Mechanical Engineering Flashcards
6 cards from real BE/B Eng Bachelor of Engineering practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Mechanical Engineering flashcards as text
In structural analysis, what is a statically determinate structure?
Answer: A structure whose reactions and internal forces can be determined using equilibrium equations alone
A statically determinate structure has exactly enough supports so that all reactions and internal forces are calculable from the three equilibrium equations (ΣFx=0, ΣFy=0, ΣM=0).
What is the purpose of heat treatment (annealing) in metal processing?
Answer: To relieve internal stresses and improve ductility
Annealing involves heating a metal to a specific temperature and cooling it slowly to relieve internal stresses, refine grain structure, and improve ductility and machinability.
Newton's Second Law for a rigid body rotating about a fixed axis is expressed as:
Answer: Torque equals moment of inertia times angular acceleration (τ = Iα)
For rotational motion, τ = Iα, where τ is net torque, I is the moment of inertia about the rotation axis, and α is angular acceleration.
In fatigue analysis, what does the S-N curve (Wöhler curve) relate?
Answer: Cyclic stress amplitude to the number of cycles to failure
The S-N curve plots stress amplitude (S) against the number of load cycles (N) to failure, characterizing a material's fatigue behavior under cyclic loading.
What is the purpose of a pressure relief valve in a hydraulic system?
Answer: To limit system pressure to a safe maximum value
A pressure relief valve opens automatically when system pressure exceeds a set point, diverting flow to prevent damage to pumps, valves, and other components.
In tribology, what is the Stribeck curve used for?
Answer: To characterize lubrication regimes as a function of speed, load, and viscosity
The Stribeck curve plots friction coefficient against the Hersey number (μN/P), defining boundary, mixed, and hydrodynamic lubrication regimes for sliding contacts.