How did the PE Mech exam go? 1

[Tobalcane]

I will be taking the PE Mech this Oct. Can you give me some insight to the exam? Was it like the sample exam? For the guys who took the PE Mech, was the PPI MERM enough for the exam, if not what other books were needed? How did the morning section go, were they all separate questions? Was the exam in standard or SI? Any hind sight thoughts that you can share?

Thank you for your time and effort.

Tobalcane

 

[imagitec]

Know the formula for calculating natural frequency from the static deflection:

w.n = sqrt(g/delta.static) (English & SI)

It's useful for calculating natural frequency of beams, etc. It's not in P&P.

Rob Campbell

http://www.livejournal.com/users/robcampbell

 

[imagitec]

MERM's organization as a reference manual is a drawback. For example, details on calculating the endurance limit are buried in the materials properties and testing chapter, not the failure theories chapter with the rest of the fatigue information. Couldn't they at least duplicate it? Similarly, there is not mention of torsion in the section on combines stress, though it is a common element in combined stress problems. One must refer to the circular shaft design section of the basic machine design chapter.

My kingdom for an error-free, exam-focused review manual.

Rob Campbell

http://www.livejournal.com/users/robcampbell

 

[imagitec]

P&P's failure theory section is complete, concise, and easier to use during the test than MERM's.

Rob Campbell

http://www.livejournal.com/users/robcampbell

 

[Tobalcane]

Rob,
<<<For example, details on calculating the endurance limit are buried in the materials properties and testing chapter, not the failure theories chapter with the rest of the fatigue information. >>>

I agree with you that PPI should combine methods and techniques so that candidates and even professionals can use the book more easily. PPI should come out with a study guide that will reference MERM. That will make things easier to digest the work. But hey, I will forge on in spite of this ;*)…

Sorry Rob, when I read some of your entrees, I though you were from Mass.

Thank you for your thoughts.

I hope the other candidates for the exam are taking advantage of this thread.

Go Mechanical Engineering!
Tobalcane

 

[imagitec]

To complete the picture: I passed, so my studying was adequate, but I'm not sure it was efficient. I used a different approach to study for my depth topic than I did for the breadth topics, so I'd have a better insight if I knew how I did on each. But I only know I passed.

Rob Campbell

http://www.livejournal.com/users/robcampbell

 

[ludikris]

Rob-

Congratulations! Your hard work has paid off!

E-

 

[Tobalcane]

Rob,

Way to go! Congratulation on completing one of your goals!

How many weeks did it take to find out?

Go Mechanical Engineering
Tobalcane

 

[imagitec]

Thanks for the congratulations.

It took 6 1/2 weeks to get the results - better than the 8-12 weeks I was told to expect.

Thanks again,
Rob

Rob Campbell

http://www.livejournal.com/users/robcampbell