1.

Mechanical engineering is the discipline that

applies engineering, physics, engineering mathematics, and materials
science principles to design, analyze, manufacture, and maintain mechanical
systems. It is one of the oldest and broadest of the engineering disciplines.
Mechanics is, in the most general sense, the study of forces and their effect
upon matter. Typically, engineering mechanics is used to analyze and predict the
acceleration and deformation (both elastic and plastic) of objects under known
forces (also called loads) or stresses. Mechanical engineers typically use
mechanics in the design or analysis phases of engineering.

Mechatronics is a combination of mechanics and electronics. It is an

interdisciplinary branch of mechanical engineering, electrical
engineering and software engineering that is concerned with integrating electrical
and mechanical engineering to create hybrid systems. In this way, machines can
be automated through the use of electric motors, servo-mechanisms, and other
electrical systems in conjunction with special software.

Robotics is the application of mechatronics to create robots, which are often used
in industry to perform tasks that are dangerous, unpleasant, or repetitive. These
robots may be of any shape and size, but all are preprogrammed and interact
physically with the world. To create a robot, an engineer typically employs
kinematics (to determine the robot's range of motion) and mechanics (to
determine the stresses within the robot).

Thermodynamics is an applied science used in several branches of engineering,

including mechanical and chemical engineering. At its simplest, thermodynamics
is the study of energy, its use and transformation through a system.[30] Typically,
engineering thermodynamics is concerned with changing energy from one form
to another. As an example, automotive engines convert chemical energy
 (enthalpy) from the fuel into heat, and then into mechanical work that eventually
turns the wheels.

Drafting or technical drawing is the means by which mechanical engineers

design products and create instructions for manufacturing parts. A technical
drawing can be a computer model or hand-drawn schematic showing all the
dimensions necessary to manufacture a part, as well as assembly notes, a list of
required materials, and other pertinent information.[32] A U.S. mechanical
engineer or skilled worker who creates technical drawings may be referred to as
a drafter or draftsman. Drafting has historically been a two-dimensional process,
but computer-aided design (CAD) programs now allow the designer to create in
three dimensions.
2. Auto research engineers seek to improve the performance of cars. These
engineers work to improve traditional features of cars such as suspension, and
they also work on aerodynamics and new possible fuels.
Heating and cooling systems engineers work to create and maintain environmental
systems wherever temperatures and humidity must be kept within certain limits. They
develop such systems for airplanes, trains, cars, schools, and even computer rooms.
Robotic engineers plan, build, and maintain robots. These engineers plan how robots
will use sensors for detecting things based on light or smell, and they design how these
sensors will fit into the designs of the robots.
Materials Engineers
Materials engineers develop, process, and test materials used to create a wide range of
products, from computer chips and aircraft wings to golf clubs and biomedical devices.
They study the properties and structures of metals, ceramics, plastics, composites,
nanomaterials (extremely small substances), and other substances in order to create
new materials that meet certain mechanical, electrical, and chemical requirements.
Mathematicians and Statisticians
Mathematicians and statisticians analyze data and apply mathematical and statistical
techniques to help solve real-world problems in business, engineering, healthcare, or
other fields.
Mechanical Engineering Technicians
Mechanical engineering technicians help mechanical engineers design, develop, test,
and manufacture mechanical devices, including tools, engines, and machines. They
may make sketches and rough layouts, record and analyze data, make calculations and
estimates, and report their findings.
Natural Sciences Managers
Natural sciences managers supervise the work of scientists, including chemists,
physicists, and biologists. They direct activities related to research and development,
and coordinate activities such as testing, quality control, and production.
Nuclear Engineers
Nuclear engineers research and develop the processes, instruments, and systems used
to derive benefits from nuclear energy and radiation. Many of these engineers find
industrial and medical uses for radioactive materials—for example, in equipment used in
medical diagnosis and treatment.
Petroleum Engineers
Petroleum engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from
deposits below the Earth's surface. Petroleum engineers also find new ways to extract
oil and gas from older wells.
Physicists and Astronomers
Physicists and astronomers study the ways in which various forms of matter and energy
interact. Theoretical physicists and astronomers may study the nature of time or the
origin of the universe. Some physicists design and perform experiments with
sophisticated equipment such as particle accelerators, electron microscopes, and
lasers.
Sales Engineers
Sales engineers sell complex scientific and technological products or services to
businesses. They must have extensive knowledge of the products' parts and functions
and must understand the scientific processes that make these products work.
Mechanical engineers hold about 288,800 jobs. The largest employers of mechanical
engineers were as follows:
Architectural, engineering, and related services 22%

