FE Mechanical case studies
FE Mechanical · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Mechanical exam is one of the discipline-specific FE exams offered by NCEES. Passing the FE is generally the first step toward becoming a licensed professional engineer (P.E.). The exam is intended for recent graduates and students close to finishing an undergraduate engineering degree from an EAC/ABET-accredited program. It is a computer-based exam administered year-round at NCEES-approved Pearson test centers. The FE Mechanical case studies are 5 cases and about 2,222 words.
1Cam-Follower Root Selection and Newton Stability
A cam-follower clearance check requires solving f(θ)=0.8θ−sinθ−1.2=0 in radians, where θ is the cam angle at which the follower just touches the housing. The design tolerance is ±0.001 rad, and the manufacturing group needs a defensible root before cutting metal.
423 words, about 2 min2Bearing Lot Acceptance with a Small Sample and an Outlier
A conveyor line uses 6205-2RS bearings. The supplier's catalog states an L10 life of 1,250 h under the line's radial load.
454 words, about 2 min3Checker Signature on a Pressure-Receiver Repair Drawing
You are a mechanical engineer (EIT) at a 40-person consulting firm. A municipal client requires a 1.5 mm corrosion allowance on a compressed-air receiver.
479 words, about 2 min4Pump Replacement with Unequal Lives and a MARR Sensitivity
A plant is deciding whether to replace a cooling-water pump now or keep it for its remaining 6-year life. The old pump has a current salvage value of 5,000, annual operating cost of 18,000, and annual maintenance cost of 4,000; its salvage after 6 years is expected to be zero.
401 words, about 2 min5Tie-Rod Combined Loading and Fatigue at a Thread Root
A 25 mm diameter A36 steel tie rod (Sy=250 MPa, Su=400 MPa) is part of a press linkage. It carries an axial tensile load that varies from 20 kN to 50 kN and a steady bending moment of 200 N·m at a threaded section.
465 words, about 2 min