Structural vs. Mechanical
Structural vs. Mechanical
(OP)
I have a small problem at work. It seems that FEA is percieved to be the preserve of structural engineers.
What really gets me is work which in my mind is the domain of mechanical engineers, such as pressure vessel design and heat transfer problems, goes to the structural engineers. I don't understand the logic behind it, especially when they come to me (or one of the other mechanical engineers) asking about the pressure vessel code or how to calculate heat lost due to radiation!
I only get given FEA work if the structural guys are too busy, and even then management aren't that comfortable with it. (They don't let me put "Mechanical Engineer" on the fee offers, it has to be "FEA Engineer".)
Any ideas on how to get management to realise FEA is not solely a structural engineering discipline?
What really gets me is work which in my mind is the domain of mechanical engineers, such as pressure vessel design and heat transfer problems, goes to the structural engineers. I don't understand the logic behind it, especially when they come to me (or one of the other mechanical engineers) asking about the pressure vessel code or how to calculate heat lost due to radiation!
I only get given FEA work if the structural guys are too busy, and even then management aren't that comfortable with it. (They don't let me put "Mechanical Engineer" on the fee offers, it has to be "FEA Engineer".)
Any ideas on how to get management to realise FEA is not solely a structural engineering discipline?





RE: Structural vs. Mechanical
As a structural engineer with a strong background in engineering mechanics (i.e. Elasticity, Plasticity, FEA, Fracture Mechanics, etc) I would never touch a heat transfer problem. However I would remind you that there are some areas which can be shared and to me those are stress analysis, which can include pressure vessels. that said, I would think that those structural engineers should recognize their limits if they don't deal with vessels on a regular basis.
Regards,
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RE: Structural vs. Mechanical
RE: Structural vs. Mechanical
a) Slender structures subject to static loading - Civil background
b) Non-Slender structures subject to dynamic loading - Mechanical background
This is a generalization of course as there are sometimes overlaps in the two categories. Take Boeing as an example. Their ads for their aircraft structures department ask for candidates from either civil, mechanical or aero backgrounds. This is because all 3 disciplines have a background in the principles of stress/strain.
RE: Structural vs. Mechanical
Regards,
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Qshake
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RE: Structural vs. Mechanical
I don't think it's got much to do with my academic credentials, rather an ingrained way of doing things here.
The head of the mechanical section is much more management orientated whereas the head of the structural section is very technically focused. I think this has lead to structural getting the 'more' technical problems and mechanical managing them over the years.
I agree there are huge crossovers between the two disciplines which adds to my frustration. Vibration/dynamics problems are never considered for the mechanical guys, yet the bulk of my masters involved nonlinear dynamics.
I don't think its that they don't trust me, rather its not really seen as part of my scope of work.
Trying to undo years of managements way thinking is not excatly easy. I do manage to get decent stuff to do, but I have to fight tooth and nail for it.
RE: Structural vs. Mechanical
Good luck.
Regards,
![[pipe] pipe](https://www.tipmaster.com/images/pipe.gif)
Qshake
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RE: Structural vs. Mechanical
You're right, and I think I do have the door ajar. Its just the (almost) daily battles to convince people its ok for a mechanical engineer to do the work gets more than a bit frustrating.
I guess I am just having a whinge, wishing that work came to me rather then me fighting madly for it.
RE: Structural vs. Mechanical
Impressing them should work most of the time. It will make them realize that they are wasting you.
good luck,
Fe
RE: Structural vs. Mechanical
If you are strac enough to even talk about this, why do you work somewhere where you have to "fight " to do the type of analysis you want to do. Look around and if you are good (or even competent and hard working) you should be able to get paid to do the type of analysis you enjoy.
RE: Structural vs. Mechanical
corus