 What is Mechanical Engineering

answer: Mechanical Engineering is the branch of engineering which deals with the designing,
constructing, maintaining and manufacturing various mechanical systems.

 What is the difference between machine and engine?

Answer: Engine converts heat energy to Mechanical Energy but machine converts all forms of
energy to mechanical energy except heat energy.

 What is viscosity? What is Newton’s law of viscosity?

answer: Viscosity is the property of the fluid which measures the resistance of the fluid to the
gradual deformation due to the shear stress.

Newtons Law of Viscosity states that: the shear stress on the fluid is proportional to the velocity
gradient.

 What are Newtonian and non-newtonian fluids ? Give examples.

answer: Newtonian fluids follow the newtons law of viscosity and non-newtonian fluids do not
follow the law.

Newtonian fluid: Water, air, etc. Non-Newtonian Fluid: blood, tar, paste, etc.

 What is Pump? What is a turbine? / What is the difference between the turbine and the pump?

answer: Pump is a device which transfers mechanical energy to the fluid. The turbine does the
opposite. It transfers the flow energy of the fluid to mechanical energy.

 What are turbo machines?

answer: Turbomachines are devices which transfer energy to or from the fluid by the dynamic
action of rotating blades.

 How the characteristics of a flow is determined?

answer: By Reynolds Number. If Re <2300 then the flow is laminar. if 2300 <Re<4000 then the
flow is transient and if Re>4000 then the flow is turbulent.

 What is the Reynolds number?

answer: Reynolds Number is the ratio of inertia force to viscous force. Re = ρvL/μ

 What is Bernoulli’s equation? Why it is used?

answer: pressure head + velocity head + datum head = constant

P1/γ + (v2 )1/2g + z1 = P2/γ +( v2)2 /2g + z1 = constant

 What is the difference between the centrifugal pump and +ve displacement pump?

answer: In Centrifugal pump the flow rate changes with the head but in a positive displacement
pump the flow rate remains the same.

 What is cavitation in centrifugal pump? Why priming is done in centrifugal pump?

answer: If the suction side develops a pressure less than the vapor pressure of the water then
water will start to boil and create water bubbles and it will spoil the impeller material. It is called
cavitation.

When the impeller rotates it adds a rotating motion to the adjacent fluid and as a result, K.E and
Pressure in the fluid increases and negative pressure are developed in the suction side of the
impeller. So water/fluid flows continuously through the impeller. But when the pipe is filled with
air, the impeller rotates but the pressure difference is negligible as a result no water flows
through the pump. That’s why priming is done.

 What is the difference between the heat engine & heat pump?

answer: Heat Engine produces work and transfers energy from high temp. to low temp source
medium. In a Heat pump, external work is needed to transfer energy from low to high temp.
medium.

 What is the difference between an Impulse Turbine and Reaction Turbine?

Answer: In Impulse Turbine, all the pressure energy is converted to kinetic energy but in reaction
turbine, a part of the pressure energy is converted to kinetic energy and rest remains as pressure
energy.

 What is NPSH?

Answer: NPSH = Net Positive Suction Head. It is the measure of minimum pressure which is
required at the suction pipe to keep the pump from cavitation.

 What is draft tube?

Answer: The draft tube is a conduit used in reaction turbine. The main feature of the draft tube is,
it has a shape of increasing area at the end like a diffuser. You have know the classification and
uses of draft tube if you are working in a hydraulic power plant.

That’s it for today mechanical engineers. Keep following basic mechanical engineering and you
will get more info about mechanical engineering questions. mechanical engineering interview
questions part 2 is coming up (see the link on the top). If you like/dislike the article please
comment and let me know your thoughts.

mechanical engineering interview questions – Refrigeration

 What is Refrigeration? What is the unit of refrigeration?

Refrigeration is the process where heat is transferred from low temperature to high-temperature
medium with the help of external work. Its unit is ton of refrigeration.

 What is COP?

answer: COP = Coefficient of Performance. It is used to measure the performance of a

refrigeration system. It is generally expressed by the ratio of evaporation work or refrigeration
effect to the compressor work or network.

 What is a ton of refrigeration?

answer: 1 ton of refrigeration means heat absorbed while melting 1 ton (2000 lb) of ice at zero
degree Celsius at 24 hours.

 What is BTU?

answer: BTU = British Thermal Unit; 1 BTU is the amount of heat required to raise the
temperature of one lb water by one degree Fahrenheit.

 What is sub-cooling and superheating in refrigeration system ? Why these are used?

answer: Sub-cooling or under cooling is done before throttling or expanding the refrigerant and it
ensures that no vapor enters the expansion valve.

Super-heating is done before compression and it ensures that no liquid enters the compressor.

 Which thermodynamic cycle is implied in the refrigeration system?

answer: Reversed Carnot or Reversed Rankin Cycle.

 Draw the T-S diagram and schematic arrangement of reversed Carnot Cycle and Reversed
Rankin Cycle in a basic vapor compression refrigeration system.
 Draw the T-S, P-h diagram of refrigeration system with sub-cooling and super-heating in vapor
compression refrigeration system.

answer: T-S and P-h diagram with subcooling and superheating.

  What is the most commonly used refrigerant?

answer: R134a

 What is Vapor compression and Vapor Absorption Refrigeration system ? (Difference

between) / What are the advantages of Vapor absorption systems over Vapor compression?

answer: Please follow this link for the answer – Vapor Compression Vs Vapor Absorption
Refrigeration System

 Detect absorbers and refrigerant in these systems – Li-Br and NH3 – H2O.

answer: In Li-Br – Water is the refrigerant and Li-Br is the absorbent.

In NH3 – H2O: NH3 is the refrigerant and water is absorber.

 What is the LMTD method?

answer: LMTD refers to Logarithmic Mean Temperature Difference. It is used to measure the
temperature difference in double pipe heat exchangers. The more the LMTD the more heat will
be transferred.

 What is the difference between a cooler and an air conditioner?

answer: For a cooler to become air conditioner it must meet the following requirements :

It must control the 1. temperature 2. Humidity 3. the motion of air 4. purity of air.

