(SEM II) THEORY EXAMINATION 2023-24 FUNDAMENTALS MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

SECTION A – VERY SHORT ANSWERS (7 Questions × 2 Marks = 14 Marks)

Purpose:

This section is designed to test the student’s fundamental knowledge in a direct and concise manner. Questions here require definitions, basic principles, short explanations, or small diagrams.

Nature of Questions:

Simple one-line or two-line definitions

Naming or explaining a basic law or principle

Drawing a small symbolic diagram

Short conceptual questions

Examples from the paper:

Define dew point temperature and relative humidity

Explain why two-stroke engines are light in weight

Define Poisson’s ratio

Explain Pascal’s law

Draw symbolic diagram of a 2/2 directional control valve

Draw stress-strain diagram of mild steel

Explain principle of optical pyrometer

Level:

Easy, memory-based.
No long explanation required.

SECTION B – DESCRIPTIVE QUESTIONS (Any 3 × 7 Marks = 21 Marks)

Purpose:

To test a student’s ability to explain a topic in detail, use diagrams, describe construction & working, and derive relationships.

Nature of Questions:

Construction and working of machines

Detailed conceptual explanations

Well-labeled diagrams

Derivations and formula relations

Advantages/disadvantages

Real-world applications

Examples from the paper:

Construction and working of Bourdon tube

Construction and working of Pelton wheel

Define bulk modulus & derive relation between E and G

Advantages of electric and hybrid vehicles

Construction and working of window air conditioner

Level:

Moderate—requires explanation in 7–10 points plus neat diagram.

SECTION C – LONG ANSWER / HIGHER-ORDER QUESTIONS (5 Questions, each with internal choice, 7 Marks each = 35 Marks)

Purpose:

This section evaluates:

Problem solving

Numerical ability

High-level conceptual understanding

Comparison between systems

Thermodynamics applications

Measurement devices

Each question has two choices (a or b). You must attempt only one from each.

Q3 – Numerical / Applied Mechanics

Types:

Resultant of forces in polygons

Stress, strain, elongation calculations

Volumetric strain numericals

Q4 – Internal Combustion Engines / Hybrid Systems

Types:

Detailed working of two-stroke SI engine

Diagram of engine ports

Comparison between SI and CI two-stroke

Types of hybrid electric drive trains

Series hybrid configuration diagram

Q5 – Fluid Machinery / Fluid Properties

Types:

Centrifugal pump working principle

Types of centrifugal pumps

Newtonian vs non-Newtonian fluids (with diagram)

Q6 – Refrigeration & Thermodynamics

Types:

Construction and working of refrigerator

Explanation using neat labelled diagram

Validity of an inventor’s claim using COP formula

Q7 – Measurement Devices / Instrumentation

Types:

Working of thermocouple, check valve, ratchet & pawl

Venturimeter, proving ring, NRV

Diagrams required

Overall Sequence Explanation (Long Format)

The question paper follows a progressive difficulty pattern, meaning it starts with simple definitions and gradually moves toward complex numerical and analytical questions.

Section A → Basic Concepts (Low Difficulty)

To check if the student knows basic terms and can recall definitions.

Section B → Detailed Concepts (Medium Difficulty)

To evaluate a student’s ability to explain machinery and principles clearly with diagrams.

Section C → Application & Analysis (High Difficulty)

To test numerical skills, analytical thinking, detailed explanations, and comparison between advanced systems.

Conclusion (Long Summary)

The paper is a balanced combination of:

Theory (laws, definitions, diagrams)

Machine construction & working

Fluid mechanics principles

Thermodynamics & refrigeration

Instrumentation

Numericals

It ensures students understand both fundamentals and applied aspects of mechanical engineering.