Machinery manufacturing 13

Transportation equipment manufacturing 12

Scientific research and development services 7

Computer and electronic product manufacturing 7

The median annual wages for mechanical engineers in the top industries in which they
work are as follows:
Scientific research and development services $96,360

Computer and electronic product manufacturing 89,330

Architectural, engineering, and related services 87,670

Transportation equipment manufacturing 84,940

Machinery manufacturing 75,480

The Importance of Professional Societies

Networking with one's fellow scientists and engineers is extremely important for
personal and professional development. Professional organizations sponsor
conferences, publish journals, and serve as reviewers or editors. They set professional
and educational standards and provide job and career services for their members.
3.
4.
Republic Act No. 8495
An Act Regulating the Practice of Mechanical Engineering in the
Philippines
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:
Article I
TITLE, STATEMENT OF POLICY, AND DEFINITION OF TERMS

Section 1. Title.-This Act shall be known as the –Philippine Mechanical Engineering

Act of 1998.

Section 2. Statement of Policy.- The State recognizes the importance of mechanical

engineers in nation- building and development. Their talents through sustainable
human development shall be promoted. Thus, the State shall develop and nurture
competent, virtuous, productive and well-rounded mechanical engineers whose
standard of professional practice and service shall be excellent, qualitative, world-
class and globally competitive through regulatory measures, programs and
activities.

Section 3. Definition of Terms.- As used in this Act, the following terms shall mean
as follows:

a) Practice of Mechanical Engineering - A person shall be deemed to be practicing

mechanical engineering or rendering mechanical engineering service within the
meaning and intent of this Act when he performs the following:

(1) Consultation, valuation, investigation and management services requiring

mechanical engineering knowledge;

(2) Engineering design, preparation of plans, specifications and projects

studies or estimates for
mechanical equipment, machinery, or processes of any mechanical works, projects
or plants;

(3) Management or supervision of the erection, installation, alteration, testing

and commissioning of
mechanical equipment, machinery, or processes in mechanical works, projects or
plants;

(4) Management, supervision, operation, tending or maintenance of any

mechanical equipment,
machinery or processes in mechanical work, projects or plants;

5) Management or supervision of the manufacture, sale, supply or distribution of

mechanical equipment parts or components;

(6) Teaching of mechanical engineering professional subjects in government

recognized and accredited
engineering schools; and

(7) Employment in government as a professional mechanical engineer, registered

mechanical engineer, or certified plant mechanic if the nature and character of his
work is in line with his profession requiring professional knowledge of the science of
mechanical engineering.

