About this previous year paper
This examination assesses the foundational understanding of Mechanical Engineering principles, including mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, IC engines, refrigeration, turbines, transducers, and mechatronics. The paper is divided into three sections (A, B, and C) to evaluate conceptual clarity, numerical ability, diagrammatic understanding, and engineering application skills.
SECTION A — Short Answer Questions (2 × 7 = 14 Marks)
Seven brief, compulsory questions test the student’s understanding of basic mechanical concepts.
Topics Covered:
1. Mechanics & Strength of Materials
Characteristics of force
Concept of shear strain
Yielding and material behaviour (covered indirectly)
2. Hybrid & IC Engines
Weaknesses of hybrid electric vehicles
Meaning of total cylinder volume in engines
3. Fluid Mechanics
Pascal’s law: pressure transmission and force calculation
4. Turbomachinery
Examples of low, medium, and high head turbines
5. Mechatronics & Measurement
Types of transducers based on measured quantity
This section tests basic definitions, conceptual clarity, and simple calculations.
SECTION B — Descriptive Questions (7 × choose any 3 = 21 Marks)
Each question requires analytical explanation, diagrammatic representation, or numerical computation.
Topics include:
1. Stress–Strain Analysis
Reduction in diameter using Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio
2. IC Engines
Working of two-stroke petrol engine with labelled diagram
3. Psychrometrics
Explanation of:
Dew Point Temperature (DPT)
Comfort conditions
Specific humidity
4. Turbomachines
Velocity triangle for Pelton wheel
Difference between turbines and pumps
5. Measurement & Testing
Prony brake dynamometer
Derivation for brake power
This section tests a mix of numerical aptitude, conceptual explanation, and diagram-based understanding.
SECTION C — Long Answer Questions (7 marks each)
Students attempt one question from each block.
Question 3 – Engineering Mechanics
3(a) Statics Problem: Support Reactions
Beam hinged at one end and roller-supported on an inclined surface
Calculation of support reactions
3(b) Material Behaviour
Shape of cross-section after yielding in brittle materials
Explanation of brittle failure characteristics
This block evaluates knowledge of statics and material science.
Question 4 – Hybrid Vehicles & Energy Storage
4(a) Energy Management in HEVs
Need for energy management system
Whether similar system is required in pure EVs
4(b) Hybrid Vehicle Batteries
Types of energy storage technologies
Detailed discussion on lithium-ion batteries
This block checks understanding of emerging automotive technologies.
Question 5 – Refrigeration & Air Conditioning
5(a) Vapour Compression Refrigeration Cycle
Neat sketch of components
Working principle
T–s and P–h diagrams
5(b) Cold Storage Numerical
Heat leakage
COP (actual vs ideal)
Power required
This block assesses thermal engineering and refrigeration fundamentals.
Question 6 – Fluid Mechanics
6(a) Continuity Equation
Determination of nozzle diameter given changes in flow velocity
6(b) Viscosity & Temperature Effect
Effect of temperature on viscosity
Numerical problem using Newton’s law of viscosity
Tests fluid flow behaviour and calculation skills.
Question 7 – Instrumentation & Mechatronics
7(a) Optical Pyrometer
Working principle with labelled sketch
Why optical pyrometer underestimates temperature of a red-hot object in open air
7(b) Mechatronics
Examples of mechatronic systems
Evolution of mechatronics over time
This block checks understanding of engineering measurements and mechatronic systems.