From Drafting Boards to Virtual Reality: The Evolution of Mechanical Engineering and Design

Abstract

Mechanical engineering design is a traditional discipline that has advanced with the advent of new technology and techniques. Engineers can now combine traditional concepts with novel technologies and techniques to deliver creative solutions. These techniques include geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), reverse engineering, advanced surfacing, haptics, augmented and virtual reality, and new methods of communicating designs. Mechanical design engineers at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) leverage these advances every day to make critical contributions to diverse domains, such as space exploration and military dominance.