b) Mechanical equipment or machinery - includes all prime movers such as

steam engines and turbines, internal combustion engines and gas engines and
turbines; steam generators such as boiler; furnaces; heat exchanger such as cooling
towers, kilns and dryers coolers and heaters; materials handling equipment, such as
pumps, cranes, conveyors, hoists, elevators, escalators, mechanized dumbwaiters,
moving ramps and walkways: heating, air-conditioning, ventilating, and refrigeration
equipment and machinery, including compressors and centrifugal fans, mechanical
pollution abatement and environmental control system; piping system with a working
pressure of not less than 70 kpa., fired and unfired pressure vessels, printing
machine; mechanical working machines for metallic and non-metallic materials and
other mechanical equipment and machinery whether installed on land, underground,
or on board watercraft.
 c) Mechanical processes, works, projects or plants shall include steam
plants, geothermal plants, dander-thermal plants, nuclear plants, ocean thermal
energy conservation (OTEC) plants, internal combustion plants, hydraulic plants,
pumping plants, compressed gas plants, all kinds of mills, shops, factories,
shipyards dry docks, heating, air conditioning, ventilating and refrigeration plants
containing any mechanical equipment, machinery or process deriving power from
steam, fossil fuels, wind, air, gas, water, solar heat, nuclear energy, ocean waves
and tides, or other energy sources.

d) Capacity of process works, projects or plant-rated capacity in kilowatt of

mechanical works, projects or plants for the purpose of this Act shall be the total
kilowatt ratings of all engines, motors, boilers, turbines, or other prime movers
installed for use in such works, projects or plants, whether in operation or not, and
without regard to the number of capacities of the mechanical equipment, machinery
or processes receiving power from or intended to be driven by such prime movers.

5. Article II
BOARD OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Section 4. Creation and Composition of the Board of Mechanical Engineering.- There is

hereby created a Board of Mechanical Engineering, hereinafter called the Board, to be
composed of a Chairman and two (2) members to be appointed by the President of the
Philippines from a list of three (3) recommend for each Position, chosen, ranked in the
order of preference and submitted by the Professional Regulation Commission,
hereinafter referred to as the Commission, from a list of five nominee submitted by the
duly accredited association of mechanical engineers in the Philippines. The Board shall
be organized not later than six (6) months from the affectivity of this Act.
Section 5. Qualifications of Members of the Board. – A member of the Board shall, at
the time of his
appointment, possess the following qualifications:

(a) Natural born citizen and resident of the Philippines;

(b) Must be at least thirty-five (35) years of age;
(c) Holder of the degree of Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or its
equivalent, conferred by a school, academy, college or university in the Philippines
or abroad that is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED);
(d) A Professional Mechanical Engineer with a valid professional license and an
active practitioner as such, for not less than ten (10) years prior to his appointment;
(e) Must not, for a period of three (3) consecutive years prior to appointment, be a
member of the faculty of any school, academy, institute, college or university where
a regular course in mechanical engineering is being taught, nor have pecuniary
interest in or administrative supervision over any such institutions of learning;
(f) Must not, for a period of three (3) consecutive years prior to appointment, be
connected with a review center or with any group or association where review
classes or lectures in preparation for the licensure
examination are offered or conducted at the time of appointment; and (g) Has never
been convicted of any offense involving moral turpitude.

Section 6. Term of Office.- A member of the Board shall hold office for a term of three
(3) years from the date of his appointment or until his successor shall have been
qualified and duly appointed, unless, however, that such incumbent member has been
re appointed for another three (3) years term. No member of the Board shall serve for
more than two (2) regular terms. Any vacancy occurring within the term of a member
due to resignation, conviction of any kind, disability or death, shall be filled by
appointment by the President of the Philippines; and such member appointed shall
serve for the un expired portion of the term vacated without prejudice to serve for a
maximum of two (2) full terms. If the appointee comes from the incumbent Board, he
shall serve the remaining vacated term in addition to the previous years he had already
served and shall be qualified for reappointment in his new position: Provided, his
aggregate number of years of service shall not exceed two (2) regular full terms. Each
member of the Board shall take his oath of office prior to the official performance of his
duties.

