BE/B Eng Bachelor of Engineering Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering 5

Question 1

What is the significance of the Prandtl-Glauert singularity in transonic aerodynamics?

Accepted Answer

It is a mathematical divergence in the linearized compressibility correction near Mach 1

Answer

The Prandtl-Glauert correction factor (1/√(1-M²)) diverges as M→1, indicating that linear theory breaks down in the transonic regime where nonlinear effects dominate.

Question 2

Which type of satellite orbit provides continuous coverage of the polar regions and is ideal for Earth observation?

Accepted Answer

Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO)

Answer

Sun-synchronous orbits have near-polar inclinations (~98°) that precess to maintain a constant angle with the Sun, providing consistent lighting conditions for repeat imaging of all latitudes.

Question 3

In structural analysis, what does the term 'margin of safety' (MS) represent?

Accepted Answer

The fractional reserve strength beyond the design limit condition

Answer

MS = (Allowable Load / Applied Load) - 1, so MS = 0 means the structure is exactly at its limit and any positive value indicates reserve strength.

Question 4

What is the primary function of a thermal protection system (TPS) on a re-entry vehicle?

Accepted Answer

To protect the vehicle from aerodynamic heating during atmospheric entry

Answer

During re-entry, aerodynamic deceleration converts enormous kinetic energy into heat; the TPS (tiles, ablators, or TUFI coatings) absorbs or reradiates this heat to keep the structure intact.

Question 5

In propulsion, what does the term 'specific impulse' (Isp) fundamentally measure?

Accepted Answer

The thrust produced per unit weight flow rate of propellant

Answer

Isp = Thrust / (ṁ × g₀) in seconds, representing how efficiently a propellant produces thrust — higher Isp means more thrust per pound of propellant consumed per second.

BE/B Eng Bachelor of Engineering Practice Test

BE/B Eng Bachelor of Engineering Practice Test

BE/B Eng Bachelor of Engineering Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering 5