Expert: Paul Soderman - 11/6/2008

Question
Dear sir what is the relationship between aeronautical engineering and mechanical engineering and is it possible for one to change from mechanical to aeronautical?If so what is the procedure?And sir, which one is in great demand?

Answer
Aeronautical and mechanical engineering are fairly similar subjects. Both deal with the basic application of physics to solve technical problems.  The first involves more study of aerodynamics and high speed flow.  The second includes the study of fluid mechanics and places more emphasis on design of mechanical systems.  A student of either subject could switch to the other field by taking graduate studies in the field of choice; i.e., a graduate in M.E. could earn a Masters degree in A.E.

I assume there are more mechanical engineers than aero engineers, but I am not sure what the demand is in each field currently.
Paul