2025 question paper

Engineering Materials

28 questions

  1. Q1a. Choose the correct option: Which crystal structure has the highest packing factor and 12 slip systems, making metals with this structure highly ductile? (i) Body-centered cubic (BCC) (ii) Face-centered cubic (FCC) (iii) Hexagonal close-packed (HCP) (iv) Simple cubic20252m

    Module 1: Crystal Structure

    Choose the correct option:

    Which crystal structure has the highest packing factor and 12 slip systems, making metals with this structure highly ductile?

    (i) Body-centered cubic (BCC)
    (ii) Face-centered cubic (FCC)
    (iii) Hexagonal close-packed (HCP)
    (iv) Simple cubic

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  2. Q1b. Choose the correct option: The critical resolved shear stress (CRSS) is defined as: (i) The tensile stress required for dislocation motion (ii) The shear stress resolved on the most favorable slip system required to initiate slip (iii) The maximum shear stress in a crystal regardless of orientation (iv) The stress needed to create new dislocations20252m

    Module 1: Crystal Structure

    Choose the correct option:

    The critical resolved shear stress (CRSS) is defined as:

    (i) The tensile stress required for dislocation motion
    (ii) The shear stress resolved on the most favorable slip system required to initiate slip
    (iii) The maximum shear stress in a crystal regardless of orientation
    (iv) The stress needed to create new dislocations

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  3. Q1c. Choose the correct option: Which factor most strongly governs whether a substitutional solid solution forms between metals A and B? (i) Large electronegativity difference between A and B (ii) Similar atomic radii and crystal structures with high mutual solubility (iii) Presence of small interstitial atoms like C or N (iv) High melting point of the solvent metal alone20252m

    Module 2: Alloys and Phase Diagrams

    Choose the correct option:

    Which factor most strongly governs whether a substitutional solid solution forms between metals A and B?

    (i) Large electronegativity difference between A and B
    (ii) Similar atomic radii and crystal structures with high mutual solubility
    (iii) Presence of small interstitial atoms like C or N
    (iv) High melting point of the solvent metal alone

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  4. Q1d. Choose the correct option: The eutectic reaction in a binary alloy system is best described as: (i) Liquid \rightarrow Solid 1 (ii) Liquid \rightarrow Solid 1 + Solid 2 (iii) Solid 1 \rightarrow Solid 2 + Solid 3 (iv) Liquid + Solid 1 \rightarrow Solid 220252m

    Module 2: Alloys and Phase Diagrams

    Choose the correct option:

    The eutectic reaction in a binary alloy system is best described as:

    (i) Liquid \rightarrow Solid 1
    (ii) Liquid \rightarrow Solid 1 + Solid 2
    (iii) Solid 1 \rightarrow Solid 2 + Solid 3
    (iv) Liquid + Solid 1 \rightarrow Solid 2

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  5. Q1e. Choose the correct option: In the Fe-Fe_3C equilibrium diagram, ledeburite is: (i) A mixture of ferrite and austenite (ii) A single-phase austenitic structure (iii) Pure cementite (iv) A eutectic mixture of austenite and cementite20252m

    Module 2: Alloys and Phase Diagrams

    Choose the correct option:

    In the Fe-Fe3_3C equilibrium diagram, ledeburite is:

    (i) A mixture of ferrite and austenite
    (ii) A single-phase austenitic structure
    (iii) Pure cementite
    (iv) A eutectic mixture of austenite and cementite

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  6. Q1f. Choose the correct option: In a standard tensile test on a ductile metal, Young's modulus is obtained from: (i) The entire stress-strain curve up to fracture (ii) The slope of the initial linear portion of the engineering stress-strain curve (iii) The maximum load divided by original area (iv) The slope of the plastic region of the true stress-strain curve20252m

    Module 3: Mechanical Property Measurement

    Choose the correct option:

    In a standard tensile test on a ductile metal, Young's modulus is obtained from:

    (i) The entire stress-strain curve up to fracture
    (ii) The slope of the initial linear portion of the engineering stress-strain curve
    (iii) The maximum load divided by original area
    (iv) The slope of the plastic region of the true stress-strain curve

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  7. Q1g. Choose the correct option: Which statement about hardness testing is most appropriate for steels? (i) Rockwell hardness directly gives Young's modulus (ii) Brinell hardness can be empirically related to ultimate tensile strength (iii) Vickers hardness is expressed in HRC units (iv) Hardness tests are unrelated to strength20252m

    Module 3: Mechanical Property Measurement

    Choose the correct option:

    Which statement about hardness testing is most appropriate for steels?

