Do i need industrial design degree in order to design concept cars, If I have mechanical engineering degree?

Question

I'm the first year student of mechanical engineering. I just wanted to know if i still can design exterior parts of the cars for compaies or not? if not should i have industrial design degree in order to design cars? Is mechanical engineering just for designing mechanical parts of the cars?

Answer 1

Hey, after you get a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical you will able to design exterior parts of a car. However, most of the R&D sections in automobile industry recruit Master degree holders for designing not Bachelors.

Designing exterior parts (not including chasis) of an automobile involves considering the following factors -

1. Effect of wind-loading; while the car is moving at high speed, due to incorrect design atmospheric pressure can deform and cause buckling of sheets covering the car body,

2. Thermal effects due to high engine temperature; more surface area quickly convects heat generated,

3. Aerodynamic effects, especially in racing cars; so the car body have to be streamlined in order to minimize Drag due air resistance,

4. Manufacturing ease, i.e. design should not involve intricate details and should enhance batch production by casting

5. Aesthetic value, so that the car looks attractive for a customer to buy it.

For choice of appropriate material and manufacturing process you have to look at required durability, reliability and repeatability of the manufacturing processes. All of which adds to the final sale price of the car.