Mechanical engineering can be divided into various sub-disciplines including statics and dynamics or kinetics dealing with non-moving bodies and forces in moving bodies respectively. Mechanics of materials is another sub-discipline dealing with properties of various materials, while fluid mechanics deals with the way fluids react to various forces exerted on them. Finally, continuum mechanics is a sub-discipline that studies the exerting of forces assuming objects are continuous.
Professionals in the field of engineering need to acquire a license before they can practice their career. A license is a means of affirming an individual's qualification as an engineer knowledgeable in all the necessary legal parameters and experience in real life situations. In the United States, for example, an engineer is required to pass some examinations including Fundamentals of Engineering and Principles and Practice of Engineering tests before they earn a license from the various governing bodies at state levels. They are also required to have successfully completed a bachelor's degree in engineering and attain about four years of experience in the field as well.
There is a vast range of tools and equipment used by mechanical engineers in their day-to-day activities. Tools make work easier, and knowledge of them is essential to simplify the workload engineers deal with. Some of the tools and equipment mechanical engineers use include lathes, grinders, wrenches and screwdrivers to make work easier. Computers are used for analyzing and processing data. Computer software such as Computer Aided Design software is used by engineers for designing and developing mechanical ideas.
Energy is the core of mechanics. All machines run on energy drawn from various sources. Mechanical engineers need to be familiar with the different forms of energy and their sources for application in their professional field. Some of the sources of energy in the world include oil products and natural gas, geothermal power, solar energy and other renewable sources.