Mechanical Engineering Interview Questions

* Explain the second law of thermodynamics.

The entropy of the universe increases over time and moves towards a maximum
value.

* How do you measure temperature in a wet bulb thermometer?

Wet bulb temperature is measured in a wet bulb thermometer by covering the

bulb with a wick and wetting it with water. It corresponds to the dew point
temperature and relative humidity.

* What is bending moment?

When a moment is applied to bend an element, a bending moment exists in the

element

* What are the points in the stress strain curve for steel?

Proportional limit, elastic limit or yield point, ultimate stress and stress at
failure.

* Define Reynolds number.

Reynolds number is the ratio of inertial force and viscous force. It is a

dimensionless number. It determines the type of fluid flow.

* What is a Newtonian fluid?

A Newtonian fluid possesses a linear stress strain relationship curve and it

passes through the origin. The fluid properties of a Newtonian fluid do not change
when any force acts upon it.

* How many joules is 1 BTU?

1 BTU is equal to 1055.056 joules.

* What is PS?

PS is Pferdestarke, the German unit for Horsepower.

* Explain Otto cycle.

Otto cycle can be explained by a pressure volume relationship diagram. It shows

the functioning cycle of a four stroke engine. The cycle starts with an intake stroke,
closing the intake and moving to the compression stroke, starting of combustion,
power stroke, heat exchange stroke where heat is rejected and the exhaust stroke.
It was designed by Nicolas Otto, a German engineer.

* Explain the nomenclature of a 6203-ZZ bearing.

6 is the type code, which shows it is a single-row ball bearing, 2 is the series,
means light, 03 is the bore, which is 17 mm and ZZ is the suffix meaning double
shielded bearing.

* What is gear ratio?

It is the ratio of the number of revolutions of the pinion gear to one revolution of
the idler gear.

* What is annealing?

It is a process of heating a material above the re-crystallization temperature and

cooling after a specific time interval. This increases the hardness and strength if the
material.

* Define torque.

Torque is defined as a force applied to an object that results in rotational

motion.

* What is ductile-brittle transition temperature?

It is the temperature below which the tendency of a material to fracture

increases rather than forming. Below this temperature the material loses its
ductility. It is also called Nil Ductility Temperature.

1. Mechanical_engineering
2. Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering - Frequently Asked Questions

• Print
• ShareThis

School of Mechanical & Manufacturing

Engineering
Frequently Asked Questions

• Questions - Mechatronic Engineering

• Questions - BioEngineering
• Questions - CA Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
• Questions - Manufacturing Engineering with Business Studies
Questions Mechatronic Engineering

1.What are the entry requirements for Mechatronic Engineering ? How

many points are required ?Answer

2.How many students are accepted for the course?Answer

3.I want to know more about the B.Eng. in Mechatronic Engineering Programme.Answer

4.What do Mechatronic Engineers actually do?Answer

5.The prospectus states that there is an "Intra Period" in third year. What is this all about?Answer

6.Can I transfer into the course from an I.T.?Answer

7.I am a mature student can I gain entry to the course?Answer

8.How can I find out further information about the course?Answer

Questions BioEngineering

1. What are the entry requirements for BioEngineering? How may points
are required? Answer

2. How many students are accepted for the course? Answer

3.I want to know more about the B.Eng. in BioEngineering Programme.Answer

4.What do BioEngineers actually do?Answer

5.The prospectus states that there is an "Intra Period" in third year. What is this all about?Answer

6.Can I transfer into the course from an I.T.?Answer

7.I am a mature student can I gain entry to the course?Answer

8.How can I find out further information about the course?Answer

Questions Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (CAM)

1. What are the entry requirements for CAM? How may points are
required? Answer

2. How many students are accepted for the course? Answer

3.I want to know more about the B.Eng. in CAM Programme.Answer

4.What do Computer Aided Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineers actually do?Answer

5.The prospectus states that there is an "Intra Period" in third year. What is this all about?Answer

6.Can I transfer into the course from an I.T.?Answer

7.I am a mature student can I gain entry to the course?Answer

8.How can I find out further information about the course?Answer

Questions Manufacturing Engineering with Business Studies

1. What are the entry requirements for Manufacturing

Engineering with Business Studies? How may points are
required? Answer

2. How many students are accepted for the course? Answer

3.I want to know more about the B.Eng. in Manufacturing Engineering with Business Studies
Programme.Answer

4.What do Manufacturing Engineers actually do?Answer

5.The prospectus states that there is an "Intra Period" in third year. What is this all about?Answer

6.Can I transfer into the course from an I.T.?

7.I am a mature student can I gain entry to the course?

8.How can I find out further information about the course?

Answers- Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (CAM)

Answer to Question 1

Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment, the Leaving Certificate (or an approved
equivalent) with at least:

Grade C3 in two Higher Level subjects (one of which must be mathematics or applied
mathematics, and a Grade D3 in four Ordinary or Higher Level subjects ; furthermore, one of the
D3 Grades must be from the following group of subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Physics with
Chemistry, Engineering, Technical Drawing, Biology, Agricultural Science.

Answer to Question 2

The first year intake for CA Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering is about 45 students.

Answer to Question 3

The B.Eng. in Computer Aided Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering is a degree

programme which was launched in September 1999 by the School of Mechanical and
Manufactruing Engineering and reflects the move in engineering toward the exploitation of
computer based tools in both manufacture and design.

The programme is a four year course that includes an six month period of Intra spent in an
appropriate industrial workplace. The programme consists of eight semesters, of which seven are
spent on academic studies within the University and one (semester 6) is spent in industry. The
course provides a broad and practical programme of study to produce graduates with
competencies in computer aided simulation,designing and manufacture.

