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).
