the different fields

Rocket science..!

If you want something really challenging without all those wasted years at university... get married!

I find fluid dynamics very tough and has many practical applications. Think viscosity. Much tougher subject than you would imagine. Lots of complicated differential equations.

Yeah I've heard CFD is very challanging, but are there any jobs in ME other than based on CFD-knowledge that also is very hard?

Try MHD (magneto-hydro-dynamics) - looks like lots of fun .

Also, please try registering.

What interests you? What grabs you? Look around a bit - I'm sure you can find something in the library/on the 'net which will spark off something that makes you think "Hey, how does that work? Why doesn't it work better? How can I apply it to xxx? Can I make something, anything, better in this sorry world?

Try (also) Hydraulics!

Before you can specify anything, you have to 'crunch the numbers'!

Because this area of ME is un-legislated, there are a lot of 'engineers' guessing the answers and coming unstuck! How much does the calculator cost anyway!

Happy Y2.008K!

Plasma physics (as stated above MHD),

aircraft design : wings and similar including elastic wings and heating by drag,

military,

advanced astronomy.

RHABE

Most are if you take them to the limits and beyond.

I can think of three areas of complexity.

Data points that are in the infinite complex set.

Applications that are exacting to the available technology and beyond.

Counter intuitive processes where common sense fails.

Look for this and find something you enjoy.

Happy hunting

Brad

MIXIT said it in two words; "rocket science". Depending on where your specialty lies, in rocket science you will find a demand for nearly every scientific discipline.

ME's with an interest in structural design not only design the rocket's structure, but often the test fixtures, test stands and transportation means as well.

Weight is critical in rocketry. So those ME's with a talent for finding areas where weight can be reduced without compromising structural integrity will find their challenges plentiful but formidable.

Thermodynamics is intregal to the design of rocket propulsion systems as is Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Two very demanding disciplines.

Orbital mechanics, trajectory analysis, guidance and control are heavily math dependent and often require considerable talent to understand the complexities of flight dynamics.

ME's with a talent for complex systems will find designing the rocket's guidance, reaction control, hydraulic and electrical systems, testing their creative powers far beyond their scholastic training.

There are many other areas in rocketry in which an ME can find satisfying challenges. As to the most challenging in the use of both math and physics? Nearly every ME will tell you their specialty is the most arduous and demanding LOL.

Told you so..!

I think the answer to your question is relatively simple - whatever you don't know the answer to it is challenging. We are though, all born with the same amount of information in our heads. Engineering is a lifelong challenge because as engineers we seek answers and solutions to improve efficiency, life, and hopefully in turn mankind. So whatever engineering discipline you go for you'll find it challenging and hopefully again, rewarding. Just make sure you enjoy yourself along the way.

I've been working on a MHD rocket engine and the supporting infrastructure for a hobby for about 12 years. My idea of fun

Brad