Structural and mechanical engineers are similar in plenty of ways – their work involves frequent use of science & mathematics, their educational qualifications are rigorous to complete, and so on. However, the major distinction between these two kinds of professionals is the nature of their respective works.
The degree of both structural and mechanical engineers lasts for 4 years, but several structural engineers can receive a master’s, along with a degree of 4 years in civil engineering. The fundamental courses for both professionals are same too, including electronics, advanced mathematics, physics, chemistry and fluid dynamics. But students of structural engineering generally take extra classes of material science for learning the composition & strengths of timber, concrete and other construction materials. On the other hand, mechanical engineers take additional courses in energy conversion, thermodynamics, hydraulics and fuels.
Historically, the work of structural engineers has been always identified with civil engineering, which involves designing of buildings, dams, roads, bridges and sewer systems. As such, these experts mostly focus on structures like communications towers, buildings, bridges and arenas. They often cooperate with construction contractors, architects and surveyors, in addition to engineers from other disciplines.
Mechanical engineers, on the other hand, develop machines & tools, design heating & cooling systems for buildings, and draft industrial robots. They have different specializations – while some are skilled in power plants, manufacturing or medical equipment, others work with the design of boats, automobiles, and aircrafts. In fact, their expertise is required in any application that produces mechanical heat or power.
In Brisbane, Queensland and many other places of Australia, these two kinds of pros also work as consulting engineers either individually or as a part of organisations. In addition to that, there are plenty of projects that necessitate the joint efforts of structural and mechanical engineers. For instance, if a commercial tower needs to be built, first the architect is going to design it. After that, a structural engineer must be hired for analysing the blueprints and making sure that the proposed structure would be capable of handling the stress it’d be subjected to. After the project has been approved structurally, it would be assisted by a mechanical engineer for designing of the air conditioning & heating systems, escalators & elevators, and the ventilation systems.
So these are the main similarities and differences between structural & mechanical engineers. Even though they belong to different disciplines, their skills are collectively necessitated by a vast number of projects and applications.