 What is the difference between cooling tower and condenser?

answer: Condenser is a heat exchanger which converts saturated vapor into liquid. For doing so
the condenser temperature must be below than the saturation temp.

A cooling tower is a device in which recirculating condenser water is cooled by the evaporative
method with direct contact to the atmosphere.

 What is a chiller?

answer: Chiller is a device/machine for cooling something. ( I will be writing some articles
about chillers very soon)

Mechanical engineers! The third part is coming up very soon. So stay with basic mechanical
engineering. Thanks! Enjoy !! Cheers !!!

Which law must be satisfied to build a refrigeration system?

answer: Second Law of Thermodynamics (Clausius Statement).

What are the different systems in Thermodynamics?

answer: The analysis of the thermodynamics process depends on the transfer of mass and energy
through the boundary of the system. According to the transfer of the mass and energy, the
systems are classified as an open system, closed system, and isolated system. Examples:

Open System: water pump

Closed System: Tea Kettle

Isolated system: Physically or practically not possible.

Significant Mechanical Engineering Interview Questions (Refrigeration)

Name the Cycles used in refrigeration systems .

Ans : Reversed Carnot Cycle .

Draw the P-V Diagram of Reversed Carnot Cycle .

p-v diagram for reverse carnot cycle

Ans :

Why Reversed Carnot Cycle is not possible practically ?

Ans : It is not because adiabatic processes are not possible to obtain due to losses in the pipes
condensers, compressors and evaporator.

Which Cycle is used in Air – Refrigeration System ?

Ans : Bell – Coleman Cycle

In refrigeration system why heat rejected is more than heat absorbed ?

Ans: For cooling purpose it is necessary to reject more heat than the heat absorbed.
Mathematically Heat Rejected = Heat absorbed + Work Done .

How Defrosting is done in a refrigerator ?

Ans : Defrosting is done by stopping the compressor for a short time.

Why Copper is not used in ammonia refrigeration system ? / Which metal is used in the pipelines
when the refrigerant is ammonia ?

Ans . In ammonia refrigeration system Steel is used as the pipe line material because ammonia
attacks copper.

What is the difference between heat pump and refrigerators ?

Ans : Heat pumps gives heat by taking work input on the other hand refrigerator ejects heat by
taking heat input.

What is basis of Refrigeration System ? (Important mechanical engneerin)

Ans : Second Law of Thermodynamics .

Show the Practical Refrigeration Cycle With T-S and P-h diagram with Subcooling and Super
Heating .

Ans : Please Follow This Link : T-S and P-h Diagram with Subcooling and Superheating for VC

Describe Dry and Wet Compression in Refrigeration System .

Ans : The starting point of compression in the T-S diagram determines the final state of vapor
after compression. If the final state of vapor is dry and saturated then the compression is known
as wet compression and if the final state of vapor is super heated then it is known as dry
compression.

The refrigerant enters as a vapor in compressor from the evaporator. If the vapor draw into the
compressor is drier than the initial condition on the same pressure range the vapor becomes
superheated.

How to improve Refrigerating effect ?

Ans : By applying superheating and subcooling.

What is Undercooling or Subccooling is refrigeration system ? How Subcooling or undercooling

is done ?
 Ans: The COP can be improved by undercooling or pre-cooling. It is the process where the
liquid refrigerant is allowed to cool below the saturation temperature. Subcooling is done by
circulating greater amount of cooling agent i.e water through the condenser or by using water
cooler than natural temperature water.

What is advantage of vapor compression refrigeration system ?

Ans: Smaller size for a given refrigeration effect , Higher COP, Lower power consumption, Less
Complicated in design and operation.

Basic Mechanical Engineering Questions

Basic Refrigeration and Air conditioning Questions

What is the basic difference in Vapor compression and Vapor absorption Refrigeration System ?

Ans : These two refrigeration systems are different in power consumption, COP, Mechanical
parts, Performance while load variation etc. For more information go through this link .

Vapor Absorption Vs Vapor Compression Refrigeration

There are some aspects in which vapor absorption refrigeration system is different from that of
vapor compression. The main principle is the same for the two systems. But there are differences
between power consumption COP, mechanical parts etc.

S.no Aspect Vapor Absorption System Vapor Compression System

 Low grade energy sources are more than capable
Vapor compression system needs high grade
of running a vapor absorption system. These
Quality of the energy. It needs electrical or mechanical energy
1 sources can be waste heat from furnaces,
Energy Input for operating compressor which is an essential
exhaust steam etc. Solar power can also be used
part of VC refrigeration system.
for running it.

In Vapor compression the moving part is the

Moving part in the The only moving part of Vapor absorption
2 compressor which operated by electric motor or
system refrigeration system is the pump.
engine .

Effect of
Very little effect is seen in the refrigeration The refrigerating effect or refrigeration capacity
3 Evaporator
capacity with the lowering evaporator pressure. decreases with the lowering evaporator pressure.
pressure

Workability at Load Load Variation does not have any effect on the Vapor compression system does not work well at
4
varying load performance of the vapor absorption system partial load. The performance is very poor.

In vapor absorption system, if the liquid
refrigerant leaves the evaporator, the
5 Evaporator exit
refrigerating effect is reduced but the system
functions well without any problem.
Liquid refrigerant entering compressor is not
desirable in Vapor compression system. It could
damage the compressor. So the refrigerant is
superheated before leaving the evaporator.

Lowest When water is used as refrigeration the -150 degree Celsius or even lower can be achieved
6
temperature temperature attained is above 0 degree Celsius with the cascading system.

Coefficient of The COP of absorption refrigeration system is The COP of Vapor compression system is very
7
Performance poor. good.

It is difficult to capacity above 1000 TR with single

8 Capacity Capacity above 1000 TR is easily achievable.
compression system.

Hydrocarbons, Chlorofluorocarbons and

Ammonia or water can be used as refrigerant Hydrochlorofluorocarbons are used as
9 Refrigerant refrigerations.
with a proper absorber.


