PE Mechanical Machine Design study plan

Assemble a units and dimensional-analysis checklist, then apply it to 20 mixed-unit problems (psi/MPa, hp/kW, lbm/slug, N·m/ft·lb).

Solve 15 probability and statistics problems covering mean, standard deviation, normal distribution, confidence intervals, and Weibull basics.

Work 12 engineering-economics problems: present worth, annual cost, rate of return, depreciation, and break-even analysis.

Draft a one-page summary of the engineer's code of ethics and typical licensure/liability scenarios, then answer 10 ethics items against it.

Differentiate factor of safety, design factor, and reliability-based design, and compute each across 10 problems.

Classify failure modes (ductile, brittle, fatigue, wear, corrosion) by matching 20 case descriptions to mode and mitigation.

Build a work-breakdown structure and critical-path schedule for a sample machine-design project and identify the critical path and float.

Identify which ASME/ASTM/ISO standard governs 15 common machine elements (fasteners, gears, pressure vessels, welds, shafts).

Set up a measurement-uncertainty or gage R&R calculation and interpret whether the measurement system is adequate.

Derive and apply stress and strain transformations, Mohr's circle, and principal stresses across 20 problems.

Compute stress concentrations for holes, fillets, and keyways, and apply them to combined axial, bending, and torsional loading.

Solve 10 thin- and thick-walled cylinder problems plus press/shrink-fit interference cases.

Calculate deflection and slope for beams and shafts under common loadings using superposition.

Construct S-N curves and apply endurance limits with Marin modifying factors across 15 fatigue problems.

Apply Goodman, Gerber, and Soderberg criteria to combined mean and alternating stress states, and state which criterion governs.

Analyze a stepped shaft for fatigue at a shoulder and a keyway, including notch sensitivity and stress concentration.

Summarize linear-elastic fracture mechanics (K_IC, crack growth rate) and apply it to 5 problems.

Size and rate spur, helical, bevel, and worm gears using bending and contact stress, geometry, and power capacity across 12 problems.

Select rolling-element and journal bearings for load and L10 life, and compute the lubrication parameter and its interpretation.

Design and check bolted and welded joints under eccentric and fatigue loading, including preload and joint separation.

Size helical compression, extension, and torsion springs for rate, stress, surge, and buckling.

Evaluate belt, chain, clutch, and brake selections for transmitted torque, slip, and wear.

Build a property table (E, yield, ultimate, hardness, fatigue limit, density) for 10 common engineering alloys and interpret trends.

Explain and apply heat treatments (anneal, normalize, quench-and-temper, case hardening) to 8 material-selection scenarios.

Compare metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites on stiffness, strength, toughness, and temperature limits in a written summary.

Apply an Ashby-style performance-index selection to 5 design requirements and justify the top candidate.

Evaluate welding processes, weld symbols, and heat-affected-zone effects, then design and check 8 fillet and groove welds.

Compare casting, forging, rolling, extrusion, sheet-metal forming, and machining limits, and pick the process for 10 parts.

Identify corrosion mechanisms and select coatings or alloys for 8 service environments.

Choose NDT methods (PT, MT, UT, RT) for given flaw types and geometries across 10 scenarios.

Revisit Domain 1 economics, statistics, and project-management topics with a 20-question refresher.

Complete two full-length timed practice exams under exam conditions, including the reference handbook only.

Rework every missed item to its root cause (concept gap, unit error, misread, or time pressure).

Drill the 10 weakest topics with 10 problems each until two consecutive clean passes.

Finalize a one-page formula and standards sheet, and rehearse the 20 most common unit conversions from memory.