ISRO Scientist Mechanical study plan

Derive and re-derive from memory the full set of plane-stress and plane-strain transformation equations, including principal stresses, maximum shear, and Mohr's circle construction, on blank paper without notes

Solve 20 numerical problems combining principal stress determination with combined axial-bending-torsion loading of shafts and pressure vessels (thin and thick cylinder Lame equations)

Build a one-page formula sheet for stress, strain, and failure theories (Rankine, Tresca, von Mises) and justify when each criterion governs

Work through 10 previous-pattern numericals on deflection of beams using double integration and superposition, checking each answer by a second method

Derive natural frequencies for single-DOF spring-mass, pendulum, and torsional systems, and extend to two-DOF systems by writing the eigenvalue problem

Compute logarithmic decrement, damping ratio, and transmissibility from given amplitude data, and interpret vibration isolation behaviour across frequency ratios

Solve 15 problems on forced vibration with rotating unbalance and support excitation, identifying resonance conditions

Summarise balancing of rotating and reciprocating masses, including primary and secondary forces in single- and multi-cylinder inline engines

Derive the Euler and Rankine-Gordon buckling loads for columns with all standard end conditions, and compute critical slenderness ratios

Analyse thin-walled pressure vessels, curved beams, and unsymmetric bending, solving 10 numericals across these topics

Apply strain energy methods (Castigliano's theorem) to statically indeterminate beams and trusses

Construct shear force and bending moment diagrams for compound and overhanging beams with point, UDL, and moment loads, verifying with differential relations

Derive the Rankine cycle, reheat, and regenerative cycle efficiencies and solve 12 numericals on steam power plant performance including specific steam consumption

Compute air-standard Otto, Diesel, and dual cycle efficiencies and mean effective pressures, and compare them at identical compression ratios

Analyse Brayton cycle with intercooling, reheat, and regeneration, and solve for optimum pressure ratios

Summarise refrigeration cycles (vapour compression, absorption) and calculate COP for each

Solve 15 problems on conduction through composite walls and cylinders, fin efficiency, and lumped-capacitance cooling

Compute heat exchanger performance using LMTD and effectiveness-NTU methods for parallel, counter, and cross-flow arrangements

Apply the Stefan-Boltzmann and view-factor relations to two-surface radiation enclosures and solve 8 numericals

Summarise boiling, condensation, and dimensionless groups (Nusselt, Prandtl, Reynolds, Grashof) used in convection correlations

Derive continuity, momentum, and energy equations for control volumes, and apply Bernoulli and Euler equations to pipe and nozzle flows with losses

Solve 12 numericals on laminar and turbulent pipe flow, friction factor (Moody chart, Darcy-Weisbach), and minor losses in series and parallel networks

Analyse boundary layer growth, drag on flat plates, and lift on aerofoils using standard correlations

Compute performance of Pelton, Francis, and Kaplan turbines and centrifugal pumps, including specific speed, cavitation (NPSH), and similarity laws

Solve 15 problems on I.C. engine performance parameters (indicated and brake power, mechanical and volumetric efficiency, specific fuel consumption) and combustion stoichiometry

Analyse gas turbine and jet propulsion cycles, including thrust, propulsive efficiency, and specific fuel consumption

Summarise the principles of refrigeration and air-conditioning psychrometry, calculating properties from the psychrometric chart

Review the mechanics of machining, metal forming, and welding, and solve 10 numericals on cutting forces, tool life (Taylor's equation), and rolling forces

Consolidate all formula sheets into a single 6-page revision compendium, re-deriving each key result once from memory

Complete three timed full-length mock tests under exam conditions and score each, tabulating topic-wise accuracy

Re-solve every problem logged as an error in weeks 1-7 and confirm correct method on a second attempt

Drill rapid-recall items on material properties, standard values, and unit conversions for the final 48 hours