T-S and P-h Diagram for VC Refrigeration with Subcooling and Super-
heating
asic Vapor Compression Refrigeration Cycle and Its components

The refrigeration system cannot run without satisfying the second law of thermodynamics
(Clausius statement). As the name implies the vapor compression cycle uses a compressor to
increase the pressure of the refrigerant or the working fluid. The whole process is explained in
brief with the help of this schematic diagram.

1. Low pressure (P-L) refrigerant coming from the evaporator is compressed to a higher pressure
P-H.

2. The refrigerant is then passed through a condenser at high-pressure P-H

3. The liquid refrigerant then goes through a throttling device. It is expanded and evaporates at
low pressure (P-L) in the evaporator. And the process continues.

 Refrigeration and Air – conditioning Questions part – 1

Post Contents

T-S and P-h Diagram with Sub-cooling and Super-heating

explanation
Reversed Carnot Cycle doesn’t work in practical cases. The reversed Carnot Cycle consists of
two isentropic and isotherm process. Theoretical Carnot cycle is completely reversible. It is not
possible because of the losses that occur in the condensers, evaporators, and compressors. As a
result, a more practical and realistic Rankin cycle is introduced consisting of two isobaric
processes, one isentropic compression, and one adiabatic expansion. The Rankin Cycle
incorporates some inevitable irreversibilities consequently the COP of Rankin cycle is below the
COP of Carnot cycle. To increase the COP of the whole system subcooling and superheating is
done. These two concepts are difficult to visualize but very import issue for the VCRS.

What is superheating?

Superheating is the incident where a liquid is heated above its boiling point. After the liquid is
leaving the evaporator and heading towards the compressor there should not be any hint of liquid
present in the vapor. A tiny amount of liquid can damage the compressor.

What is subcooling?

Subcooling is a process where a liquid cooled down below its condensing temperature (The
temperature at which vapor turns in to liquid). Suppose a refrigerant is cooled and turned in to
liquid but the cooling will not stop. I will be continued to cool. Without subcooling, the
refrigerant flow will not continue and it will not head towards the expansion device.

Comparison of Carnot and Rankin Cycle T-S diagram / Deviation of Real Vapor compression
cycle from the ideal one :

The following diagram shows the comparison between the ideal and practical vapor compression
cycle.

comparison of reversed Rankin and Carnot Cycle

T-S and P-h Diagram with sub-cooling and superheating

T-S with subcooling and superheating

P-h diagram with sub-cooling and superheating

The cycle can be described as follows:

7-1: Evaporation of the liquefied refrigerant (coming from the condenser) taking place at a
constant temperature. The process is isothermal. (T1 = T7)

1-2: The vapor coming from the evaporator is superheated and gains the temperature T2 from T1
at constant pressure PL. The process is isobaric.

2-3 The superheated working fluid is compressed. Pressure rises from PL to PH

And the temperature rises from T2 to T3

3-4 The superheated vapor is cooled to the saturated temp T3.

4-5 Isothermal condensation of the saturated vapor at high-pressure PH. and T4=T5

5-6 The liquid refrigerant is subcooled to the temperature T6 from T5 at high-pressure PH.
6-7 The expansion of the refrigerant takes place at constant enthalpy.

Which has higher COP ? Vapor compression or Vapor absorption ? Explain .

Ans : Vapor Compression has the higher COP. Generally the COP of Vapor compression ranges
from 3-4 but COP of Vapor absorption is generally 1. It happens because COPvc =
Refrigeration Work / Compressor Work . But COPabs = Refrigeration Effect / (generator work +
pump work ) .

Why The term relative COP is used ?

Ans : To state the ratio of actual COP to theoretical COP .

Classify Air-Conditioning Systems .

Ans : 1. Window Type Air Conditioning System . 2 . Packed Air Conditioning System 3. Cenrtal
Air Conditioning System .

Engineering Mechanics

What is limiting friction ?

Ans : When an object is sliding over another frictional force is developed in the contact surface.
This friction force creates a resistance. The maximum value of this frictional force is called the
limiting friction.

What is Center of Gravity ?

Ans : Center of Gravity or CG is the point where the whole mass of a body acts (irrespective of
position of that body).

Locate the center of gravity of these simple geometries – Uniform rod , rectangle or
parallelogram , triangle, semi circles, hemisphere, right circular solid cone .

Ans :

Uniform rod : At its middle point

rectangle or parallelogram : Intersect points of its diagonals

triangle : where all the 3 medians of the triangle intersects

Semi-circle : at a distance 4r/3π from the base. (measured along the vertical radius)

hemisphere : at a distance 3r/8 from the base. (measured along the vertical radius)

right circular solid cone : h/4 from base from the vertical axis.

Fluid Mechanics

How the pressure of the liquid is measured ?

Ans : The pressure of the liquid can be measured by manometers.

What are manometers ?

Ans : These are pressure measuring devices for liquid. To measure the pressure in a point in the
liquid manometers balance the liquid column to another column or the same column of liquid.

How manometers are classified ?

Ans : 1. Simple manometers like : piezometer and U-tube manometer.

2. Differential manometer.

What are the uses of manometer ?

Ans : Simple Manometers are used to measure 1. high pressure of liquids 2. pressure in pipes and
channels 3. vacuum pressure.

Differential manometers are used for measuring pressure difference between two points in a pipe
.

Thermodynamics

What are the main objectives of boiler trial ?

Ans: Boiler trial helps to determine the generating capacity and thermal efficiency of the boilers.
Heat balance sheet can be made by the boiler trial .

Name the different Thermodynamic Cycles

Ans : Otto Cycle, Diesel Cycle, Stirling Cycle, Joule or Brayton Cycle, Carnot Cycle, Ericsson
Cycle etc.
Mechanical Engineering Interview Questions for Graduates and Students
What is fluid ? What is fluid mechanics ?

Answer : A fluid is a substance which always responses to shear stress and doesn’t have any
definite shape. It may or may not have any definite volume.

How to determine the characteristics of fluid flow ?

Answer: By the values of Reynolds Number.

What are laminar and turbulent flows ?

Answer : When a fluid is flowing around an object or flowing through an object, the flow may be
smooth or may be distorted. The smoother flow occurs due to low velocity and distorted flow
occurs due to high velocity. This low velocity smoother flow is called laminar flow and distorted
flow is called turbulent flow.

