About this previous year paper
This document contains the complete B.Tech (Semester III) Theory Examination 2017–18 question paper for Mechanics of Solids (RME-303). The paper spans two printed pages, carries 70 marks, and evaluates core engineering concepts including stresses, strains, torsion, bending, columns, deflection, thick/thin cylinders, shear center, and failure theories.
Section A – Short Conceptual Questions (14 Marks)
Section A includes seven brief questions, each testing a fundamental principle of solid mechanics:
Principal planes & principal stresses
Definitions of resilience, proof resilience, and modulus of resilience
Methods to determine slope & deflection in a cantilever
Meaning of torsional rigidity
Concept of shear center
Understanding of buckling in columns
Difference between thin and thick cylinders
This section checks conceptual clarity and core definitions essential for structural analysis.
Section B – Numerical & Analytical Problems (21 Marks)
Students must attempt any three questions involving formulas, calculations, and analytical reasoning:
Maximum deflection of a simply supported beam under two point loads
Diameter design of a hollow shaft transmitting power with torsion and bending
Crippling load of a hollow column using Rankine’s formula
Derivation of maximum principal stress for a thick cylinder under internal pressure
Determining wall thickness for a tube based on hoop stress and internal pressure
These questions test ability to apply solid mechanics equations to engineering problems.
Section C – Advanced Derivations & Design-Based Problems (35 Marks)
1. Columns & Springs
Derivation of Euler’s equation for long columns with both ends built-in
Deflection, rotation & stresses in open-coil helical springs, plus effect of coil angle
2. Shear Centre & Bending
Determining the shear center for a channel section
Maximum bending stress in an unequal angle section subjected to bending moment
3. Principal Stresses & Failure
Resultant stress, principal planes, principal stresses & maximum shear stress
Explanation of theories of failure with graphical representation
4. Curved Beams & Shafts
Maximum tensile & compressive stresses in a crane hook of trapezoidal section
Design of a hollow shaft with torque, shear stress & twist angle constraints
5. Thick Cylinders & Buckling
Assumptions in Lame’s theory and derivation for thick-shell stress distribution
Euler’s buckling load for a column with one end fixed and the other hinged
These problems assess deep understanding of material behavior under complex loading, advanced derivations, and engineering design skills.
Summary
The Mechanics of Solids (RME-303) exam paper thoroughly evaluates:
Stress, strain & resilience
Bending, shear, and torsional behavior
Deflection of beams
Column buckling (Euler & Rankine)
Thick & thin cylinder stresses
Shear center & curved beam theory
Failure theories
Shaft design & spring mechanics
It is a complete academic resource for students of mechanical and civil engineering studying the fundamentals of strength of materials.