems. The history and evolution of mechanical engineering show that it was not always so simple. Regardless of whether you are interested in automobiles, manufacturing equipment, or energy conversion, mechanical engineering has shaped many aspects of our lives.

Early electrical engineering

After World War I the relationship between government and electrical engineers was complicated. Radio communication was used in wartime to communicate with others, but the government had to regulate this new technology. The United States government assumed control of all wireless channels in 1917. This was because the radio spectrum was so valuable that it could not be left uncontrolled. This led to a technological boom that transformed the way we communicate. Today you can see the history behind electricity in New York City.

Radio technology at the beginning

Radios were first used for simplex communication in the early 1900s. Morse Code is a code similar to that used for writing and used to send messages. These communications were one-way and couldn't be overheard. Despite the limitations of early radios the idea of sending electricity over great distances was groundbreaking. A new technology would have made it possible to create long-distance telephone lines.

Electric generators from the beginning

The electric generator was an amazing feat of engineering. It allowed for the production of electrical power using very little work. During the 1880s, hydraulic mines in the Sierra Nevada started experimenting with hydroelectric power. Almarian Decker, an engineer from the Brush Arc Light Company, who had recently moved to California with tuberculosis and was now a transmission engineer, integrated generation into the first three phase alternate-current power station in Redlands.

The western world's first electrical engineering was completed in the early 1900s.

The 19th century marks the beginning of the history of electrical engineering. Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison were two of the most prominent people in the field at the time. They were among the first engineers to specialize on electricity as it spread quickly. The electrical industry's growth changed the world. Many governments began to employ electrical engineers. While the TVA was perhaps the most well-known government initiative in this area of the country, many local governments provided power and service.

Santa Clara was home to early electrical engineering

Santa Clara University's School of Engineering was founded in 1912. They began offering bachelor's degree programs. Later, the school added master's and doctoral degrees to its offering. The school is now open to all of Silicon Valley. It offers a variety of programs in electric engineering, including advanced degree programs. There are also many opportunities to network and continue education. It is the only national association of professionals that is dedicated to electric engineering.

The beginning of electrical engineering in England

England was home to electrical engineering. Many of these pioneers, including George Stephenson as well as Isambard Kingdom Brunel (and Thomas Telford), were from the UK. In 1821, Michael Faraday demonstrated the conversion of electrical energy into mechanical energy. This was a significant milestone in the field's development. Other than these pioneers, many other significant contributors to this field were also from the UK.

In the United States, early electrical engineering

Electricity was not a new technology but it was necessary for many other jurisdictions. Governments began to assume responsibility for providing power and communication to its citizens and became major employers of electrical engineers. The TVA is perhaps the most notable government initiative in this area, but there were other examples as well. Outside of the USA, government control of power and communication was the norm. As a result of technological advancements, electrical engineers began realizing the importance to advance their field.

FAQ

Do I need a degree to become an engineer?

An engineering degree does not necessarily require a bachelor's. Many employers prefer applicants with degrees. You can also take classes online if you don't already have a degree.

Engineering: What does it mean?

Engineering is, simply put, the application of scientific principles for useful things. Engineers apply their scientific and mathematical knowledge to create machines, vehicles, buildings and bridges, as well as aircraft, spacecraft and robots.

Engineers can be involved in research, development, maintenance, testing and quality control. They also have the ability to teach, consult, and make decisions about law, politics and finance.

An engineer has various responsibilities, including designing and building products, systems, processes, and services; managing projects; performing tests and inspections; analyzing data; creating models; writing specifications; developing standards; training employees, supervising workers, and making decisions.

Engineers can be specialists in many areas such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, computer, biomedical and manufacturing.

Engineers may choose to concentrate on specific areas of engineering such as aeronautics or biotechnology.

What's a typical day for an engineer like?

Engineers spend most of their time working on projects. These projects might include improving existing products or developing new ones.

They might be involved in research projects that seek to improve the world.

They could also be involved creating new technologies such computers, mobile phones and planes, rockets, or other devices.

Engineers need to be creative and imaginative in order to accomplish these tasks. They should be able and willing to think outside the boxes to come up with creative solutions.

They will be expected to brainstorm ideas and create concepts. They will also need to test their ideas using various tools, such as laser cutters, CNC machine, 3D printers, and computer-aided designing software.

Engineers need to communicate well to convey their ideas to others. They need to write reports and presentations so that they can share their findings and ideas with clients and colleagues.

They will need to use their time efficiently in order to do the maximum possible work in the least amount of time.

No matter the type of engineering, you need to be creative and imaginative as well as analytical and organized.

What is an aerospace engineer?

Aerospace engineers apply their knowledge in aeronautics. Propulsion, robotics, flight dynamics, and flight dynamics to create aircraft, spacecrafts, satellites. Rockets and missiles can also be designed by them.

A space engineer could be involved in the design of new aircraft types, fuel sources, improving existing engines or creating space suits.

What is an industrial engineer doing?

Industrial engineers investigate how things interact, work and function.

They are responsible for ensuring that machinery, plants, or factories run safely and efficiently.

They design and implement equipment, controls, or operations that make it easier for workers, to accomplish their tasks.

They also make sure that machines are compliant with environmental regulations and meet safety standards.

What is a mechanical engineer?

A mechanical engineer designs machines, tools and products for human use.

To solve real-world problems, mechanical engineers combine mathematics, physics and engineering principles.

A mechanical engineering engineer could be involved in product creation, production maintenance, quality control or research and testing.

Which type of engineer gets the best salary?

Software engineers, who are responsible for writing code for computers, would be the right answer. They are also able to choose the kind of project they want. Although software engineers can work in almost any industry, they prefer to work for tech companies like Google and Microsoft.

Statistics

2021 median salary:$95,300 Typical required education: Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering Job growth outlook through 2030: 7% Mechanical engineers design, build and develop mechanical and thermal sensing devices, such as engines, tools, and machines. (snhu.edu)
Typically required education: Bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering Job growth outlook through 2030: 8% Aerospace engineers specialize in designing spacecraft, aircraft, satellites, and missiles. (snhu.edu)