What is buoyancy force ?

Answer : Buoyancy is the upward force which is felt on an object simply immersed into a fluid.

Which dimensionless number is used to determine the speed of aircraft ?

Answer : Mach Number.

What are compressible and incompressible flows ?

Answer : compressible flow – variable density fluid flow .

Incompressible flow – fixed density fluid flow .

What is meant by compressibility property of fluid ?

Answer : Compressibility is the property of those fluids which doesn’t have any fixed density.

What is meant by flow property of fluid ?

Answer : Flow property means the responsiveness of the fluid to the shear stress.

What is meant by no-slip condition in fluids ?

Answer : No-slip condition occurs at the microscopic level where the fluid is flowing on a solid
surface and the velocity of the fluid is zero at the contact surface .

What are the different units of viscosity ?

Answer : In SI – Kg (m.s) . In CGS slug (ft.s) . The values of viscosity is often very small so for
that reason a more reasonable unit is used which is called cP or centipoise.
Basic Mechanical Questions (IC Engines) Part – 6
February 20, 2016 | By basicmech | 1 Reply

Welcome to the sixth part of sixth part of basic mechanical questions. These questions are useful
for interview purpose and also for written exams. Hope you will be benefited from this. Lets
begin –

 What is the difference between turbocharger and supercharger ?

Ans : Turbocharger and Supercharger both have the same function. These devices are blowers
which supplies extra air to the engine. As a result engine gets useful amount of oxygen to
produce a proper ignition.

The main difference between the devices is that turbocharger uses exhaust heat from the exhaust
gases as a power source. But Supercharger uses a part of the engine power to run. Turbocharger
is not directly connected to the engine. It decreases the carbon emission because it has smog
altering system. Supercharger on the other hand is connected to the engine with the help of a
belt. It produces smog.

 What is the difference between the centrifugal pump and positive displacement pump ?

Ans : usually all the pumps are classified into this two categories. Actually in centrifugal pump
flow rate varies with the change of pressure/pressure head. But in positive displacement pump
the flow rate is always the same whether there is a pressure difference or not.

 Differentiate between scavenging and supercharging / turbocharging ?

Ans: In Scavenging the burnt gases from the engine cylinder is pushed out by the fresh air
that before the exhaust stroke ends. Turbocharging/Supercharging is the process of adding extra
air to the engine for a better ignition.

 Give the names of different Thermodynamic Processes .

Ans : Isothermal Process : Constant Temperature process

Isochoric Process : Constant Volume Process

Isobaric Process : Constant Pressure Process

Throttling Process : Constant Enthalpy Process

Isentropic or Adiabatic Process : Constant Entropy Process

 Why more lubricating oil is needed in two-stroke engines than four stroke engines ?

Ans : In two stroke engine the lubricant is mixed with the fuel. As a result some of the lub oil is
blown out with the process of scavenging and getting fresh charge. This phenomenon is not seen
in four stroke engines.

 What are Internal Combustion (IC) Engines ?

Ans : These are engines in which combustion of the fuel takes place inside the engine cylinder.

 What are the usual sequence of operation in IC engines ?

Ans : The sequence involve : Suction Stroke, Compression stroke, Combustion, Expansion or
Working Stoke and the exhaust .

 What is the main difference between petrol engine and diesel engine ?

Ans: In petrol engine the ignition is initiated by the spark plug but in diesel engine the fuel and
air mixture auto-ignites after reaching a certain temperature.

 Describe different types of scavenging process or Define Crossflow Scavenging, Back flow or loop
scavenging and Uniflow scavenging .

Ans :

Crossflow Scavenging: In Crossflow scavenging the inlet port and the outlet port is situated in
the opposite sides in the engine cylinder. This type of scavenging is used in 2 stroke engines.

Back flow or loop Scavenging: In this type of scavenging the inlet and outlet port are on the
same side.

Uniflow Scavenging: In this method the fresh charge can enter through one or two inlets . The
exhaust port is situated on the top of the cylinder.
Typical Natural Gas Composition is-

Answer: Typical Natural gas composition includes

Methane – 95 % , Ethane – 3.2 % , Nitrogen – 1 % , CO2 – 0.5 % , O2 – 0.02 %

Typical Calorific Values for natural gas –

Answer: Higher Heating Value – 52300 kJ/kg or 12500 kcal /kg . Lower Heating Value – 50000
kJ/kg 0r 11950 kcal/kg

What is Hoop Stress and longitudinal stress in a thin walled cylinder?

Answer: When a thin cylinder is subjected to internal pressure longitudinal and hoop stress are
observed in the cylinder. Hoop Stress is the circumferential normal stress developed at the
tangential direction. Hoop stress acts towards the circumference perpendicular to the length of
the cylinder. Longitudinal stress acts along the length of the cylinder.

Hoop stress is expressed as , σh = p d / 2 t and longitudinal stress is expressed as σl = p d / 4 t.

Here p = internal pressure,

d = internal diameter

t = thickness

What is Lateral strain?

Answer: When a body is subjected to longitudinal stress it extends or gets compressed in the
direction of the stress (tensile force or compressive force). But it will also get thicket or thinner
in the transverse direction. The ratio of this change in the length (breadth for rectangular shape
and dia for the circular bar) in the direction perpendicular to the force and the original length is
known as lateral strain.

What are the differences between elbows and bend? Which has greater head losses?

Answer: Bend and elbow are used for changing the direction of the flow and is attached with the
piping system. Bends are simply bends they are generally custom made. On the other hand
elbows are well defined engineered bends. Elbows can be have angle 45 or 90 degrees or they
can be custom made.

Using Elbows or bends will cause some head losses which is known is minor head loss. If the
flow is turbulent in the pipe lines then elbows will have greater head losses than bends. Because
in bends it takes lesser time for the fluid to take the turns.

What is the function of flywheel?

Answer: The main function of the flywheel is to store kinetic energy in the form of moment of
inertia. It also reduces the vibration in the engine and produces an even crank shaft rotational
speed.
  In IC engine which part is known as column?

Answer: In IC engine the connecting rod is known as the column.

