I like kinematics ... what's a good job match

[bradpa77]

So I had a recent job assignment here where I had to create a mechanism for a new product. I really really enjoyed the project. I used Pro/Mechanism to design the mechanism and I found myself very interested in the kinematics side of the design and analysis. I actually found myself thinking about the project on the weekends and evenings which has never happened to me before. Work was actually fun during this project and I wasn't sure that would ever be possible. I work in the turbomachinery industry (compressors, turbines, etc.) and dynamics and kinematics are not usually a problem that we get to work on. So I was just doing some research and trying to find if there are any industries or jobs that would require this sort of work. Anyone have any ideas? I was looking into the automation industry. I was thinking that it would be really cool to work with automated packaging or assembly lines. Kind of like those big complex lines you see for candy or food processing/packaging.

 

[Nella95]

If you could angle your job progress to more of a machine design area. Now, I've been in the vending industry, and coin mech apparati involve a bit of kinematics, but it's kind of a one time deal.

 

[Ashereng]

Here are some thoughts:
- robotic control (you are swinging a couple of tonnes of metal arms around, and then have to stop it ... there)
- roller coaster design (things moving in all sorts of planes)
- automotive suspension design (when cornering...)
- sail desing (for sail boats, like the America's Cup yachts - I hear they pay a lot for their sails)

 

[SomeYahoo]

Check out dynamic simulation software packages (MSC.ADAMS, LS-DYNA, Pro/Mech) and who uses them. That should give you some options.

 

[bradpa77]

Those are good ideas. I'll look into all of that. Anyone else know of any fields that involve dynamics?

 

[Ashereng]

Medical prothesis design?

Think the Cheetah racing leg/foot that I saw in Sports Illustrated.

 

[keepinitcool]

Automotive suspension. Cargo moving products (forklift, cranes, etc..) Printers and copy machines (HP always seems to be looking for better mechanisms).

 

[HVACctrl]

How about forensic engineering?

Here, engineers recreate vehicle accidents, etc... for investigations, law firms, law enforcement agencies, etc... In some cases, engineers serve as expert witnesses in trials. Much of it has to do with kinematics. It can also involve stress analysis, electrical knowlege and other things.

No product design is involved however.

 

[ivymike]

Those are good ideas. I'll look into all of that. Anyone else know of any fields that involve dynamics?

Almost everything automotive. You could also work for Deere or CAT or another equipment manufacturer, or any type of piston engine manufacturer. Consultancies like Ricardo and AVL also do lots of dynamics.