Studying mechanical engineering: “Creatively searching for solutions at the core of time”

“I wanted to be challenged creatively. And to search for new solutions and approaches at the core of time” – this is how Victoria Schröder explains her decision to study mechanical engineering at the Rhineland-Palatinate Technical University of Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU). And her course of studies does indeed offer interesting insights into future technologies – whether it's automotive engineering, energy conservation or aerospace.Victoria Schröder will soon have her degree in the bag – a job as a research assistant is already waiting for her.

“Half of my family has a professional background in medicine. The other half in mechanical engineering,” reports 25-year-old Victoria Schröder, who herself was good at mathematics and physics at school – ‘but I was also very interested in art and medicine’. After graduating from high school, her family also saw her in the field of mechanical engineering. But she was skeptical at first: “I think it was a kind of backlash when I initially went in the direction of medicine.” She completed a federal volunteer service at a university hospital. “But I quickly realized that this was not the right path for me.” Because: “I wanted to be creatively challenged. And to search for new solutions and approaches at the core of time.” She gave mechanical engineering a chance – initially for one semester. “It was a kind of test for me.” It quickly became clear: ‘This is exactly the right thing for me.’ She is very satisfied with the RPTU as a place to study, adds the Saarland native, who comes from St. Ingbert: ”The train connections from St. Ingbert to Kaiserslautern are very good. You can commute.”

Choose from seven fields of expertise for your bachelor's degree

She is now in her eleventh semester – the final semester of the diploma program, the content of which has now been incorporated into the bachelor's and master's programs in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering. “At the beginning of the program, you have basic subjects. Higher mathematics or technical mechanics. This is where you fill your toolbox for further study,” says Victoria Schröder, describing her experiences from the early days of her studies. From the fifth semester onwards, bachelor's students can also set their own focus and choose one of the seven fields of expertise – the options are product development, automotive engineering, materials science and materials engineering, production engineering, computational engineering, applied computer science, mechatronics and automation technology. “In the master's program, you can then delve even deeper into these areas,” adds Victoria Schröder.

A better understanding of theory through practical work

As a graduate student, she delved deeper into fluid mechanics. “We were able to work on simulations in groups.” For example, flow simulations through pipes. “The networking of components also has an impact on the simulations.” The students were able to work intensively on how all this can be solved with the help of digital possibilities: “We saw what tools are available. We got to know the programs that are important for such simulations.”

Victoria Schröder was also able to gain initial practical experience as a student assistant at the Chair of Machine Elements, Transmissions and Tribology (MEGT), where she was able to get involved in the laboratory work herself: “It was great to see how what I had learned on paper could be implemented directly.”

And what is challenging about the course? “Organizing yourself. For example, we have project work that doesn't have a specific deadline.” The self-management required as a result is not always easy.

Thesis on plastic gears – then comes the doctoral thesis

Her diploma thesis, which is due to be completed in December 2024, is about plastic gears. For this, Victoria Schröder is investigating, for example, “what stresses the material is exposed to.” The aim is to characterize the complex material behavior of plastics and their damage mechanisms – and here, too, simulations of material behavior are used.

After that, Victoria Schröder has the prospect of a position as a research assistant at the Chair of Machine Elements, Transmissions and Tribology at the RPTU. She will be able to use the research projects she works on there for her doctoral thesis: “In terms of content, it's about the potential for energy savings by reducing friction and wear. There is still a lot to be done in this area.” And she adds: tribology, the study of wear, friction and lubrication of surfaces, can be found everywhere, even in medicine. ”This means that you will be in demand in many companies later on.”

And what other directions can you take with a degree in mechanical engineering? “With process engineering, you could go in the direction of bio- or chemical engineering.” With a focus on production technology, you have a lot of computer science. It is also possible to enter the field of materials science and engineering. “Automotive engineering is also popular, with a subsequent job in the automotive industry.”

RPTUzero orientation program helps with orientation

And what should prospective students know in advance? How can they get off to a good start in their studies? Victoria Schröder has heard many good things about the one-semester RPTUzero orientation program: “It gives you a first insight into university life and the opportunity to network.” And what else should you bring with you to be prepared for a mechanical engineering degree? “You should be open. And don't be afraid to ask older students for help. There's a good sense of community in our department, so that's not a problem.” And if you find you have gaps in your knowledge at the beginning of your studies, you can fill them with the help of offers such as the pre-course math classes. With the right motivation, anything is possible, says Victoria Schröder – and she adds: ”Above all, it's important for your studies that you don't lose your desire and enthusiasm for them.”

Author: Christine Pauli