SECTION A – What the Questions Are About
This section contains basic, fundamental theory questions from Engineering Mechanics.
Each question checks whether the student understands the core concepts used later in numerical problems.
Related Topics Covered:
Principle of transmissibility → Used in statics to shift forces along their line of action.
Coefficient of friction & angle of repose → From friction chapter, relating frictional resistance and limiting motion.
Perfect, deficient, redundant frame → Structural analysis of trusses and stability conditions.
Point of contraflexure → Bending moment concepts in beams.
Radius of gyration → From moment of inertia to express distribution of area.
Polar moment of inertia → For torsion of shafts.
D'Alembert’s principle → Converts dynamic problem into static form by adding inertia force.
Rectilinear motion → Motion in a straight line (kinematics).
Hooke’s law → Linear elasticity relation between stress and strain.
Strain energy & resilience → Energy stored in elastic deformation.
Purpose of Section A:
Test understanding of definitions, laws, fundamental principles required for solving bigger numerical problems.
SECTION B – What the Questions Are About
This section contains detailed numerical or derivation-based questions.
Students must understand and apply mechanical principles step-by-step.
Related Topics Covered:
Resultant of forces → Vector resolution and addition of multiple forces acting at a point.
Forces in truss → Method of joints or method of sections to find member forces.
Theorems of moments of inertia → Parallel axis and perpendicular axis theorems for composite areas.
Recoil of gun → Conservation of momentum and impulse-momentum principle.
Pure torsion → Assumptions, torque-twist relation and torsion formula derivation.
Purpose of Section B:
Check numerical solving ability, logical steps, correct application of formulas, ability to draw diagrams, and understanding of force systems.
SECTION C – What the Questions Are About
This section includes advanced mechanics applications and real-type engineering problems.
These questions require deeper thinking and combining multiple concepts.
Related Topics Covered:
Equilibrium of string with multiple weights → Tension in different segments, use of angles and trigonometry.
Blocks with friction on inclined planes → Understanding limiting friction, impending motion, and relative motion.
Bending moment & shear force diagram → Understanding loads, reactions, SFD-BMD curves, and sign conventions.
Moment of inertia & centroid of composite shapes → Calculation of geometrical properties of areas.
Stopping a falling body → Work–energy and impulse–momentum relations.
Blocks on inclined planes with pulley → Tension, acceleration, and net force analysis.
Pure bending derivation → Assumptions and derivation of bending stress equation.
Purpose of Section C:
Examine how well the student can apply engineering mechanics to real structural, frictional, and motion problems.
SECTION D – If Considered Part of Section C
This section continues with bending, stress distribution, and strain energy questions.
These topics are from strength of materials where bending stress diagram, strain energy, and stress-strain relations are crucial.
