Measurements, Instrumentation, and Controls, as well as Mechanical Design and Analysis Flashcards

Refresh concepts for the FE Mechanical Exam

1
Q

Front (Question)

A

Back (Answer)

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2
Q

What types of sensors are commonly used in industrial applications?

A

Common sensors include temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and flow sensors.

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3
Q

How do feedback systems enhance control system performance?

A

Feedback systems improve stability and accuracy by automatically correcting system deviations.

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4
Q

What is a block diagram in control systems?

A

A block diagram visually represents the components of a control system and their interconnections.

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5
Q

Define dynamic system response in control engineering.

A

Dynamic system response describes how a system behaves over time in reaction to external changes.

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6
Q

How is measurement uncertainty quantified in instrumentation?

A

Measurement uncertainty is quantified through statistical methods and analysis of error sources.

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7
Q

What role does precision play in measurements?

A

Precision indicates the repeatability of measurements under unchanged conditions.

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8
Q

Describe error propagation in the context of measurements.

A

Error propagation refers to how inaccuracies in measurements affect the final results and accuracy.

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9
Q

How is finite element analysis (FEA) used in mechanical design?

A

FEA simulates physical phenomena using a numerical technique to predict response to forces.

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10
Q

What are the primary considerations in failure theories for machine elements?

A

Considerations include material properties, loading conditions, and environmental factors.

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11
Q

How are deformations analyzed in mechanical components?

A

Deformations are analyzed using strain measurements and stress-strain relationships.

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12
Q

What factors influence the design of springs in mechanical systems?

A

Factors include material properties, load requirements, and desired spring characteristics.

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13
Q

Explain the importance of stress analysis for pressure vessels.

A

Stress analysis ensures that pressure vessels can withstand internal pressures without failing.

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14
Q

What are the selection criteria for bearings in mechanical systems?

A

Criteria include load carrying capacity, rotational speed limits, and lubrication requirements.

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15
Q

How do power screws function in mechanical devices?

A

Power screws convert rotational motion into linear motion, commonly used in lifting mechanisms.

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16
Q

What are key aspects of power transmission in mechanical design?

A

Key aspects include the efficiency of transferring mechanical power and minimizing energy loss.

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17
Q

Describe the types of joining methods used in mechanical assembly.

A

Joining methods include welding, adhesives, and mechanical fasteners, each with specific uses.

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18
Q

How do manufacturability considerations affect mechanical design?

A

They affect design choices to ensure products are optimally manufacturable within cost and time constraints.

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19
Q

What measures are taken to ensure quality and reliability in mechanical design?

A

Measures include rigorous testing, quality control processes, and failure analysis.

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20
Q

How are hydraulic components utilized in mechanical systems?

A

Hydraulic components use fluid power to perform work, such as in hydraulic presses or lifts.

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21
Q

What are the benefits of using pneumatic components in automation?

A

Pneumatic components provide rapid movement and are often simpler and more cost-effective than hydraulic systems.

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22
Q

How do electromechanical components integrate into systems?

A

They integrate electrical and mechanical functions, commonly seen in motors and actuators.

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23
Q

What is the significance of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing in manufacturing?

A

It provides a clear and concise method for defining the size, geometry, and tolerances of machine parts.

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24
Q

How does understanding significant figures improve measurement accuracy?

A

It helps in reporting measurements precisely based on the reliability of the measurement tools used.

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25
Q

What is involved in the calibration of measuring instruments?

A

Calibration involves adjusting the output or indication on a measuring instrument to correspond to values of a standard.

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26
Q

Describe the impact of environmental conditions on measurement accuracy.

A

Environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and vibration can affect instrument accuracy and must be controlled.

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27
Q

How is stress categorized in pressure vessel design?

A

Stress is categorized into primary, secondary, and peak stresses, each critical for different aspects of safety and design.

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28
Q

What is involved in the hydrostatic testing of pressure vessels?

A

Hydrostatic testing involves filling the vessel with water and pressurizing it to check for leaks and strength.

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29
Q

Why is lubrication important for bearings?

A

Lubrication reduces friction and wear, prolongs bearing life, and prevents failures.

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30
Q

How does materials engineering influence the design of power screws?

A

Material choice affects the strength, durability, and efficiency of power screws under load.

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31
Q

What is critical about the fit and tolerance in manufacturability?

A

Proper fit and tolerance ensure that parts assemble correctly without undue stress or looseness.

32
Q

What are thermal sensors used for?

A

Thermal sensors are used to measure temperature and heat flow in various applications.

33
Q

Describe the function of feedback in control systems.

A

Feedback in control systems is used to stabilize and optimize system performance by correcting errors.

34
Q

What is the significance of block diagrams in control systems?

A

Block diagrams visually represent the components of a control system and how they interact.