 What is the function of orifice meter?

Answer: The orifice meter or orifice plate is used for measuring flow rate of a fluid. It is also
used for flow restriction and pressure reducing purpose.

 What is Vena Contracta?

Answer: When fluid is passed through the flow meters like orifice or nozzles there is a point in
the fluid stream where the diameter of the stream is minimum and velocity is maximum. In this
place we find the least cross sectional area. This is known as the vena contracta.

 How to identify petrol and diesel engines.

Answer: There are many differences in the running cycle of the two engine types. Petrol engine
is spark ignition and Diesel engine is compression ignition. Petrol engine = Otto cycle and Diesel
engine = Diesel cycle.

But the difference between them which is visible practically is the presence of spark plug on the
petrol engine. Diesel engine doesn’t have a spark plug it has an atomizer.

 Mention some desirable properties of Coal.

Answer:

1. Coals needs to have high calorific values

 2. They should be of low sulfur content.
3. Low ash content.
4. Sometimes the coal is needed to be grinded before use. It should have good grindability.

 What are the main classification of coals?

Answer: According to the rank the coal is classified as – Peat, Lignite, Sub-bituminous,
Bituminous and Anthracite. Peat has the lowest rankings and Anthracite has the highest.

 How the rank of the coal is obtained?

Answer: The rank of the coal is determined by the Carbon: Hydrogen ratio. The ratio of the
carbon increase from 75% to 93 % and the hydrogen content decreases from 20 % to 3 %

 Give the Equation of generator that includes pole numbers, frequency and synchronous speed
generator.

Answer: N = 120f / P (N = synchronous speed, P = No of poles, f = Frequency)

 Draw schematic diagram of air standard gas turbine with regeneration. Show the T-s Diagram.

Answer: Please follow this link. Gas Turbine Cycle with reheat , regeneration and intercooling

 Show a Typical Composition of different types of coals.

Answer:

 What is deaerator? Mention its functions.

Answer: For a boiler to run smoothly, the feedwater must be free from contaminants. Feedwater
contains dissolved gases which can be proved very detrimental for the boiler material. Dissolved
gases in the boiler feedwater can be of corrosive nature. In these cases deaerator can be proved
very useful. Deaerators are the devices that remove dissolved gases from the boiler feed water.
Corrosion can be minimized by reducing the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide to a level
where the corrosive nature of the gases is minimized.

 What is Higher Heating Value (HHV) and Lower Heating Value (LLV) and Gross Heating value
(GHV)?

Answer : Please follow the links . Higher and Lower Calorific Value

 What is HFO, FFO, LDO and HSD?

Answer: HFO = Heavy Fuel Oil, FFO = Furnace Fuel Oil, HSD = High Speed Diesel, LDO =
Light Diesel Oil.
  Draw the performance curve of centrifugal pump.

Answer: Click the picture for enlarged view

 What is cooling tower? Give the Schematic Diagram of cooling tower. What is the difference
between cooling towers and condensers?

Answer: Cooling Tower Classification with schematic diagram

 What are different types of condensation processes?

Answer: There are mainly two types of condensation processes

1. Film-wise condensation and

2. Drop-wise condensation.

 Draw the diagram of combined cycle power plant. (Combination of Brayton Cycle and Rankin
Cycle). Show topping and bottoming cycle in the diagram.

Answer: Please follow the link : Combined Cycle Power Plant with Topping and Bottoming
Cycles

 What are major and minor head losses in a fluid flow system?

Answer: Major loss is known as the losses that occur in the pipes. Minor losses are head losses
which occurs due to bends and elbows (additional parts in the straight pipe system).

 What is valve? What is the function of butterfly valve?

Answer: Valves are devices which can control the flow of fluid. By controlling means directing
and regulating the flow.

In a butter fly valve there is a disc which is hinged to the body. And there is an operator. When
operator moves the butterfly valves disc also rotates and creates or blocks passage for the fluid to
flow. When the disc is parallel to the flow the liquid passes and when the disc is completely
perpendicular the flow also completely stops. Please watch this video for a complete
understanding of the butterfly valve.

 Which type of compressor is used in gas turbine?

Answer: In Gas Turbine cycle three types of compressors are used

These are Axial compressor, centrifugal compressor and mixed flow compressor. Axial
compressors are very popular for gas turbine power plants because these are compact and need
less space for medium to large thrust gas turbines.

 What happens in superheating process?

Answer: In superheating the temperature is increased of the fluid with increasing its pressure.

 Name some of the flow meters.

Answer: Orifice meters, Venturi meters, Rotameters , nozzles

 What is a nozzle? What happens in a nozzle?

Answer: nozzle is a device which can control the direction of the fluid along with changing some
of its properties. Nozzle is especially used for increasing the velocity of the fluid
stream. Generally nozzle is a tapered tube. It is used where high velocity and low pressure is
required. It depends on the continuity equation. According to continuity equation if the flow rate
is to be remained same the product of area and velocity should remain same on the inlet and
outlet. So if area decreases then the velocity increases.

 What is the expression of a polytropic process?

Answer: Polytrpoic is a thermodynamic process . It follows the relation .

 What is the percentage U238 in nature?

Answer: 99.2745%

 Relation of absolute pressure, gage pressure and atmospheric pressure.

Answer: Absolute pressure = Atmospheric Pressure + Gage Pressure

 Which one has greater efficiency for the same compression ratio? Diesel engine or petrol
engine? Explain.

Answer: For same compression ratio petrol engine has greater efficiency then diesel engine.
Otto cycle or petrol engine cycle rejects lesser heat for the same compression ratio than the diesel
engine cycle. That’s why it has better efficiency for same compression ratio.

More mechanical engineering objective and w

What is LMTD method?

Answer: LMTD means logarithmic mean temperature difference. Generally, it is used to measure
the heat transfer of the flow systems. In most cases, the lmtd method is used to measure the heat
transfer in heat exchangers most commonly in double pipe heat exchangers. Here is the
mathematical expression of lmtd method –

ΔTA is the temperature difference between the two fluids at the one end denoted by A. ΔTB is
the temperature difference between the two streams of fluids at end B.

