The field of applied mechanics: historical outlook from past to present and its implications for future applications

Abstract

The focus of this paper is to look at the development of the field of Applied Mechanics from past to present. With a historical perspective, we can better understand the important contributions and achievements that the field of Applied Mechanics has played in our society. The paper will begin by reviewing the history of Applied Mechanics over the past 400 years, followed by looking at engineering education in the 19th and 20th centuries, and then examining the evolution of Applied Mechanics in society today. We will discuss some of today's interdisciplinary developments in Applied Mechanics such as the buckling of ferromagnetic materials in strong magnetic fields, mechanics-based nanoscale measurement instruments, radio frequency microelectromical systems, biochips and nanotechnology. Finally, we will conclude by looking at Maslow's Five-level Theory of Human Needs and provide several innovative examples to further implement innovative models of Applied Mechanics research to teach more advanced knowledge in today's artificial intelligence and information technology based society.