types of engineering

Engineering in History: Examples

By Dylan Smith 4 June, 2023 4 mins read

Engineering can be seen throughout history in many forms, including ancient monuments and modern technology. Imhotep is the one who built the Saqqara step-pyramid. This was according to ancient Egyptians. Imhotep was credited with building the Saqqara step pyramid, which was completed in 3000 BC. Egyptians then deified him. This ancient Egyptian engineer may be familiar to you, but did know that he was also an Egyptian 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. Other examples of ancient engineering monuments include the cities of the Indus Valley civilization and the Acropolis. The Colosseum and Acropolis are monuments left by Roman and Greek ancient engineers. Mayan civil engineers created impressive structures like the aqueducts and drainage systems at Teotihuacan in Mexico. Al-Jazari (a Turkish engineering monument) was built using five water pumping machines to serve the Artuqid monarchs. Other engineers such as Mechanics invented the concepts of escapement mechanisms and gears.

Early mechanical engineering

Mechanical engineering dates back to Mesopotamia's 5th millennium BC. The field has expanded greatly over the years, encompassing everything from automobiles to energy conversion to microelectromechanical systems. It was not as easy as it is now, as shown by the history of mechanical engineering. Mechanical engineering has had a profound impact on many aspects of human life, whether you're interested automobiles, manufacturing equipment or energy conversion.

Early electrical engineering

After World War I the relationship between government and electrical engineers was complicated. During the war, radio was used to communicate with each other, but this new technology required heavy government regulation. In 1917, the United States government took control of all wireless stations, arguing that the radio spectrum was too valuable to leave uncontrolled. This was the start of a new era in communication technology. Today you can see the history behind electricity in New York City.

Radio technology in the early days

Radios were first used for simplex communication in the early 1900s. Morse Code can be used to send messages. This code is very similar to what was used for writing. These communications were only one-way and could not be heard over the other. Despite limitations in early radios, the idea to send electrical waves over vast distances was groundbreaking. Without a new technology, long-distance phone lines were not possible.

Early electric generators

The invention of the electric generator, which was an engineering marvel, made it possible to generate electrical power with very little effort. The first hydroelectric power experiments were made in 1880s by hydraulic miners in Sierra Nevada. Almarian Decker (1893), a former engineer at the Brush arc light Company who had moved to California due to tuberculosis in 1880, combined generation and transmission in Redlands' first three-phase alternate current power plant.

Early electric engineering in the west

The 19th-century is the start of the history in electrical engineering. Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison were two of the most prominent people in the field at the time. The invention of electricity spread quickly and these two men were the first to specialize in it. The rise of the electrical industry changed the world and government became a large employer of electrical engineers. While the TVA was the most famous of government initiatives in this area, local governments also provided service and power.

Early electrical engineering in Santa Clara

Santa Clara University's School of Engineering was established in 1912. It began offering bachelor's degrees. The school later expanded its offerings to include master's and doctoral programs. Today, the school covers the entire Silicon Valley. The school offers a wide range of programs, including advanced degrees in electrical engineering. There are also many opportunities to network and continue education. It is the only national professional organization specifically dedicated to electrical engineering.

The beginning of electrical engineering in England

England is where electrical engineering was first developed. Many of the pioneers of this field were born in the UK, including George Stephenson (Isambard Kingdom Brunel) and Thomas Telford. In 1821, Michael Faraday demonstrated the conversion of electrical energy into mechanical energy. This was a significant milestone in the field's development. These pioneers were not the only ones who contributed to the field's growth.

In the United States, early electrical engineering

While electricity isn't a new technology in itself, it was deemed necessary for many jurisdictions. Governments became major employers for electrical engineers as they assumed responsibility for providing power and communication to their citizens. While the TVA is most prominent government initiative in this space, there were also other examples. Government control of power and communication was the norm outside of the USA. As a result of technological advancements, electrical engineers began realizing the importance to advance their field.

FAQ

What is a Mechanical Engineering Engineer?

A mechanical engineer designs machines for people, such as vehicles, tools, products and machinery.

Mechanical engineers use mathematics, physics, and engineering principles to create practical solutions to real-world problems.

A mechanical engineer might be involved in product development and production, maintenance or quality control.

What does an aerospace engineer do?

Aerospace engineers use their knowledge of aeronautics and propulsion to design spacecraft, satellites and rockets.

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

Engineering What?

Engineering, in short, is the application scientific principles to make useful things. Engineers use their knowledge of mathematics and science to design and produce machines, vehicles.

Engineers are involved in many areas, including research and development, production maintenance, testing, quality assurance, sales, marketing management, consulting law, politics, finance and human resources administration.

A variety of responsibilities are available to an engineer, such as designing and building products, processes, and systems; managing projects; performing tests, inspections; analysing data; creating models; writing specifications and standards; supervising employees; and making decisions.

Engineers have the ability to specialize in a variety of fields including electrical, chemical and civil.

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

What kind of engineer is Elon Musk?

He is an inventor who enjoys thinking outside the box.

He is also a risk-taker.

He is not afraid of trying new ideas, and he is willing take risks.

Elon Musk represents a great example for someone who thinks differently. He doesn't listen to what others say. Instead, he experiments with his own ideas before deciding whether or not they work. If they didn't work, he changes them until he finds something that works. This allows him to be more creative and problem-solving.

Are there any special requirements to study engineering?

No. Good grades in your GCSEs or equivalent are all that is required. Some universities require that applicants achieve certain academic achievements before they can be accepted. Cambridge University, for instance, requires applicants to earn A*-C grades (in Maths, English Language or Science)

You will need to complete additional courses if you do not meet the requirements.

You might also need to take additional maths/science subjects and a language course. You can learn more about these options by contacting your school guidance counselors.

Statistics

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)
8% Civil engineers solve infrastructure problems. (snhu.edu)