Amount of heat exchanged in a heat exchanger can be calculated from this equation –
 What is Gear Train? Describe Gear Train formula.

Answer: Gear or cogwheel is a mechanical device which is used to transmit torque. A gear
generally meshes with another gear by means of the tooth. In gear train, two or more gears are
mounted on a frame for transmitting power. In the figure, you can see the typical gear train
arrangement.

What is Cam?

Answer: Cam is a mechanical linkage which transforms rotary motion to linear motion and vice
versa. Cams can be very versatile. The most common use of cam is seen in automobile camshaft.

What is CAD?

Answer: CAD means Computer Aided Design. This is a system in which computer systems are
used to create, modify analyse or optimize a design. CAD files generally give an output which
can be used for printing, machining and manufacturing processes. CAD improves the
productivity of a designer as well as improve the accuracy of machining. Documentation for
drawing and design has become very easy by means of CAD as it helps to keep the database
updated very easily. Before CAD it was very much arduous to keep the database up to date with
drawings and designs. These CAD drawings can be used in CNC machine for manufacturing a
product in very short time.

What is STUD, BOLT and NUT?

Answer:
Bolts are generally externally threaded fasteners which are inserted into a hole and tighten up by
means of nuts.

Screws are generally externally threaded fasteners which are inserted into a hole which is
internally threaded. No additional nuts are needed to tighten up the screws.

Studs are bolts which are threaded on both ends and tightened up by using nuts on the threaded
ends to hold a part.

What is Shear Stress and Normal Stress?

Answer: There are two types of stress that can be developed inside a material. Normal stress and
shear stress. The stress which is developed in a direction perpendicular to the face is known as
normal stress. The stress which is developed in a direction parallel to the face is known as shear
stress.

What is boiler draught?

Answer: It is a process of supplying continuous air to the boiler furnace for efficient burning of
the fuel for producing steam. It is actually the pressure difference between the grate level hot
flue gases and the exit point gases. Draught can be natural or forced.

What are the different types of gearboxes?

Answer: There are 4 types of gearboxes used in the machines and mechanisms

 Sliding Mesh Gear Box

 Synchromesh Gear Box
 Constant Mesh Gear Box
 Planetary Gear Box
 1. What does CNC stand for? CNC Meaning / CNC definition.

Answer: CNC stands for Computer Numerical Controls.

Numeric Controls creates the automation of the machine tools. If computer program is used to
make the automation then the system is called CNC system. In modern times Computer Aided
designs (CADs) are used in the CNC machines for precise operation.

2. How the value of gear train is measured?

Answer: The mechanical system which engages two or more gears in such a way that their teeth
meshes and provides a smooth transmission. For a successful gear power transmission the gears
are designed in a way that the velocity of the pitch circles of the two gears remains the same at
the time of contact.

If a Gear A (driver) and B (driven) meshes having radius Ra and Rb and angular velocity Wa and
Wb then

V= RaWa = RbWb

So Wa/Wb = Rb/Ra = Na/Nb where Na = No. of teeth of driver gear A and Nb is the No. of teeth
on the driven gear B.

3. Explain Stress Strain Graph / Stress Strain Curve for Mild Steel. Describe Stress Strain
relationship. What are the units of stress?

Answer: Follow the link: Stress Strain Curve for Mild Steel. Units of Stresses are Pa. Most of the
times GPa or Giga Pascal is used to express the units of stress for materials.

4. What is water jacket?

Answer: Water Jacket is a water filled casing. The water in the water jacket may be circulated by
a pump. Water jackets are used for cooling purposes of condensers, water cooled IC engines etc.

5. What is limiting friction?

Answer: When a body tries to slide over another surface or starts sliding they experience some
opposite force from the adjacent surface. Limiting friction is the maximum value of the friction
force when a body just starts to slide. There are condition and laws of limiting friction.

6. Describe the co-efficient of friction formula.

Answer: Co-efficient of friction is denoted by the Greek letter µ. It is the ratio of maximum
frictional force to the normal force (the force that pushes the object towards the other surface)

µ = F/R , where F = Friction Force and R= Normal force.

 7. Write short notes on lathe chucks.

Answer: Chucks are the work holding devices for Lathes. Chucks are mechanical vises which
hold the workpiece and transfer rotational motion of the drive motor to the work piece. Chucks
are adjustable and can be of two basic types.

3 Jaw Self Centering Chuck and 4 Jaw Independent Chuck. Please Click on the image to have a
clear idea of the lathe chucks.

8. What is the value of modulus of elasticity of steel?

Answer: Up to elastic limit strain is proportional to stress. The ratio of stress to strain is known
as modulus of elasticity or young’s modulus of elasticity. Modulus of elasticity for steel is
measured 210 GPa.

9. What is the bending moment equation for simple bending of beams/ Describe bending
moment formula?

Answer: σ = MC/I = E/R

Here, M = bending moment, I = Moment of inertia, C = Distance of extreme fiber from the
neutral axis. E= Modulus of elasticity, R = Radius of curvature, σ = Stress
 10. What is the effective length of column?

Answer: Click the image for a clear view and the end conditions. For Pinned ends L= Le , For
both ends fixed Le= 0.5L , For one end fixed one end pinned Le = 0.7L, for One end free and
other end fixed Le = 2L.

11. Which Equation is used to determine the critical load of a slender column? Describe Euler’s
equation for column.

Answer: Euler’s Equation is used for measuring the critical load of a slender column. Here is the
Euler’s Equation for slender column.

C is the value for different end conditions. Please Look at question no. 48 for the values of C.

12. What is Case Hardening?

Answer: It is the process of adding carbon or nitrogen or both on to the surface of a steel object.
Case hardening makes a material hard from the outside but keeps the core soft. For example gear
teeth are case hardened as a result the teeth can withstand wear and tear at the same because of
having soft core they can absorb shock.

13. What is modulus of resilience?

Answer: It is the energy absorbed per unit volume within the elastic limit in the stress strain
curve.

