Measurements, Instrumentation, and Controls, as well as Mechanical Design and Analysis Flashcards
Refresh concepts for the FE Mechanical Exam
Front (Question)
Back (Answer)
What types of sensors are commonly used in industrial applications?
Common sensors include temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and flow sensors.
How do feedback systems enhance control system performance?
Feedback systems improve stability and accuracy by automatically correcting system deviations.
What is a block diagram in control systems?
A block diagram visually represents the components of a control system and their interconnections.
Define dynamic system response in control engineering.
Dynamic system response describes how a system behaves over time in reaction to external changes.
How is measurement uncertainty quantified in instrumentation?
Measurement uncertainty is quantified through statistical methods and analysis of error sources.
What role does precision play in measurements?
Precision indicates the repeatability of measurements under unchanged conditions.
Describe error propagation in the context of measurements.
Error propagation refers to how inaccuracies in measurements affect the final results and accuracy.
How is finite element analysis (FEA) used in mechanical design?
FEA simulates physical phenomena using a numerical technique to predict response to forces.
What are the primary considerations in failure theories for machine elements?
Considerations include material properties, loading conditions, and environmental factors.
How are deformations analyzed in mechanical components?
Deformations are analyzed using strain measurements and stress-strain relationships.
What factors influence the design of springs in mechanical systems?
Factors include material properties, load requirements, and desired spring characteristics.
Explain the importance of stress analysis for pressure vessels.
Stress analysis ensures that pressure vessels can withstand internal pressures without failing.
What are the selection criteria for bearings in mechanical systems?
Criteria include load carrying capacity, rotational speed limits, and lubrication requirements.
How do power screws function in mechanical devices?
Power screws convert rotational motion into linear motion, commonly used in lifting mechanisms.
What are key aspects of power transmission in mechanical design?
Key aspects include the efficiency of transferring mechanical power and minimizing energy loss.
Describe the types of joining methods used in mechanical assembly.
Joining methods include welding, adhesives, and mechanical fasteners, each with specific uses.
How do manufacturability considerations affect mechanical design?
They affect design choices to ensure products are optimally manufacturable within cost and time constraints.
What measures are taken to ensure quality and reliability in mechanical design?
Measures include rigorous testing, quality control processes, and failure analysis.
How are hydraulic components utilized in mechanical systems?
Hydraulic components use fluid power to perform work, such as in hydraulic presses or lifts.
What are the benefits of using pneumatic components in automation?
Pneumatic components provide rapid movement and are often simpler and more cost-effective than hydraulic systems.
How do electromechanical components integrate into systems?
They integrate electrical and mechanical functions, commonly seen in motors and actuators.
What is the significance of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing in manufacturing?
It provides a clear and concise method for defining the size, geometry, and tolerances of machine parts.
How does understanding significant figures improve measurement accuracy?
It helps in reporting measurements precisely based on the reliability of the measurement tools used.
What is involved in the calibration of measuring instruments?
Calibration involves adjusting the output or indication on a measuring instrument to correspond to values of a standard.
Describe the impact of environmental conditions on measurement accuracy.
Environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and vibration can affect instrument accuracy and must be controlled.
How is stress categorized in pressure vessel design?
Stress is categorized into primary, secondary, and peak stresses, each critical for different aspects of safety and design.
What is involved in the hydrostatic testing of pressure vessels?
Hydrostatic testing involves filling the vessel with water and pressurizing it to check for leaks and strength.
Why is lubrication important for bearings?
Lubrication reduces friction and wear, prolongs bearing life, and prevents failures.
How does materials engineering influence the design of power screws?
Material choice affects the strength, durability, and efficiency of power screws under load.
What is critical about the fit and tolerance in manufacturability?
Proper fit and tolerance ensure that parts assemble correctly without undue stress or looseness.
What are thermal sensors used for?
Thermal sensors are used to measure temperature and heat flow in various applications.
Describe the function of feedback in control systems.
Feedback in control systems is used to stabilize and optimize system performance by correcting errors.
What is the significance of block diagrams in control systems?
Block diagrams visually represent the components of a control system and how they interact.
How does dynamic system response affect system design?
