Mechanical Engineering

The paper introduces SustainSIM, a universal simulation model developed to optimize carbon footprints in mechanical engineering production. It enables companies to quantify, monitor, and simulate CO₂ emissions using GHG Protocol standards. Built in Unity Engine, it interactively visualizes the impact of green technologies and simplifies emissions analysis compared to existing tools. Validated through a case study, SustainSIM offers accurate Scope 1 and 2 calculations while reducing analysis time and expertise requirements, supporting more efficient and sustainable decision-making.

This paper underscores the importance and role of mechanical engineering (ME) in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). By examining the historical development, branches, and functions of ME, the paper highlights its relevance to modern society. The integration of ME into TVET is presented as a strategic imperative for fostering industrial growth, technological advancement, and economic development. The paper analyzes the core components of successful ME TVET programs, including curriculum development, infrastructure, student support, and assessment. By emphasizing the impact of ME TVET on industry and society, the paper concludes with recommendations for strengthening these programs to meet future challenges and opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reconciliation of cutting-edge technologies and approaches is propelling mechanical engineering toward unparalleled innovative accomplishments. Automation, robotics, green production techniques, and AI-powered designs are reshaping the future of mechanical engineering. This article analyzes the main subjects and advanced technologies that are transforming the design of machinery and equipment, with an emphasis on automation, additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and sustainable engineering. This paper aims to provide insights into the future directions that mechanical engineering will take by examining recent advancements and potential applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores how engineering culture shaped mechanical engineering students’ classroom experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic at universities in the U.S. and South Africa. Through interviews with 21 students and 3 faculty, researchers identified two key themes: “hardness” (both intrinsic and constructed) and access to resources. Students were more critical of constructed hardness and found the South African university’s support for resource access more effective than the U.S. counterpart. The findings suggest that engineering culture remained rigid during the disruption, but students were increasingly aware of and responsive to structural barriers in their learning environments.

This paper presents a method for automatically detecting principle sketches in early product development using object detection models. As digital transformation advances, reusing data—like sketches—is crucial for efficient, data-driven product design. The study develops a new approach using synthetic training data to recognize symbols in sketches. Six data generation methods and six detection models were tested and evaluated on two datasets—gearbox variants and CAD assemblies. The results identify a procedure with high detection accuracy, supporting automated reuse of early-stage design data and enhancing digitalization in product development.