14. What are the thermal conductivity of different metals?

Answer: Thermal conductivity charts for different materials. It has a unit of Watt per Meter-
Kelvin W/(m K)

Thermal Conductivity, W/(m K) at

Materials
25 degress

Air, atmosphere 0.024

Aluminum 205

Copper 401

Water 0.58

15. What are the different types of boilers?

Answer: Classification of the boiler is done by considering different aspects.

According to the tube content boilers are classified as

1. Fire Tube Boiler also known as smoke boiler and

2. Water Tube Boiler

According to the furnace position

1. Externally Fired Boiler

2. Internally Fired Boiler

With respect to the axis of the boiler shell boiler is classified as

1. Vertical boiler and

2. Horizontal boiler

According to the number of tubes 1. Single tube boiler 2. Multitube boiler

By the method of water and steam circulation 1. Natural circulation 2. Forced Circulation.

By use or application 1. Stationary and 2. Mobile.

The boiler are also classified by the method of heating source. They are named after the type of
fuel.

16. What is slenderness ratio? Show the slenderness ratio formula.

Answer: The ratio of the length of a column to the least radius of gyration is known as the
slenderness ratio.

Slenderness ratio = l/k; l = length of the column, k = least radius of gyration.

17. What is Bending Moment? Describe the term bending moment diagram.

Answer: Most of the time the bending moment is associated with the beams. Beams carry loads
perpendicular to its axis and also withstand bending moment. When some external forces or
moments are applied on a structural element, it can bend. The reaction to this applied forces and
moments are known as the bending moment.

If we have a structural element, suppose a beam and some forces are applied on it and we want to
determine the bending moment in every point then we have to use the bending moment diagram.
Watch this video tutorial on how to draw bending moment diagram for a beam.

18. What is spring constant? Describe spring constant formula.

Answer: According to Newton’s third law of motion, if a force is applied to a spring it will apply
a restoring force opposite in direction. We get hook’s law from this Newtonian physics which
involves the term spring constant. According to Hook’s law-

F= – kx

F = restoring force, x = displacement, k = spring constant. The negative sign indicates the
opposite direction of the force.

From the above equation we get, spring constant, k = – F/x. The unit of the spring constant is
Newton per meter , N/m

Every spring has its own spring constant which shows the stiffness and strength of the spring.

19. Give thermal conductivity definition.

Answer: Thermal Conductivity can be explained as the heat conducted in unit time, through the
unit area of a substance of unit thickness when the difference of temperature between the
opposite faces of the object is unity.

20. What is boundary layer thickness?

Answer: It is the distance from the wall / plate across the boundary where the velocity of the
flow has become free stream velocity.
Watch this video on how to calculate boundary layer thickness

21. What is Reynolds Number?

Answer: Reynolds Number is the ratio of viscous force to the inertia force. Mathematically

Reynolds Number , Nre = ρvd/µ

For further studies of dimensionless numbers go to this link : Dimensionless Groups in fluid
mechanics

22. What is heat transfer co-efficient? What is the value of heat transfer coefficient of air?

Answer: Heat Transfer Co-efficient is the parameter used to measure the heat transfer rate in
convective heat transfer. Convective Heat Transfer Rate,

Q = h.A. (T2-T1)

Here, Convection heat transfer coefficient is h. It is the rate of heat transfer occurred between
solid and liquid surfaces through unit surface area when the temperature difference is unity. It
has a SI unit of W/m2 K.

Value of heat transfer coefficient of air can be 10-100 W/m2 K.

23. Describe vapor compression refrigeration cycle.

Answer: In vapor compression refrigeration cycle a compressor is used to produce extra work. It
compresses the working fluid or the refrigerants and increases the pressure.

The refrigerant is compressed in the compressor and then the superheated refrigerant is passed
through the condenser. The condenser liquefies the refrigerant and this high pressure liquid is
received in a tank. The liquid passes a throttling device and the pressure drops. The low pressure
saturated vapor refrigerant passes the evaporator and produces cooling effect. Have a look at the
schematic diagram of vapor compression refrigeration cycle.

Please read: The difference between vapor compression and absorption cycle.

24. What is fire tube boiler and water tube boiler?

Answer: In fire tube boiler the hot combustion products (gases and flames) runs through the
tubes and the tube is surrounded by the water. Example of fire tube boiler is : Simple vertical
boiler, Cochran Boiler, Lancashire Boiler and Locomotive boiler.

In Water Boilers the water runs through the tubes and the combustion products surround the
tubes. Example of water tube boiler is : Babcock & Wilcox Boiler, Stirling Boiler, La-monte
Boiler etc.

25. What is boiler accessory and mounting? Give example.

Answer: Mountings are the parts or the devices which are mounted on the boiler for the proper
and safe functioning of the boiler. Example of boiler mountings: Pressure gage, safety valve,
Water Level Indicator, Steam Stop Valve, Feed check valve and fusible plugs etc.

Accessories are the parts which are additionally attached to the boiler for the increased
efficiency. Accessories include economizer, superheater and feed pumps.

26. What is boiler water treatment?

Answer: Boiler water treatment is the process of reducing or removing the impurities from the
boiler feed water. It is done externally and internally.
 27. What is log mean temperature difference? Why it is used?

Answer: Log mean Temperature Difference (LMTD) is a mathematical term which is used to
measure the temperature difference of the two opposite parts of a heat exchanger. This data can
be used to determine the heat transfer rate.

28. What is lateral torsional buckling?

Answer: When a load carrying member is unstable due to its slenderness and load, the buckling
can happen. Beams undergo Lateral torsional buckling (LTB). It happens due to the buckling of
the compression flange of the beam. The web of the beam supports the beam from LTB. But if
there is no lateral support and enough force is applied then both the web and the flange can
buckle. The torsion flange remains stable and restrains the compression flange and web causing
the beam to twist. As a result lateral torsional buckling happens.

Watch this video to understand lateral torsional buckling.

29. What is latent heat of condensation and latent heat of evaporation?

Answer: Latent heat is the heat required to change a material from one state to another.

Latent heat of condensation is the heat released while water vapor condenses into liquid.

Latent heat of evaporation is the heat required to change the liquid in to vapor.

