FREE NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering Questions and Answers
Composite materials have revolutionized which industry?
Explanation:
Composite materials, known for their high strength-to-weight ratio, have significantly impacted the aerospace industry. They are used extensively in the construction of aircraft, spacecraft, and related components due to their lightweight nature and exceptional strength, which enhance fuel efficiency and performance. While composites are also used in the automotive, construction, and textile industries, their revolutionary impact is most notable in aerospace applications.
Another good way to describe engineering is simply saying that engineering is:
Explanation:
Engineering is fundamentally about problem-solving. Engineers use principles of mathematics, science, and technology to develop solutions to technical problems. While building structures, conducting experiments, and drawing blueprints are activities that engineers may engage in, the core of engineering practice is the application of creative problem-solving skills to address challenges and improve systems and processes across various fields.
What is NOT a characteristic of plastics that makes it a good material for manufacturing parts?
Explanation:
Plastics are widely used in manufacturing due to several advantageous characteristics, including being lightweight, having a high strength-to-weight ratio, and being resistant to corrosion. However, most plastics are not conductive materials; in fact, they are typically used as electrical insulators. Conductivity is not a characteristic that makes plastics suitable for manufacturing parts, especially in applications where electrical insulation is required.
Injection molding is used predominantly in:
Explanation:
Injection molding is a manufacturing process primarily used for thermoplastics. Thermoplastics are a type of polymer that becomes pliable or moldable above a specific temperature and solidifies upon cooling. In injection molding, the thermoplastic material is heated to its melting point and injected under pressure into a mold cavity, where it cools and solidifies to form the desired shape. This process is widely used for producing plastic parts and components in various industries due to its efficiency, repeatability, and ability to create complex shapes with high precision.
Wood veneers are used to:
Explanation:
Wood veneers are thin slices of wood, typically less than 3 mm (1/8 inch) thick, that are used to cover less expensive woods or to make plywood. They are glued onto surfaces to improve the appearance of wood products and to provide a more durable and stable structure. Plywood is made by layering thin veneers with their grain direction alternating, which enhances its strength and reduces warping compared to solid wood. Veneers can also be used to create decorative patterns on furniture and interior surfaces, contributing to their aesthetic appeal.
The other options are incorrect because wood veneers are not used to create furniture, build skyscrapers, or reinforce concrete. Instead, their primary application is in enhancing the appearance and functionality of wood products, especially in cases where solid wood may be cost-prohibitive or impractical.
Two main resin families used in composite materials are:
Explanation:
Epoxy and polyester resins are two common types of resins used as matrix materials in composite materials.
- Epoxy Resins: Epoxy resins are known for their excellent mechanical properties, adhesion, and chemical resistance. They are widely used in aerospace, automotive, and marine applications.
- Polyester Resins: Polyester resins are less expensive and easier to handle compared to epoxy resins. They are commonly used in construction, automotive, and marine industries.
Polyethylene and polypropylene resins are thermoplastics used in different applications but are not typically used as matrix materials in composites. Vinyl and acrylic resins are used in paints and coatings, while phenolic and silicone resins have specific applications in industries such as electronics and aerospace, but they are not as commonly used as epoxy and polyester resins in composite materials.
Plastics can only be recycled if:
Explanation:
Thermoplastics are plastics that can be melted and reformed multiple times without significant degradation of their properties. This characteristic allows thermoplastics to be recycled by melting and reshaping them into new products. Examples of thermoplastics include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polystyrene (PS).
Biodegradable materials can break down naturally in the environment, but not all biodegradable plastics are easily recyclable.
Packaging refers to the use of plastics rather than their recyclability.
Extrusion is a manufacturing process, not directly related to the recyclability of plastics.
What are plastics made from?
Explanation:
Plastics are primarily made from hydrocarbons, which are organic compounds consisting of hydrogen and carbon atoms. These hydrocarbons are derived from fossil fuels such as petroleum and natural gas. The hydrocarbons are polymerized to form long chains of molecules known as polymers, which constitute the basis of plastics. Metals, ceramics, and glass are not used to make plastics, although they have their own distinct applications in manufacturing and engineering.
Which of the following types of engineers work to create roads, bridges, and tunnels?
Explanation:
Civil engineers are responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, tunnels, dams, and buildings. Their work ensures that these structures are safe, efficient, and sustainable. Electrical engineers focus on electrical systems, mechanical engineers on machinery and mechanical systems, and chemical engineers on processes involving chemical reactions, making civil engineering the correct discipline for projects involving roads, bridges, and tunnels.
Graphite is a main component in many:
Explanation:
Graphite is commonly used as a reinforcing filler material in composites. Composites are materials composed of two or more distinct phases, typically a matrix and a reinforcement, combined to achieve specific mechanical or physical properties. Graphite, due to its excellent strength and lightweight properties, is often incorporated into composites to enhance their structural integrity and performance. Ceramics are typically non-metallic, inorganic compounds; plastics are organic polymers; and alloys are mixtures of two or more elements, none of which typically include graphite as a main component.
Which of the following are examples of ferrous metals?
Explanation:
Ferrous metals are those that contain iron. Examples of ferrous metals include cold-rolled steel, iron, and stainless steel. These metals are typically characterized by their high strength and durability, as well as their magnetic properties. Aluminum, brass, and copper are non-ferrous metals, as are titanium, magnesium, and zinc, which do not contain iron. Similarly, gold, silver, and platinum are also non-ferrous metals, primarily used for their conductivity and corrosion resistance.