Mechanical Engineering Interview Preparation Notes
1. Engineering Mechanics
- Newton's Laws of Motion:
1st Law - A body remains at rest or in uniform motion unless acted upon by an external force.
2nd Law - F = ma.
3rd Law - For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
- Free Body Diagram (FBD): A diagram showing all external forces acting on a body.
- Moment = Force Distance.
- Equilibrium: Sum F = 0, Sum M = 0.
- Centroid: Geometric center of a body.
- Moment of Inertia: Resistance to angular acceleration.
2. Strength of Materials (SOM)
- Stress = Force / Area.
- Strain = Change in Length / Original Length.
- Hookes Law: Stress Strain.
- Bending Moment: M = F Distance.
- Torsion: T/J = tau/r = Gtheta/L.
- Mohrs Circle: Graphical method to determine principal stresses.
3. Thermodynamics
- Zeroth Law: Basis for temperature measurement.
- 1st Law: Energy conservation. Q = DeltaU + W.
- 2nd Law: Entropy increases, defines direction of processes.
- Heat Engine Efficiency = 1 - (T_L/T_H).
- Carnot Cycle is the most efficient cycle.
4. Fluid Mechanics
Mechanical Engineering Interview Preparation Notes
- Bernoullis Equation: P + 0.5rhov^2 + rhogh = constant.
- Reynolds Number: Re < 2000 (Laminar), Re > 4000 (Turbulent).
- Continuity: A1V1 = A2V2.
- Hydraulic Machines: Centrifugal pumps, Pelton and Francis turbines.
5. Heat Transfer
- Conduction: Q = kA(DeltaT/L).
- Convection: Q = hADeltaT.
- Radiation: Q = sigmaepsilonAT.
- Fins: Increase surface area for heat transfer.
- Heat Exchangers: Use LMTD for temperature difference.
6. Theory of Machines
- Four-bar Chain: Common mechanism for converting rotary motion.
- Gear Ratio = T2/T1 = N1/N2.
- Cam: Converts rotary motion to reciprocating.
- Gyroscope: Stability in rotating bodies.
7. Machine Design
- Factor of Safety = Ultimate Stress / Working Stress.
- Design Shafts: Use torsion and bending formulas.
- Screws: Helix angle, torque calculations.
- Bearings: Types include ball and roller.
8. Manufacturing
Mechanical Engineering Interview Preparation Notes
- Casting Defects: Blowholes, shrinkage.
- Welding Defects: Porosity, cracks.
- Machining Parameters: Speed, Feed, Depth of Cut.
- CNC: Automated control using programming.
9. Industrial Engineering
- EOQ = sqrt(2DS/H).
- Gantt Chart: Scheduling tool.
- PERT/CPM: Project management tools.
- Six Sigma: Quality improvement.
10. Mechatronics & Instrumentation
- Sensor: Device to detect changes.
- Strain Gauge: Measures strain via resistance.
- PLC: Programmable Logic Controller for automation.
11. Material Science
- Iron-Carbon Diagram: Shows phases like austenite, pearlite.
- Heat Treatment: Annealing, hardening, tempering.
- Composite: Matrix + reinforcement.
12. Automobile Basics
- 4-Stroke Cycle: Intake, Compression, Power, Exhaust.
- Diesel Engine: Compression ignition.
Mechanical Engineering Interview Preparation Notes
- Differential: Allows different wheel speeds.
13. Power Plant Basics
- Rankine Cycle: Used in steam power plants.
- Boiler: Converts water to steam.
- Turbine: Converts steam energy to mechanical work.
14. Refrigeration & AC
- COP = Q/W.
- Refrigerants: R134a, R22.
- DBT, WBT, RH used in psychrometry.
15. Important Unit Conversions
- 1 inch = 25.4 mm
- 1 HP = 746 Watts
- 1 bar = 100 kPa = 10^5 Pa
- 1 atm = 101.325 kPa
- 1 kgf = 9.81 N
- 1 calorie = 4.184 J
- 1 tonne = 1000 kg
- 1 m = 1000 liters