30. What is shear force?

Answer: The definition of shear force: Shear forces are generally unaligned forces which pushes
one part of the body in a certain direction and the other part of the body in opposite direction.
 31. What is multistage centrifugal pump?

Answer: Multistage Centrifugal pump is a device in which more than one impeller is engaged in
the same shaft or on different shaft. The main reason for constructing these type of pumps is to
create more pressure on the same pump casing. A centrifugal pump having single impeller
cannot produce a pressure between suction and discharge side which is equivalent to 150 psid. It
will be very costly to build such a pump with single impeller system. That’s why multistage
centrifugal pumps are introduced. For producing higher heads impellers are connected in series
and to get more discharge impellers are connected in parallel connections.

32. What is priming of centrifugal pump?

Answer: When the impeller rotates it adds Kinetic Energy to the adjacent fluid. As a result the
pressure of the adjacent fluid increases. At the same time negative pressure is developed at the
suction side. Because of this pressure differential fluid flows through the impeller. If the impeller
is filled air rather than water then the pressure differential will be small and no fluid will flow.
So to eliminate that phenomenon the pump flow path is filled with water. This is known as
priming.

33. What is Engine Governor? What is its functions?

Answer: A governor is a device attached in the engine to control the speed. It is actually a speed
limiter. It can measure the speed and can regulate it.

Governor’s function is to keep the speed stable in different loads. If the load is lighter, less fuel
supply is needed to keep a stable speed. But if the load increases more fuel supply is needed.
Governor controls the fuel supplies.

34. What is draft tube? Why it is used?

Answer: Draft Tubes are used at the exit of the runner of the turbines. These are pipes of
gradually increasing area. The draft tube at the exit of the turbine increases pressure of the
exiting fluid by reducing its velocity. It converts waste kinetic energy of the exit fluid into useful
pressure energy.

35. What is Break Specific fuel Consumption, bsfc?

Answer: Break Specific fuel Consumption, BSFC is a ratio of the rate of fuel consumption to the
power produced. So it is the measurement of the efficiency of the fuel of any prime mover which
produces power.

bsfc = fuel consumption/ Power Produced. The unit of fuel consumption is gm/s and the unit for
power is watt.

36. What is third law of thermodynamics?

Answer: The entropy of a perfect crystal approaches to zero, when it approaches to absolute zero
temperature.

37. What is Bernoulli equation for ideal and real fluid?

Answer: When a fluid is flowing in a continuous stream its energy remains constant for all the
points. The flow must be incompressible and Newtonian fluid.

According to bernoulli’s equation the sum of pressure head, velocity head and datum head for a
incompressible newtonian fluid remain constant. Mathematical expression of Bernoulli
equation:

38. Show the rheological properties of materials with the help of a graph.
Answer:

39. What are the different unit of viscosity?

Answer: SI unit of Dynamic Viscosity is Poiseuille (Pl). CGS unit is Poise.

1 Poiseuille = 1 Pa-s or 1 (N-s)/m2 or kg (m-s).

The SI unit for kinematic viscosity is m2 /s. CGS unit is stokes.

40. What is Stress Concentration? What you know about stress concentration factor?

Answer: Stress Concentration is the localized stress. When a stress is distributed over a material ,
it remains strong. But concentrated stress can cause serious damage to a material. Stress
concentration is also known as stress raisers or stress risers. The effect of stress concentration
can be easily identified by the term stress concentration factor. Stress Concentration factor is the
ratio is average stress by the maximum stress.

41. What is Gear Module? What its importance?

Answer: The ratio of pitch circle diameter to the number of teeth in gears are known as Gear
module. It is generally denoted as m. Gear module m = D/ T.

For two gears to be meshed their module must be equal.

 42. What is Combined Cycle Power Plant?

Answer: A combined cycle power plant is one which uses both gas turbine and steam turbine to
produce more electricity. By using CCPP the efficiency and the electrical power output both can
be increased.

In a combined cycle power plant the gas turbine runs by the combustion products of the
compressed air fuel mixture. It produces electricity by moving a generator. The waste gases from
the gas turbine is then utilized in a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG). It produces steam and
runs the steam turbine. Thus steam turbine produces some additional electricity. Here’s a
schematic representation of CCPP. Click on the image for better view.

43. What is Pressure and Velocity Compounding for Impulse Turbine? Draw the velocity and
pressure graphs for reaction and impulse turbines. / Describe Rateau and Curtis stages of
impulse turbine.

Answer: Follow the link : Pressure and Velocity Compounding for Turbines.

44. What is sub-cooling and superheating in refrigeration system? Describe sub-ccoling and
Superheating with T-s and P-h diagram.

Answer: Follow the link : Sub-cooling and Super-heating explained with T-s and P-h diagram

45. Describe Gas Turbine Cycle with Regeneration, Intercooling and Reheating.

Answer: Follow the link: Gas Turbine Cycle explained with Regeneration, Intercooling and
Reheating
 46. What is Herringbone Gear?

Answer: Herringbone is a pattern which resembles fish bone structure. Herringbone gear is a
type of gear which is consist of two helical gears of opposite hand side. These are assembled side
by side rather than face to face. As a result a fishbone structure is developed which is known as
the herringbone gear. The gear creates a V shaped pattern.

47. Describe the relation between actual and theoretical COP in a refrigeration system.

Answer: The ratio of actual COP to theoretical COP is known as Relative COP.

48. What are the different end conditions of the column?

Answer:

In Euler Formula, C is used to describe the end condition of the column

If the both ends of the column is hinged then C= 1

If the both ends of the column is fixed C= ¼

If the one end of the column is fixed and other is hinged C = ½

If the one end of the column is fixed and other is free, C = 4

49. What are the differences between beams and columns?

Answer: Beams are horizontal structural elements which experiences loads perpendicular to its
axis and also withstands bending moments. Columns are the vertical members which have to
withstand compressive loads which can be parallel to their axis.

50. What is Poison’s Ratio?

Answer: It is the ratio of lateral to linear strain.

51. What is section modulus? What is plastic section modulus?

Answer: The ratio of the moment of inertia of a cross sectional area to the distance of the highest
point of the fiber from the neutral axis is known as the section modulus. Mathematically section
modulus , z = I/C .