types of engineering

Examples of Engineering in History

By Mike Richardson 20 March, 2023 4 mins read

Many historical examples of engineering include ancient monuments as well as modern technology. Imhotep was credited by the Ancient Egyptians with building the Saqqara Step Pyramid. 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

Many ancient engineering monuments can be seen as proof of the talent of humans. The ancient Egyptian civil engineers are reflected in the pyramids, ziggurats, and Pharos at Alexandria. Acropolis in India and Indus Valley are just two examples of ancient engineering landmarks. Ancient Greek and Roman engineers left behind monuments such as the Acropolis and the Colosseum. Mayan civil engineers designed impressive structures, including the drainage and aqueduct systems at Teotihuacan. Al-Jazari is a Turkish engineering memorial. It was constructed using five water pumping devices for the kings in the Artuqid family. Other engineers such as Mechanics invented the concepts of escapement mechanisms and gears.

Mechanical engineering in the early days

The origins and development of mechanical engineering can be traced back to Mesopotamia in the 5th Millennium BC. 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. 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, it was difficult to maintain a good relationship between the government and electrical engineers. 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 resulted in a boom of technology that has changed the way people communicate. You can still see the history and impact of electricity in New York City today.

Early radio technology

In the early 1900s, radios were used for simplex communications. Morse Code, which was similar to the code used for writing, was used to send messages. These communications were one-way, and it was impossible to speak over them. Despite the limitations of early radios, the idea of sending electrical waves across vast distances was revolutionary. It would take a new technology to make long-distance telephone connections possible.

Electric generators from the beginning

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, 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.

In the West, early electrical engineering

The history of electric engineering goes back to the 19th Century. Alexander Graham Bell (and Thomas Edison) were the two most influential people in the sector at this time. They were among the first engineers to specialize on electricity as it spread quickly. The world was transformed by the growth of the electric industry. Governments became major employers of electrical engineers. While the TVA was most notable of all the government initiatives in this sector, local governments also provided power and services.

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. The school later added doctoral and master's degree programs to its offerings. The school is now open to all of Silicon Valley. It offers a diverse range of programs in electrical engineering, including advanced degree programs. It offers many opportunities for continuing education and networking. It is the sole national professional organization that focuses on electrical engineering.

The beginning of electrical engineering in England

England is where electrical engineering was first developed. Many of the pioneers in the field, including George Stephenson and Isambard Kingdom Brunel came 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. In addition to these pioneers, the UK also had many other important contributors to the development of the field.

Early electrical engineering in the United States

Electricity is not a new technology. However, many other jurisdictions saw it as a necessity. The government began to take responsibility for power supply and communications to citizens. They also became major employers of electrical engineers. This is the most famous government initiative, but there are many others. 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

How difficult is engineering to study?

It all depends on what you mean when you say "hard". If you mean tough, then yes. If you mean boring, then no. Engineering isn't difficult because it involves a lot of maths, physics, and calculations.

If you're interested in learning how to do something, then go for it! Engineering doesn't require you to be an expert.

Engineering is fun if you're doing something you love.

It could be said that engineering is simple if you know all the details. However, it isn't true.

Engineers can be boring because they haven’t tried it all.

They just keep doing the same old thing every day.

There are many ways to solve problems. Each solution has its benefits and drawbacks. You can try them all to find which one is best for you.

Are there special qualifications required to study engineering in Canada?

No. All you need are good grades in your GCSEs. 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)

If you don't meet these requirements, you will need to take extra courses to help you prepare for university entrance exams.

You might also need to take additional maths/science subjects and a language course. Ask your school guidance counselors about these options.

What does an electrical engineer do?

They design power systems for use by people.

They are responsible in designing, building, testing and installing all types and sizes of electric equipment for residential, commercial, and government customers.

They plan and supervise the installation of these systems.

Electrical engineers design and install electronic devices, circuits, and components that convert electricity into useful forms.

What does it mean to be a mechanical engineer?

A mechanical engineer designs machines, vehicles, tools, products, and processes used by humans.

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

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

What is a typical day like for an engineer?

Engineers spend a lot of time on projects. These projects could include the development of new products or improvements to existing ones.

They might also be involved with research projects that aim for improvement in the world.

Or they may be involved in creating new technologies such as computers, mobile phones, cars, planes, rockets, etc.

Engineers must use their imagination and creativity to complete these tasks. They should be able and willing to think outside the boxes to come up with creative solutions.

They will need to sit down and brainstorm new ideas. They will also be required to test their prototypes and ideas with tools such as laser cutters and CNC machines, 3D printers and laser cutters, computer-aided designs software and other equipment.

Engineers also have to communicate effectively to explain 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 what kind of engineering you choose you must be creative, imaginative and organized.

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)
14% of Industrial engineers design systems that combine workers, machines, and more to create a product or service to eliminate wastefulness in production processes, according to BLS efficiently. (snhu.edu)