(SEM I) THEORY EXAMINATION 2023-24 FUNDAMENTALS OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

This examination assesses the foundational understanding of Mechanical Engineering principles, including mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, IC engines, refrigeration, turbines, transducers, and mechatronics. The paper is divided into three sections (A, B, and C) to evaluate conceptual clarity, numerical ability, diagrammatic understanding, and engineering application skills.

SECTION A — Short Answer Questions (2 × 7 = 14 Marks)

Seven brief, compulsory questions test the student’s understanding of basic mechanical concepts.

Topics Covered:

1. Mechanics & Strength of Materials

Characteristics of force

Concept of shear strain

Yielding and material behaviour (covered indirectly)

2. Hybrid & IC Engines

Weaknesses of hybrid electric vehicles

Meaning of total cylinder volume in engines

3. Fluid Mechanics

Pascal’s law: pressure transmission and force calculation

4. Turbomachinery

Examples of low, medium, and high head turbines

5. Mechatronics & Measurement

Types of transducers based on measured quantity

This section tests basic definitions, conceptual clarity, and simple calculations.

SECTION B — Descriptive Questions (7 × choose any 3 = 21 Marks)

Each question requires analytical explanation, diagrammatic representation, or numerical computation.

Topics include:

1. Stress–Strain Analysis

Reduction in diameter using Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio

2. IC Engines

Working of two-stroke petrol engine with labelled diagram

3. Psychrometrics

Explanation of:

Dew Point Temperature (DPT)

Comfort conditions

Specific humidity

4. Turbomachines

Velocity triangle for Pelton wheel

Difference between turbines and pumps

5. Measurement & Testing

Prony brake dynamometer

Derivation for brake power

This section tests a mix of numerical aptitude, conceptual explanation, and diagram-based understanding.

SECTION C — Long Answer Questions (7 marks each)

Students attempt one question from each block.

Question 3 – Engineering Mechanics

3(a) Statics Problem: Support Reactions

Beam hinged at one end and roller-supported on an inclined surface

Calculation of support reactions

3(b) Material Behaviour

Shape of cross-section after yielding in brittle materials

Explanation of brittle failure characteristics

This block evaluates knowledge of statics and material science.

Question 4 – Hybrid Vehicles & Energy Storage

4(a) Energy Management in HEVs

Need for energy management system

Whether similar system is required in pure EVs

4(b) Hybrid Vehicle Batteries

Types of energy storage technologies

Detailed discussion on lithium-ion batteries

This block checks understanding of emerging automotive technologies.

Question 5 – Refrigeration & Air Conditioning

5(a) Vapour Compression Refrigeration Cycle

Neat sketch of components

Working principle

T–s and P–h diagrams

5(b) Cold Storage Numerical

Heat leakage

COP (actual vs ideal)

Power required

This block assesses thermal engineering and refrigeration fundamentals.

Question 6 – Fluid Mechanics

6(a) Continuity Equation

Determination of nozzle diameter given changes in flow velocity

6(b) Viscosity & Temperature Effect

Effect of temperature on viscosity

Numerical problem using Newton’s law of viscosity

Tests fluid flow behaviour and calculation skills.

Question 7 – Instrumentation & Mechatronics

7(a) Optical Pyrometer

Working principle with labelled sketch

Why optical pyrometer underestimates temperature of a red-hot object in open air

7(b) Mechatronics

Examples of mechatronic systems

Evolution of mechatronics over time

This block checks understanding of engineering measurements and mechatronic systems.