6. Section 9. Power and Duties of the Board.- The Board shall exercise the
following specific powers, functions, duties and responsibilities:

(a) To promulgate and adopt the rules and regulations necessary for carrying
out the provisions of this
Act;

(b) To supervise the registration, licensure and practice of mechanical engineers

in the Philippines;

(c) To administer oaths in connection with the successful examinees entering

the practice of Mechanical Engineering;

(d) To issue the certificate of registration to successful examinees;

(e) To issue, suspend and/or revoke, after due process certificates of

registration and issue, cancel and suspend professional license or cancel special
permits for the practice of mechanical engineering, for causes provided by law;

(f) To adopt an official seal of the Board;

(g) To look into the conditions affecting the practice of the mechanical
engineering profession and whenever necessary, adopt such measures as may be
deemed proper for the enhancement and maintenance of high professional and ethical
standards of the profession; (h) To prescribe and/or adopt a Code of Ethical and
Professional Standards for the practice of the mechanical engineering profession.
 (i) To hear and try administrative cases involving violations of this Act, its
Implementing Rules and Regulations, the Code of Ethics for Mechanical Engineers,
and for this purpose, to issue subpoena and subpoena duchess tecum to secure the
appearance of witnesses and the production of documents in connection therewith;

(j) Prescribe guidelines in the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) program

in coordination with
accredited association of mechanical engineers;

(k) Prepare, adopt, issue or amend the syllabi of the subjects for examinations;

(l) Approve, issue, limit or revoke temporary license to practice mechanical

engineering; and (m) Discharge such other duties and functions as may be deemed
necessary for the enhancement of the mechanical engineering profession and the
upgrading, development and growth of mechanical engineering education in the
Philippines.

7. Section 13. Categories.- Certificates of registration for the practice of mechanical

engineering shall be of three (3) categories and in order of rank as follows:

(a) Professional
Mechanical Engineer;
(b) Mechanical Engineer;
and
(c) Certified Plant
Mechanic.

Section 15. Qualifications of Applicants for Mechanical Engineer - Any person applying
for examination and for a Certificate of Registration as Mechanical Engineer shall, prior
to admission to the examinations, establish to the satisfaction of the Board that:
 (a) He is a citizen of the Philippines;
(b) He must not have been convicted by a court of law of a crime involving
moral turpitude;
(c) He holds the degree of Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
from a university, school, College, academy, or institute duly constituted and
recognized as such by the government.
Section 17. Scope of Examination.- The scope of examination and the methods of
procedure shall be prescribed by the Board with special reference to the applicants –
ability to perform the type of engineering work pertaining to the particular category he is
to be registered in.

Mechanical Engineer - The applicant shall pass a written examination on different

subjects or group of subjects prescribed by the Board, and within the syllabi prepared
by the Board with emphasis on power plant and industrial plant engineering,
mathematics, engineering economics, economic analysis, laws and ethics and machine
design. The subjects in which the applicant for Mechanical Engineers shall be examined
are:

1. Machine Design, Materials, and Shop Practice

2. Industrial and Power Plant Engineering
3. Mathematics Engineering Economics and basic engineering sciences
Section 18. Ratings.-To pass the examination, a candidate for a professional
mechanical engineer, a mechanical engineer, and certified plant mechanic must obtain
an average of seventy percent (70%) on all subjects, with no rating below fifty percent
(50%) in any of the subjects.
Section 26. Revocation and Suspension of Certificate.- The Board shall have the
power, upon proper notice and hearing, to suspend or revoke any certificate of
registration of any registrant for any cause specified in the preceding section, or for the
use in whatever way of any fraud or deceit in obtaining a certificate of registration, or for
gross negligence or incompetence or for unprofessional or dishonorable conduct and for
violation of the code of ethics for mechanical engineers and certified plant
mechanics: Provided, That the action of the Board shall be subject to appeal to the
Commission within fifteen (15) days from notice, whose decision on the matter shall be
final.
8. Section 34. Personnel Required in Mechanical Plant.-Every mechanical work
project or plant in operation shall have not less than the following complement of
resident licensed professional mechanical engineer, mechanical engineer or
certified plant mechanic:

(a) 100 kw or over but not more than 300 kw: one (1) certified plant
mechanic, or one (1) mechanical engineer, or one (1) professional mechanical
engineer: Provided, That every mechanical work, project, or plant in this category
operating in more than one shift every twenty four hours, shall have in addition to
the minimum personnel herein required, one (1) certified plant mechanic, or one
(1) mechanical engineer, or one (1) professional mechanical engineer in-charge
of each and every additional shift.

