Benchmarking the Competitiveness of the United States in Mechanical Engineering Basic Research

摘要

Mechanical engineering is critical to the design, manufacture, and operation of small and large mechanical systems throughout the U.S. economy. It is often called upon to provide scientific and technological solutions for national problems, playing a key role in the transportation, power generation, advanced manufacturing, and aviation industries, to mention a few. As pointed out in a 2002 National Science Foundation workshop. Today, the synergy of science and technology is producing an era of profound change. (Mechanical engineering) is intrinsic to this change through its impact on enabling technologies. These technologies include: micro- and nano-technologies, cellular and molecular biomechanics, information technology, and energy and environment issues. Much like many other science and engineering disciplines, the field of mechanical engineering is facing issues of identity and purpose as it continues to expand beyond its traditional core into biology, materials science, and nanotechnology.