35
Q

How does dynamic system response affect system design?

A

Dynamic system response determines how a system reacts to inputs over time, crucial for design stability and performance.

36
Q

Explain error propagation in measurement systems.

A

Error propagation is how uncertainties in measurements affect the outcome and accuracy of subsequent calculations.

37
Q

What is the role of precision in measurements?

A

Precision refers to the consistency of repeated measurements, indicating the reliability of measurement tools.

38
Q

How do finite element analysis methods apply to stress analysis?

A

Finite element analysis (FEA) is used to predict how objects will react to physical forces, including stress and vibrations.

39
Q

What is the maximum stress criterion in failure theories?

A

The maximum stress criterion predicts failure when the maximum stress in a component exceeds its material strength.

40
Q

Describe how stiffness is calculated in mechanical design.

A

Stiffness is calculated based on the material’s modulus of elasticity and the geometric properties of the component.

41
Q

What factors influence the design of springs in mechanical systems?

A

Factors include material type, coil dimensions, load requirements, and environmental conditions.

42
Q

Explain the design considerations for pressure vessels.

A

Design considerations include wall thickness, material selection, and safety factors to withstand internal pressures.

43
Q

What are the selection criteria for bearings in machinery?

A

Criteria include load capacity, rotational speed, durability, and maintenance requirements.

44
Q

Describe the mechanics of power screws.

A

Power screws convert rotational motion into linear motion and are used in lifting or applying large forces.

45
Q

What is involved in power transmission system design?

A

Design involves selecting suitable components like gears, belts, and couplings to efficiently transfer energy.

46
Q

How do welding, adhesives, and mechanical fasteners differ in joining methods?

A

Welding joins materials by melting them together, adhesives bond surfaces with chemical adhesives, and mechanical fasteners join components without altering material properties.

47
Q

What are the key factors in manufacturability?

A

Key factors include material properties, production techniques, and assembly methods affecting manufacturing efficiency.

48
Q

How does quality control contribute to mechanical design?

A

Quality control ensures that components meet required specifications and tolerances, improving reliability and performance.

49
Q

What are the considerations for selecting hydraulic components?

A

Considerations include pressure ratings, flow capacity, compatibility with fluids, and system integration.

50
Q

How do pneumatic components function in mechanical systems?

A

Pneumatic components use compressed air to transmit and control energy in various industrial applications.

51
Q

What is the purpose of electromechanical components in design?

A

Electromechanical components combine electrical and mechanical processes to improve functionality and automation in systems.

52
Q

How is geometric dimensioning and tolerancing used in engineering drawings?

A

GD&T provides a precise way to communicate the allowable variations in component geometry, enhancing manufacturing and inspection accuracy.

53
Q

What is the role of error correction in reducing measurement uncertainty?

A

Error correction adjusts measurements to account for known errors, improving accuracy and reducing overall uncertainty.

54
Q

Describe the application of time domain analysis in dynamic systems.

A

Time domain analysis evaluates how a system’s output changes over time in response to known inputs, crucial for understanding system behavior.

55
Q

What are the challenges of designing for both limits and fits in mechanical assembly?

A

Designing for limits and fits involves ensuring that parts will assemble correctly without being too loose or too tight, balancing manufacturability and function.

56
Q

How does environmental impact influence material selection in mechanical design?

A

Environmental impact influences material selection by considering factors like sustainability, disposal, and the environmental costs of material extraction and processing.

57
Q

What testing methods are used in quality control for mechanical components?

A

Testing methods include destructive testing, non-destructive testing (NDT), and statistical process control to ensure component integrity and performance.

58
Q

What are the functions of feedback systems in control engineering?

A

Feedback systems regulate the operations of control systems by adjusting the input or process based on errors in the output.

59
Q

How does frequency domain analysis complement time domain analysis in control systems?

A

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.

60
Q

A. Sensors and transducers

A

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61
Q

B. Control systems (e.g., feedback, block diagrams)

A

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62
Q

C. Dynamic system response

A

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63
Q

D. Measurement uncertainty (e.g., error propagation, accuracy, precision, significant figures)

A

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64
Q

A. Stress analysis of machine elements

A

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65
Q

B. Failure theories and analysis

A

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66
Q

C. Deformation and stiffness

A

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67
Q

D. Springs

A

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68
Q

E. Pressure vessels and piping

A

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69
Q

F. Bearings

A

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70
Q

G. Power screws

A

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71
Q

H. Power transmission

A

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72
Q

I. Joining methods (e.g., welding, adhesives, mechanical fasteners)

A

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73
Q

J. Manufacturability (e.g., limits, fits)

A

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74
Q

K. Quality and reliability

A

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75
Q

L. Components (e.g., hydraulic, pneumatic, electromechanical)

A

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76
Q

M. Engineering drawing interpretations and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)

A

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