Dynamic system response determines how a system reacts to inputs over time, crucial for design stability and performance.
Explain error propagation in measurement systems.
Error propagation is how uncertainties in measurements affect the outcome and accuracy of subsequent calculations.
What is the role of precision in measurements?
Precision refers to the consistency of repeated measurements, indicating the reliability of measurement tools.
How do finite element analysis methods apply to stress analysis?
Finite element analysis (FEA) is used to predict how objects will react to physical forces, including stress and vibrations.
What is the maximum stress criterion in failure theories?
The maximum stress criterion predicts failure when the maximum stress in a component exceeds its material strength.
Describe how stiffness is calculated in mechanical design.
Stiffness is calculated based on the material’s modulus of elasticity and the geometric properties of the component.
What factors influence the design of springs in mechanical systems?
Factors include material type, coil dimensions, load requirements, and environmental conditions.
Explain the design considerations for pressure vessels.
Design considerations include wall thickness, material selection, and safety factors to withstand internal pressures.
What are the selection criteria for bearings in machinery?
Criteria include load capacity, rotational speed, durability, and maintenance requirements.
Describe the mechanics of power screws.
Power screws convert rotational motion into linear motion and are used in lifting or applying large forces.
What is involved in power transmission system design?
Design involves selecting suitable components like gears, belts, and couplings to efficiently transfer energy.
How do welding, adhesives, and mechanical fasteners differ in joining methods?
Welding joins materials by melting them together, adhesives bond surfaces with chemical adhesives, and mechanical fasteners join components without altering material properties.
What are the key factors in manufacturability?
Key factors include material properties, production techniques, and assembly methods affecting manufacturing efficiency.
How does quality control contribute to mechanical design?
Quality control ensures that components meet required specifications and tolerances, improving reliability and performance.
What are the considerations for selecting hydraulic components?
Considerations include pressure ratings, flow capacity, compatibility with fluids, and system integration.
How do pneumatic components function in mechanical systems?
Pneumatic components use compressed air to transmit and control energy in various industrial applications.
What is the purpose of electromechanical components in design?
Electromechanical components combine electrical and mechanical processes to improve functionality and automation in systems.
How is geometric dimensioning and tolerancing used in engineering drawings?
GD&T provides a precise way to communicate the allowable variations in component geometry, enhancing manufacturing and inspection accuracy.
What is the role of error correction in reducing measurement uncertainty?
Error correction adjusts measurements to account for known errors, improving accuracy and reducing overall uncertainty.
Describe the application of time domain analysis in dynamic systems.
Time domain analysis evaluates how a system’s output changes over time in response to known inputs, crucial for understanding system behavior.
What are the challenges of designing for both limits and fits in mechanical assembly?
Designing for limits and fits involves ensuring that parts will assemble correctly without being too loose or too tight, balancing manufacturability and function.
How does environmental impact influence material selection in mechanical design?
Environmental impact influences material selection by considering factors like sustainability, disposal, and the environmental costs of material extraction and processing.
What testing methods are used in quality control for mechanical components?
Testing methods include destructive testing, non-destructive testing (NDT), and statistical process control to ensure component integrity and performance.
What are the functions of feedback systems in control engineering?
Feedback systems regulate the operations of control systems by adjusting the input or process based on errors in the output.
How does frequency domain analysis complement time domain analysis in control systems?
Frequency domain analysis helps understand system stability and performance by examining how the system responds to different frequencies of input, useful for designing filters and controllers.
A. Sensors and transducers
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B. Control systems (e.g., feedback, block diagrams)
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C. Dynamic system response
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D. Measurement uncertainty (e.g., error propagation, accuracy, precision, significant figures)
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A. Stress analysis of machine elements
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B. Failure theories and analysis
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C. Deformation and stiffness
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D. Springs
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E. Pressure vessels and piping
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F. Bearings
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G. Power screws
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H. Power transmission
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I. Joining methods (e.g., welding, adhesives, mechanical fasteners)
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J. Manufacturability (e.g., limits, fits)
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K. Quality and reliability
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L. Components (e.g., hydraulic, pneumatic, electromechanical)
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M. Engineering drawing interpretations and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
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