(b) 300 kw or over, but not more than 2000 kw: one (1) mechanical
engineer or one (1) professional mechanical engineer: Provided, That every
mechanical work, project, or plant in this category operating in more than one
shift every twenty-four (24) hours shall have, in addition to the minimum
personnel herein required at least one (1) mechanical engineer, or one (1)
professional mechanical engineer in-charge of each and every additional shift.

(c) Over 2000 kw: one (1) professional mechanical engineer: Provided,
That every mechanical work, project or plant in this category operating in more
than one shift every twenty-four (24) hours shall have, in addition to the minimum
personnel herein required at least one (1) professional mechanical engineer in-
charge of each and every additional shift.

9. Code of Mechanical Engineering Ethics in the Philippines

Pursuant to Section 9 of Commonwealth Act No. 294, as amended, otherwise known as
the Mechanical Engineering Law, this Code of Mechanical Engineering Ethics is hereby
adopted by the Board of Mechanical Engineering as part of the Rules and Regulations
governing the practice of Mechanical Engineering.
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
Rule 1. The mechanical engineer shall, in the practice of his profession, be governed by
the Golden Rule, the ideals of service to man and his environment, and the
indispensability of unwavering public confidence in his professional competence,
integrity and humanity.
Rule 2. The mechanical engineer shall maintain the proper pride for his profession,
observe the standards of professional practice, safeguard the dignity, welfare, and
reputation of his colleagues in the professions, and fulfill his duties and obligations as a
citizen of the Republic of the Philippines.
Rule 3. The mechanical engineer shall update and enhance constantly his professional
knowledge and skills through assiduous research and study, and meaningful
participation in continuing education programs and seminars conducted or authorized
by the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers or educational institutions supervised
by the State.
Rule 4. The ethical principle governing the mechanical engineer applies equally to
partnerships, firms and entities organized and existing for the practice of mechanical
engineering.
RELATIONS WITH THE STATE
Rule 5. The mechanical engineer shall honor and respect the supreme authority of the
State, the Rule of Law, the primacy of the general welfare, the fundamental rights of
persons, and the obligations and privileges of citizens recognized and guaranteed by
the Constitution of the Philippines.
Rule 6. He shall cooperate fully with the State in the pursuit of national development
plans and programs, the inviolability of national security, the promotion of peace,
and the prevention and/or prosecution of unjust, criminal or unlawful acts and
omissions.
Rule 7. He shall be ready to render the services needed for the adequate and orderly
development of the resources of the country, and to offer his mechanical devices and
inventions essential or necessary for national defense.
Rule 8. In a national emergency, he shall offer his professional knowledge, skill and
experience in the service of the State.
RELATIONS WITH THE COMMUNITY
Rule 9. The mechanical engineer shall be well-informed of the latest technological
progress in his own line of work. He shall encourage and require the use, or application
of standard mechanical equipment, machinery, or processes for safety, economy and
efficiency.
Rule 10. Whenever he designs a mechanical equipment, machinery or process, or
prepares the layout of a project, he must apply an adequate factor of safety, and
provide for the necessary leeway for proper operating and maintenance conditions.
Rule 11. When he discovers faulty or unsafe devices, equipment, or machinery in any
place, work or plant, he shall without delay, give notice thereof to the proper authority,
public or private, for the immediate and effective correction, regardless of whether or not
he is responsible for said place, work or plant.
RELATIONS WITH LABOR
Rule 12. The mechanical engineer shall recognize labor as one of the major resources
of our country. He must acknowledge that a working man is not a mechanical robot but
a human being.
Rule 13. He shall be familiar with the State policies on Labor and Social Justice, as well
as labor and social legislation and shall observe faithfully these policies and laws in his
dealings with labor in general, and with his workmen in particular.
