Basic Mechanical Engineering
Important Questions - Answers
UNIT 1: ENGINEERING MATERIALS
1. Mechanical Properties of Engineering Materials
Mechanical properties define how materials respond to external forces. These
include: Strength (resistance to deformation), Elasticity (ability to return to original
shape), Plasticity (permanent deformation), Ductility (drawn into wires), Brittleness
(breaks without deformation), Hardness (resistance to indentation), Toughness
(absorbs energy before breaking), Fatigue (resistance to repeated loading), and
Creep (slow deformation under constant stress at high temperature).
2. Stress-Strain Curve for Ductile Material
A stress-strain curve plots the material's response to loading. For ductile materials
like mild steel: It starts with a linear region (obeying Hooke’s Law), Reaches yield
point (permanent deformation starts), Then strain hardening region, Followed by
ultimate stress point (maximum strength), And ends at fracture point (material
breaks). This curve helps in understanding the strength, ductility, and toughness of
the material.
3. Iron-Carbon Diagram
The iron-carbon diagram is a phase diagram that shows the phases of steel and cast
iron depending on carbon content and temperature. Eutectoid point (0.8% C at
727°C) is where pearlite forms. Steel has <2% carbon; cast iron has >2%. It shows
the transformations like austenite to pearlite, cementite, and ferrite, helping in heat
treatment processes.
4. Classify Engineering Materials
Engineering materials are classified into: 1. Metals (ferrous like steel, non-ferrous
like aluminum), 2. Polymers (plastics, rubbers), 3. Ceramics (glass, bricks), 4.
Composites (fiberglass, CFRP), 5. Semiconductors (silicon), 6. Smart materials
(shape memory alloys).
5. Explain Hooke’s Law and Modulus of Elasticity
Hooke’s Law: Within elastic limit, stress is directly proportional to strain: σ = E·ε.
Where, σ = stress, ε = strain, E = modulus of elasticity. Modulus of Elasticity (E)
measures stiffness of a material. For steel, E ≈ 200 GPa. Higher E means the material
is less stretchable.
6. Alloying Elements: Meaning, Effects, and Applications
Alloying elements are metals added to base metals to improve properties. In steel:
Chromium adds corrosion resistance (stainless steel), Nickel increases toughness,
Manganese improves strength. In cast iron: Silicon improves fluidity and wear
resistance. Applications: Alloying is used in construction, automotive, aerospace,
and tools to enhance properties like strength, corrosion resistance, and
machinability.
7. Define Hardness and Explain Brinell Hardness Test
Hardness is the resistance of a material to indentation or scratching. Brinell
Hardness Test (BHN): A steel or tungsten carbide ball is pressed into the surface
with a known force. The diameter of the indentation is measured. BHN = Load /
Surface area of indentation. Used for testing metals like steel and iron.
UNIT 3: FLUID
1. Pelton Wheel Turbine: Working & Construction
Pelton wheel is an impulse turbine used for high-head, low-flow water applications.
Construction: Comprises a runner with buckets mounted on its periphery, a nozzle,
and a casing. Working: High-velocity water jets strike the buckets, causing rotation.
Water loses all kinetic energy, converting it into mechanical energy.
2. Reciprocating Pump: Working & Construction
A reciprocating pump is a positive displacement pump. Construction: Cylinder,
piston/plunger, suction and delivery valves. Working: During suction stroke, piston
moves back creating vacuum; fluid enters. During delivery stroke, piston moves
forward pushing fluid out. Used for high-pressure, low-flow applications.
3. Fluid Coupling: Construction and Working
Fluid coupling is used to transmit power from engine to machine. Construction: Has
two impellers—pump and turbine—enclosed in a housing with fluid (oil). Working:
Rotating pump impeller sends kinetic energy through fluid to the turbine impeller,
which rotates and transmits torque. No mechanical connection.
4. Newton’s Law of Viscosity
It states that shear stress (τ) is directly proportional to the rate of shear strain
(velocity gradient) in a fluid: τ = μ·(du/dy). Where, μ = dynamic viscosity, du/dy =
velocity gradient. Applies to Newtonian fluids like water and air.
5. Types of Fluids
Ideal fluid: No viscosity, incompressible. Real fluid: Has viscosity (all actual fluids).
Newtonian fluid: Constant viscosity (water, air). Non-Newtonian fluid: Viscosity
varies with shear (toothpaste, blood). Compressible & Incompressible fluids based
on density change with pressure.
6. Pascal’s Law & Bernoulli’s Equation
Pascal’s Law: Pressure applied to a confined fluid is transmitted undiminished in all
directions. Bernoulli’s Equation (for incompressible, frictionless fluid): P + ½ρv² +
ρgh = constant. Relates pressure, velocity, and elevation in fluid flow.
7. Define Viscosity and Its Importance
Viscosity is a fluid's resistance to flow. It influences energy losses, lubrication, and
heat transfer. High-viscosity fluids flow slower. It's critical in pump and turbine
design, lubrication systems, and blood flow analysis.
8. Draft Tube: Use in Reaction Turbine
A draft tube is a divergent pipe connected to the exit of a reaction turbine. Function:
Converts kinetic energy of fluid exiting turbine into pressure energy. Use: Enhances
efficiency, allows turbine to be above tailrace level. Shaped to reduce energy loss.
