Thread: Research in Engineering

Hello, I am sorry if this is less related to pure physics but may I ask if which form of engineering offers the most research opportunities?

I know material and nuclear is one for sure. But is there on going research into mechanics? Like for mechanical engineering?

I am really confused as to walk to science(physics) or the engineering path...
So if anyone has any advise that will be very welcomed.

Originally Posted by tikai

Hello, I am sorry if this is less related to pure physics but may I ask if which form of engineering offers the most research opportunities?

I can't say where the most opportunities are, but there are some opportunities in heat transfer engineering. This is an area where physics, fluid dynamics, chemical engineering and mechanical engineering come together. Much of the research is devoted to a sort of reductionist approach to explaining raw field observations, to improve the prediction of the performance of heat exchangers. The main research body is HTRI. I see they only have two current job openings but we can only hope this will increase when the economy picks up.

Another area of engineering research is of course renewable energy. Check out NREL, although I know people who have worked there and left because of frustration at the slow pace of development, due to partial dependence on government funding.

http://www.htri.net/articles/about_htri

http://www.nrel.gov/

Originally Posted by tikai

Hello, I am sorry if this is less related to pure physics but may I ask if which form of engineering offers the most research opportunities?

I know material and nuclear is one for sure. But is there on going research into mechanics? Like for mechanical engineering?

I am really confused as to walk to science(physics) or the engineering path...
So if anyone has any advise that will be very welcomed.

There is ongoing research is all branches of engineering and science.

What you chose to do should be a function of your interests.

Based on your question I assume that you are not actively engaged in the study of either science or engineering at a university level. If so, you have a lot of time to learn more about both field s and to make up your mind.

thanks for all your reply. Since I think I am more focused on the why of things, I will pursue pure physics in undergraduate level. I hope I can make it, cause I heard it is very challenging.

Originally Posted by tikai

thanks for all your reply. Since I think I am more focused on the why of things, I will pursue pure physics in undergraduate level. I hope I can make it, cause I heard it is very challenging.

It is challenging but so is anything that is worthwhile.

It is pretty easy to change undergraduate majors from physics to engineering and vice versa. It is also relatively easy to switch fields in graduate school. So, you can change your mind without much of a penalty if want to later on.

I switched from electrical engineering to mathematics after 2 years in graduate school, and an MS in EE, so it can be done.