19 Books for Both Junior and Senior Mechanical Engineers

It's not an easy job to be a competent professional in one of the world's most lucrative areas: mechanical engineering. Therefore, mechanical engineers must always have accurate and up-to-date references on their desks. 

Sometimes all you need can be a few tips from a book to complete your project. Moreover, consulting a book to get your drawings right can save a lot of time too. 

In such situations, a good collection of handbooks for mechanical engineers is essential for quick solutions. You should never underestimate the power of a good book.

Books on this list will grant you knowledge in all concepts of mechanical engineering and widen your horizon. This list can help you find the most suitable ones for you. 

1. Mechanical Engineering for Makers - Buy Now

This book is specifically written for people who don't have an engineering degree. It gives mechanical engineering information in a simple and practical way, without being totally boring.

It allows you to do your projects with materials that you can easily get.

2. An Introduction to Mechanical Engineering - Buy Now

This is an extensive resource for engineers who continually improve and change designs around the world. It's an ideal book for students in this field as well as those interested in engineering from different fields. 

Providing a solid mechanical engineering foundation, this book will also improve your technical problem-solving skills.

3. Mechatronics: Electronic Control Systems in Mechanical § Electrical Engineering - Buy Now

Mechatronics, which we cannot think of modern life without, is at the center of engineering. This book is a must-have for an engineer for that particular reason. 

From car engine management systems to washing machines, Mechatronics knows everything, and it is ready to teach you. 

4. The Way Things Work Now - Buy Now

Let's continue with the New York Times Best Seller.

This book covers all that has shaped our lives, from our past to the present. It touches on anything from windmills to 3D printers. It humorously explains how various developments affected our world, and the scientific principles are explained by a mammoth. 

5. People Skills for Engineers - Buy Now

Perhaps, one of the most valuable traits that an engineer can have is to know how to handle people, also known as social engineering. Reading this book can help you if you find yourself lacking in that area.

People Skills for Engineers will bridge these gaps and take your communication skills to the next level.

6. Mechanical Engineer's Pocket Book - Buy Now

This is the ideal book for those who want to start by learning the basic principles of engineering. 

Everything a mechanical engineer should know is gathered in this book.  You can find any information about pneumatic and hydraulic systems, statics, dynamics, and so on. 

7. Aerodynamics for Engineers - Buy Now

This is a great reference for both industry professionals and junior engineers. You can see the innovations in aerodynamics and modern applications, and learn all the necessary information, from fundamental fluid mechanics to experimental techniques.

You'll find background discussions for each topic, and you'll be able to compare them to experimental data. 

8. Gears and Gear Cutting for Home Machinists - Buy Now

Did you know that there is an inexpensive way to cut gears at home? If you don't know how to do that, get ready to learn now. 

You will learn the essentials you need when designing your own gears. Whether you know the technical terminology is not a problem since its language is relatively simple.

The 12 chapters demonstrate all the questions about gear-cutting techniques. 

9. Mechanical Engineering Reference Manual for the PE Exam - Buy Now

This useful reference book is written for the engineers who're preparing for the PE Mechanical Exam. It covers machine design and materials, HVAC and refrigeration, and thermal and fluid systems. 

You will overcome your fear of exams with this book. It explains complex topics in an understandable way and reinforces them with more than 375 examples of problems.

10. DeGarmo's Materials and Processes in Manufacturing - Buy Now

To understand the concepts of mathematical models and analytical equations, the authors developed a clear presentation and a highly practical approach.

It is the most comprehensive book on materials and manufacturing processes on the market.  

11. Marks’ Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers - Buy Now

If mechanical engineering had a Bible, it would be this book. You'll get accurate data with clear presentations of existing principles, standards, important codes, and practices.

It covers all the topics from mechanics of solids and fluids to machine elements. It has all the things a mechanical engineer should know are in the book. 

12. Shigley’s Mechanical Engineering Design - Buy Now

This is probably the best book on mechanical engineering designs. It is a handbook for mechanical engineering students and brings a modern perspective on design and new applications. 

13. Fundamentals of Thermodynamics - Buy Now

Thermodynamics is one of the basic branches of engineering. It should be known by all engineering students and professionals. This book makes this subject easier than ever with its easy to understand illustrations and clear explanations.

14. Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics and Dynamics - Buy Now

A good conceptual understanding of the basic mechanical concepts is the key to solving mechanical problems.

With more than 650 homework assignments, it enables you to learn information from simple to difficult concepts, step by step.

15. Mechanics of Fluids - Buy Now

This book describes the difficult parts of fluid mechanics by visualizing them in the best way possible. It can be a beneficial practice for engineering students as well.

The Multimedia Fluid Mechanics DVD-ROM that comes with the book helps you internalize the subject with simulations.

16. Dictionary of Mechanical Engineering - Buy Now

Having a good dictionary may not seem as important as the other technical books, but knowing the appropriate terminology is actually crucial in many ways.

This dictionary offers simple and descriptive examples for more than 8,000 mechanical-engineering concepts in dynamics, fluid mechanics, and so on. 

17. Engineering Graphics Essentials with AutoCAD 2020 Instruction - Buy Now

Engineering Graphics Essentials with AutoCAD 2020 Instruction contains practical and up-to-date information on how to create and read engineering drawings. It outlines the core subjects of graphics and teaches the fundamentals of AutoCAD 2020. 

Also, it includes independent learning materials that you can go through to understand the topics better.  

18. Manufacturing Engineering & Technology - Buy Now

Providing a solid background to the production processes, this book is an excellent resource for professionals. Having knowledge of this subject in the modern industrial world gives a mechanical engineer a great advantage. 

With 120 examples and cases, it will develop your knowledge in the area. 

The book is in its 8th edition as of now, which is an e-book preferred with a hardcover option. You might want to check that out too if you're more of a Kindle-person.

19. Advanced Aerospace Materials - Buy Now

Advanced Aerospace Materials teaches students the advanced technologies that are used in today's aerospace industry. Different aspects of structural component design, failure, and monitoring are addressed followed by appropriate formulas and analyses.