What does a thermal engineer do?

Thermal engineers use their background in thermodynamics to create, maintain, or repair mechanical systems. The systems usually involve a process that transfers heat energy into or out of other forms of energy. The heat is typically transferred through fluids, such as liquids or gasses, so a strong knowledge of fluid dynamics is important.&

They also work on systems of various scales, from extremely large, such as an airplane engine or industrial heater, to very small, such as within electronics. Sometimes thermal engineers work on theoretical projects rather than actually building or repairing completed systems. Activities and responsibilities may include:

• Analyzing how heat sources within a system interact with other physical and industrial systems
• Testing heat transfer components within a system, sometimes involving chemical liquids or gasses
• Designing and working on systems for heating and cooling
• Utilizing experiments and simulations to gain information about how heat will move through a completed system
• Taking into account various other materials within a system when designing and building heat transfer systems
• Using computer models to predict how a system will respond to temperature changes
• Utilizing simulations to determine whether changes created are from external sources or internal processes
• Providing analysis and counsel in developing complex industrial systems