It involves the detailed layout and assembly of the components of machines and devices. Mechanical engineers are concerned about the strength of parts and the stresses the parts will need to endure. They work closely with materials engineers to insure that correct materials are chosen. Mechanical engineers must also ensure that the parts fit together by specifying detailed dimensions. Another aspect of the design function is the design process itself.
Mechanical engineers develop computational tools to aid the design engineer in optimizing a design.
These tools speed the design process by automating time-intensive analyses. Mechanical engineers are also interested in controlling the mechanical devices they design. Control of mechanical devices can involve mechanical or hydraulic controls. However, most modern control systems incorporate digital control schemes. The mechanical engineer models controls for the system and programs or designs the control algorithm.