9. Differences
Laminar vs Turbulent Flow: Laminar - Smooth, orderly layers (Re < 2000);
Turbulent - Chaotic, mixed flow (Re > 4000). Newtonian vs Non-Newtonian Fluids:
Newtonian - Constant viscosity (water); Non-Newtonian - Viscosity changes with
shear (paint, ketchup). Turbine vs Pump: Turbine - Converts fluid energy to
mechanical; Pump - Converts mechanical to fluid energy. Dynamic vs Kinematic
Viscosity: Dynamic (μ) - Actual resistance to flow; Kinematic (ν) - μ divided by
density (ν = μ/ρ).
UNIT 4: THERMODYNAMICS
1. Discuss thermal equilibrium and Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics
Thermal equilibrium occurs when two bodies at different temperatures come to the
same temperature after heat exchange. Zeroth Law: If body A is in thermal
equilibrium with B, and B is with C, then A is with C. This law forms the basis of
temperature measurement.
2. State Kelvin-Planck and Clausius statements of the Second Law
Kelvin-Planck: No cyclic process can convert all heat into work without waste heat.
Clausius: Heat can't spontaneously flow from cold to hot without external work.
Both statements emphasize irreversibility and direction of heat flow.
3. Construction & Working of Cochran and Babcock-Wilcox Boilers
Cochran Boiler: Vertical, multi-tube fire tube boiler. Dome-shaped shell, fire grate,
flue tubes. Babcock-Wilcox: Horizontal, water tube boiler. Inclined tubes, steam
drum, water drum. Water circulates in tubes, heated by flue gases.
4. Derive expression for First Law of Thermodynamics
First Law: Energy can neither be created nor destroyed. δQ = dU + δW, where Q is
heat added, U is internal energy, and W is work done. It applies to closed systems
and ensures energy balance.
5. Prove Work and Heat are Path Functions
Work and heat depend on the path taken, not just initial and final states. Example:
Expansion work varies with pressure path. Unlike properties (state functions), they
can't be described by coordinates alone.
6. Short Note on Thermodynamic System, Properties & State
System: Part of the universe under study. Properties: Measurable (pressure, volume,
temperature). State: Defined by properties. A process changes the state. Systems can
be open, closed, or isolated.
7. Difference between Mountings & Accessories
Mountings: Essential for boiler operation and safety (e.g., pressure gauge, safety
valve). Accessories: Improve efficiency (e.g., economizer, superheater). Mountings
are mandatory; accessories are optional.
8. Classification of Steam Generators
Based on tube: Fire tube (Cochran), Water tube (Babcock-Wilcox). Fuel used: Coal,
oil, gas. Use: Stationary or mobile. Pressure: High/low pressure. These help in
selecting suitable boilers for applications.
UNIT 5: RECIPROCATING ENGINE
1. Working of 4-Stroke Petrol & Diesel Engines
Petrol Engine: 1. Suction - air-fuel mixture intake, 2. Compression - mixture
compressed, 3. Power - spark ignites mixture, 4. Exhaust. Diesel Engine: Air intake,
compression, fuel injection, self-ignition, exhaust. Difference lies in ignition method.
2. Working Principle of Steam Engine
Steam pressure pushes a piston inside a cylinder. The steam expands, does work,
then is exhausted. Valves control the flow. Converts thermal energy into mechanical
motion.
3. Otto Cycle Efficiency Derivation
Otto cycle: Ideal cycle for spark ignition engines. Efficiency η = 1 - (1/r^(γ-1)),
where r = compression ratio, γ = cp/cv. Higher r → higher efficiency. Includes
isentropic compression/expansion and constant volume heat addition/rejection.
4. Working of 2-Stroke Petrol & Diesel Engines
2-Stroke Petrol: Combines suction and compression in one stroke, power and
exhaust in next. Uses ports instead of valves. Diesel 2-stroke: Works similarly but
with compression ignition. Higher power for same engine size.
5. Carnot Cycle Efficiency Derivation
Carnot cycle: Ideal reversible cycle. Efficiency: η = 1 - T2/T1, where T1 = source
temp, T2 = sink temp. It is maximum possible efficiency between two temperature
limits.
6. Difference between SI and CI Engines
SI (Spark Ignition): Uses spark plug, petrol fuel, lower compression ratio. CI
(Compression Ignition): Uses diesel, ignites by compression, higher torque, more
fuel efficient. SI smoother; CI more rugged.
UNIT 2: METROLOGY AND MACHINES
1. Method of using Slip Gauge
Slip gauges are precision tools used to measure or calibrate. Wringing process joins
blocks to form desired length. Used in inspection and calibration of micrometers
and instruments.
2. Process of Pitot Tube for Velocity Measurement
Pitot tube measures fluid velocity by converting kinetic energy into pressure.
Measures stagnation and static pressure. Velocity V = sqrt[2(P1-P2)/ρ]. Used in
airspeed indicators, HVAC systems.
3. Dial Gauge
A dial gauge measures small linear distances. A plunger moves gears and rotates a
needle on a dial. Accurate for comparing dimensions and checking run-out in
machining.
4. Main Parts and Operation of Lathe Machine
Main parts: Bed, headstock, tailstock, carriage, chuck. Operations: Turning, facing,
threading, knurling, drilling. Used for shaping cylindrical workpieces.
5. Working of Manometer and Pressure Types
Manometer measures pressure using fluid column height. Types: U-tube,
differential. Absolute pressure = gauge + atmospheric. Gauge pressure = measured
w.r.t atmospheric. Vacuum = below atmospheric pressure.
