KSE Professional Engineer flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Hooke's law

Within the linear-elastic range, stress is proportional to strain: σ = Eε, where E is Young's modulus. The relationship ceases at the proportional limit and is not valid after yielding.

Factor of safety

Ratio of a material's failure strength to the allowable working stress. It accounts for load uncertainty, material variability, and consequences of failure; higher values apply where failure is catastrophic.

Carnot efficiency

Maximum theoretical efficiency of a heat engine operating between two reservoirs: η = 1 − T_cold/T_hot, with absolute temperatures. No real cycle can exceed this limit.

Reynolds number

Dimensionless ratio Re = ρVD/μ used to predict flow regime. In pipes, laminar flow generally occurs below about 2,000 and turbulent flow above about 4,000.

Bernoulli equation

For steady, incompressible, frictionless flow along a streamline, p/γ + V²/2g + z is constant. It expresses conservation of energy between pressure, velocity, and elevation.

Von Mises criterion

A yield criterion for ductile materials stating that yielding occurs when the distortion energy reaches a critical value. It is preferred over maximum shear stress for most static ductile design.

Endurance limit

The stress amplitude below which a material, typically steel, exhibits effectively infinite fatigue life on an S-N curve. Nonferrous metals often lack a true endurance limit.

Miner's rule

Cumulative fatigue damage rule: Σ(n_i/N_i) = 1 at predicted failure, where n_i is applied cycles and N_i is cycles to failure at stress level i. It assumes linear damage accumulation.

Stress concentration factor

K_t is the ratio of maximum local stress to nominal stress at a geometric discontinuity such as a hole or fillet. It is applied to nominal stress to estimate peak stress.

Critical path

The longest-duration sequence of dependent activities through a project network. It determines the minimum project duration and has zero total float.

Earned value CPI

Cost performance index CPI = EV/AC, where EV is earned value and AC is actual cost. A CPI below 1.0 indicates the project is over budget relative to work performed.

PERT expected duration

Weighted estimate t_E = (O + 4M + P)/6 using optimistic, most likely, and pessimistic durations. Standard deviation is (P − O)/6 for the activity.

Total float

The amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the project finish, calculated as LS − ES or LF − EF. Critical activities have zero total float.

ASME Section IX

The section of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code governing qualification of welding procedures and welders. Procedure qualification is documented by a PQR supporting a WPS.

ASME B31.3

The ASME code for process piping, covering design, materials, fabrication, inspection, and testing. It applies to piping in chemical, petroleum, and similar process facilities.

API 510

API standard for in-service inspection, repair, alteration, and rerating of pressure vessels. It complements ASME Section VIII, which governs new construction.

ISO 9001

International standard specifying requirements for a quality management system. It emphasizes process approach, customer focus, and risk-based thinking, and is certifiable by accredited bodies.

Hierarchy of controls

Ranking of hazard controls from most to least effective: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment. PPE is the last line of defense.

Permit-required confined space

A space with a hazardous atmosphere, engulfment potential, entrapment configuration, or other serious hazard. Entry requires a permit, atmospheric testing, an attendant, and a rescue plan.

LEL and UEL

Lower and upper explosive limits define the concentration range in air within which a flammable gas can ignite. Combustible gas detectors commonly alarm at 10% and 25% LEL.

Lockout/tagout

Energy control procedure under 29 CFR 1910.147 requiring isolation, lock and tag application, and verification of zero energy before servicing. Locks are removed only by the applying employee.

Magnetic particle testing

A nondestructive method that detects surface and near-surface discontinuities in ferromagnetic materials by magnetic flux leakage. It does not apply to austenitic stainless steel or aluminum.

Gauge R&R

Measurement system analysis estimating repeatability and reproducibility as a percentage of tolerance. Below 10% is generally acceptable; above 30% is typically unacceptable.

Process capability Cpk

A centered capability index equal to the lesser of (USL − μ)/(3σ) and (μ − LSL)/(3σ). It accounts for process centering, unlike Cp, and higher values indicate fewer defects.

Hydrostatic test

Pressure test using water to verify structural integrity of vessels or piping. Test pressure is commonly 1.3 times maximum allowable working pressure adjusted for allowable stress ratios.

Ultrasonic testing

Nondestructive method using high-frequency sound waves to detect internal flaws and measure thickness. It requires a coupling medium and skilled interpretation of signal indications.

Paramountcy of public safety

The first canon of engineering ethics: engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public. It overrides obligations to clients or employers when conflict arises.

Competence limitation

Ethical rule that engineers perform services only in areas of their competence. Accepting work outside one's expertise without qualification or supervision is a violation.

Conflict of interest

A situation where personal or financial interests could impair professional judgment. It must be disclosed promptly, and compensation from multiple parties for the same service requires disclosure.

Seal and signature

The professional engineer's seal certifies that work was prepared by or under the direct supervision of the licensee. Affixing it to work not so prepared is misconduct.

As-built drawings

Drawings revised to reflect actual installed conditions after construction. They are distinguished from design drawings and are essential for future maintenance and modification.

Document control

System ensuring that only current, approved documents are used. It includes unique identification, revision status, distribution records, and removal of obsolete copies from points of use.