Rule 14. He shall strive to improve the skills of his workmen, pay them a fair living
wage, and instruct them on how to prevent accidents in their place of work.
RELATIONS WITH CLIENTS AND EMPLOYERS
Rule 15. The mechanical engineer shall observe punctuality in his appointments,
perform honestly and in good faith his contractual obligation and his duties and
obligations to his client or employer, and observe fair dealing in his relations with his
clients and employers.
Rule 16. He shall treat with confidentiality any information obtained by him as to the
business affairs and technical methods or processes of a client or employer.
Rule 17. He shall inform his client or employer of his business connections, interests, or
affiliations which may influence his judgment, or impair the quality or character of his
services.
Rule 18. The mechanical engineer is entitled to a just and fair compensation for his
services. In the computation of such compensation, the period of time consumed, his
knowledge, skill, experience, and reputation, and the depreciation of instruments and
materials used, shall be considered and accorded such weight as is just and
reasonable.
Rule 19. He shall accept compensation, financial or otherwise, for his services from his
client or employer only. He may agree to, or receive compensation from any other
source only with the full knowledge and consent of all parties concerned.
Rule 20. The mechanical engineer shall be completely above suspicion or reproach in
his relation with his clients or employers, avoiding the remotest reference or relation to
any secret or questionable agreement on commissions or other financial considerations
promised by or received from any person or entity other than his client or employer.
RELATIONS WITH COLLEAGUES AND ASSOCIATES
Rule 21. To thane own self be true and thou cannot be false to any man - expresses the
duty which a mechanical engineer owes to himself and to others.
Rule 22. The mechanical engineer shall use only fair means to gain professional
advancement. In the pursuit thereof he shall not injure the work or employment
opportunities of others or use any improper or questionable method of soliciting
employment or clientele.
Rule 23. He shall refrain from association with, or allowing the use of his name by, any
person or entity of questionable reputation.
Rule 24. He shall provide the opportunity and the means to improve and advance the
knowledge, skills, and experience of his colleagues and associates.
Rule 25. He shall define clearly the line of authority and scope of responsibility of his
associates and assistants. Orders, or the recall thereof, shall be issued through proper
channels.
Rule 26. He shall be receptive to new ideas and suggestions from others, and ready to
recognize, encourage, and accredit the authors thereof. Suggestions from colleagues
and associates shall be given more careful attention.
Rule 27. He shall use tact and discretion in dealing with his colleagues and associates,
but not at the sacrifice of firmness. He shall work out difficult problems with courage and
serenity.
Rule 28. Careful selection of understudies shall be a guiding principle, and preference
shall be given to those with adequate engineering education.
Rule 29. He shall not expect others to face danger that he himself will not face. He shall
observe at all times safety requirements for the protection of all concerned.
Rule 30. The mechanical engineer shall actively support the duly accredited association
with the end in view of enhancing the practice of the profession and discharging his
public responsibilities as professional.
PENAL PROVISIONS
Rule 31. Violation of any provision of this code, which causes damage or injury to
another, shall be punishable by a fine of not more than Two hundred Pesos (P200.00),
or an imprisonment for not more than (2)months, or both, at the discretion of the Court.
Rule 32. Violation of any provision of this Code shall likewise constitute unethical,
unprofessional and dishonorable conduct, and shall be dealt with under the provisions
of Sec. 42 of the Mechanical Engineering Act, R.A. No. 8495.
10. Engineering Ethics
is a standard of moral practice that is adhered to for the sake of the industry and which
is guided by personal conscience. Ethics addresses fundamental issues of right and
wrong, and is an important issue in the field of mechanical engineering, in which proper
ethical behavior can avoid legal issues associated with actions such as patent
infringement.