Answer to Question 4

Computer Aided Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineers are responsible for the design and
development of engineering products, the analysis of the design of components using advanced
computerised analysis techniques (such as finite element analysis), computer aided manufacture
of engineering products, computerised simulation of engineering products and processes,
automated assembly (robotics) and the development of engineering software.

Answer to Question 5

Semester 6 in the third year of the programme is mainly devoted to INTRA (INtegrated
TRAining), in which students spend
a six month period in industry. The student spends their time working for a particular company
in a field relevant to their
degree programme. This period of industrial training is intended to provide students with an
insight into the structure and
functioning of industry. The intra period also gives the student valuable relevant work experience
which can improve their
employment prospects upon completion of their degree.

Answer to Question 6

Yes. Students awarded an NCEA National Certificate or Ordinary Degree with credit or
distinction from third-level institutions elsewhere may apply for transfer to this degree
programme. Appropriate credits will be given for courses followed in the student's previous
academic work. Students will be exempted from either the first year or first two years of the
programme depending on their
qualifications and circumstances. For further information please consult the faculty booklet or
contact the Office for Academic
Answer to Question 7

Yes. The University is favourably disposed to applications from mature candidates. An interview
is obligatory and candidates
may be required to take and apptitude test or submit written work. Mature candidates should
apply directly to the University by
contacting the Office for Academic Affairs

Answer to Question 8

By obtaining a copy of the faculty booklet for the faculty of Engineering and Design. This is
available from the office of Academic
affairs. If you have more specific questions you may contact the school secretary.

Here are professional questions -

Question: Tell me about yourself. As a mechanical engineer, have you been experienced in
design work, research and development, manufacturing, installation and final commissioning?
Answer: If you worked across a variety of projects stages as listed above, describe your
involvement in these projects.

Question: Have you been involved in managing or leading a team or projects?

Answer: If you did, then tell the interviewer about your managerial experience and how your
background as a project/team manager can benefit the new prospective employer.

Question: What type of mechanical engineering projects have you supervised or engineered?
Answer: Mechanical engineers can work in many industries and each may bring useful related
practice to the table. As a candidate, therefore, indicate your significant experience in any field,
such as: research and development on variety of products in any sector. For example, you can tell
about your experience in: power, mechanical devices, construction, maintenance and any other
industry.
Question: When designing/planning projects and products, have you considered issues such as
cost effectiveness, time on market, safety, reliability and QA?
Answer: As an experienced mechanical engineer, you must have worked on these aspects and
therefore expected to provide former experience and speak in details about –

• Solving complex mechanical issues.

• Developing of production processes.
• Ensuring product reliably and performance under specific operating environment.
• Managing projects under standardized engineering principles/techniques.

Question: Describe an innovative project you developed or key product element that you
designed.
Answer: Speak enthusiastically about any unique approach you took to develop mechanism or a
new system. Explain the steps/methods you utilized to enhance production or fresh perspectives
you had to develop an element. You may even mention a creative idea you raised for providing
practical solution or even innovative solution to a complex issue.

Question: What type of mechanical tools you utilized in your day to day work?
Answer: As know, mechanical engineering professional incorporate computer-aided engineering
(CAE) programs in their design/analysis processes, including 2D/3D solid modeling computer-
aided design (CAD) or computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). Explain your knowledge on these
tools (or any others) and the way you used them.

Mechanical Engineer Job Interview Questions

As a Mechanical Engineer, describe your experience in providing efficient solutions to the

development of processes and products, ranging from small component designs to extremely
large plant, machinery or vehicles. Provide an example and how you came up with the
solutions?

In this role as a Mechanical Engineer you will be required to design and implement cost-
effective equipment modifications to help improve safety, reliability and throughput. Please tell
us your specific experience in this area?

Our Mechanical Engineers continuously develop project specification with colleagues, often
including those from other engineering disciplines; what is your experience creating project
specifications and working with colleagues? How do you build rapport with difficult people?

What is your experience in discussing and solving complex problems with manufacturing
departments, sub-contractors, suppliers and customers? How do you deal with difficult people?
What makes you an effective Mechanical Engineer?

A key role as a Mechanical Engineer is making sure a product can be made again reliably and
will perform consistently in specified operating environments. Tell us a product you altered or
modified and how it performed in a specific operating environment?
As a Mechanical Engineer you will be looked upon to manage projects using engineering
principles and techniques. How did you: plan and designing new production processes; produce
details of specifications and outline designs and recommend modifications following prototype
test results?

Depending on the company and department, the Mechanical Engineer may also be called:

• Acoustics Engineer
• Automotive engineer
• Design Engineer – Mechanical
• Energy Conservation Engineer
• Engineer, Power Generation
• Fluid Mechanics Engineer
• Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning (HVAC) Engineer
• Mechanical Engineer
• Mechanical Maintenance Engineer
• Nuclear Engineer
• Piping Engineer
• Refrigeration Engineer
• Robotics Engineer
• Thermal Design Engineer
• Tool Engineer

Review Your Resume

Interviewers ask questions based on your resume so remember to review your resume. This is
especially true if it’s been a while since you have looked at it. This way you will not be caught
off guard when you are asked about something in your work history that happened a few years
ago.

Bring a Portfolio

It’s always a good idea to bring a portfolio of your work and credentials with you to a job
interview. What better way to demonstrate the quality of your work than to show the hiring
manager a work sample. So if you have a copy of reports, briefs, bibliographies, speeches,
presentations, Web sites and press releases make sure you bring them.