    (i) Rockwell hardness directly gives Young's modulus
    (ii) Brinell hardness can be empirically related to ultimate tensile strength
    (iii) Vickers hardness is expressed in HRC units
    (iv) Hardness tests are unrelated to strength

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  8. Q1h. Choose the correct option: The main purpose of normalising a hypoeutectoid steel is to: (i) Produce very soft coarse pearlite for maximum ductility only (ii) Refine grain size and produce uniform fine pearlite for improved strength and toughness (iii) Form martensite for maximum hardness (iv) Produce spheroidised cementite for easy machining20252m

    Module 4: Heat Treatment of Steel

    Choose the correct option:

    The main purpose of normalising a hypoeutectoid steel is to:

    (i) Produce very soft coarse pearlite for maximum ductility only
    (ii) Refine grain size and produce uniform fine pearlite for improved strength and toughness
    (iii) Form martensite for maximum hardness
    (iv) Produce spheroidised cementite for easy machining

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  9. Q1i. Choose the correct option: Identify the correct statement regarding case hardening/surface hardening processes: (i) Harden only high-carbon steels by through hardening (ii) Modify the surface composition by diffusion of carbon and/or nitrogen while keeping a tougher core (iii) Rely only in rapid quenching with no change in composition (iv) Use only flame or induction as heat sources20252m

    Module 4: Heat Treatment of Steel

    Choose the correct option:

    Identify the correct statement regarding case hardening/surface hardening processes:

    (i) Harden only high-carbon steels by through hardening
    (ii) Modify the surface composition by diffusion of carbon and/or nitrogen while keeping a tougher core
    (iii) Rely only in rapid quenching with no change in composition
    (iv) Use only flame or induction as heat sources

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  10. Q1j. Choose the correct option: Grey and spheroidal cast irons mainly differ in that the graphite phase is present as: (i) Flakes in grey iron and spheroidal nodules in spheroidal iron (ii) Cementite in grey iron and flakes in spheroidal iron (iii) Spheroidal nodules in grey iron and flakes in spheroidal iron (iv) Cementite in both alloys20252m

    Module 5: Alloying of Steel

    Choose the correct option:

    Grey and spheroidal cast irons mainly differ in that the graphite phase is present as:

    (i) Flakes in grey iron and spheroidal nodules in spheroidal iron
    (ii) Cementite in grey iron and flakes in spheroidal iron
    (iii) Spheroidal nodules in grey iron and flakes in spheroidal iron
    (iv) Cementite in both alloys

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  11. Q2a. Describe the three main types of metallic crystal structures (BCC, FCC, HCP) with their coordination numbers and packing factors.20257m

    Module 1: Crystal Structure

    Describe the three main types of metallic crystal structures (BCC, FCC, HCP) with their coordination numbers and packing factors.

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  12. Q2b. Classify imperfections in solids with one example each.20257m

    Module 1: Crystal Structure

    Classify imperfections in solids with one example each.

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  13. Q3a. Explain what is meant by a solid solution and distinguish between substitutional and interstitial solid solutions.20257m

    Module 2: Alloys and Phase Diagrams

    Explain what is meant by a solid solution and distinguish between substitutional and interstitial solid solutions.

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  14. Q3b. With the help of a labelled binary phase diagram, explain how to interpret: Phase fields, liquidus and solidus lines.20257m

    Module 2: Alloys and Phase Diagrams

    With the help of a labelled binary phase diagram, explain how to interpret: Phase fields, liquidus and solidus lines.

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  15. Q4a. Sketch the Fe-Fe_3C phase diagram and explain its key features.20257m

    Module 2: Alloys and Phase Diagrams

    Sketch the Fe-Fe3_3C phase diagram and explain its key features.

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  16. Q4b. Describe eutectic, peritectic, peritectoid and monotectic reactions, clearly stating the phase changes in each case.20257m

    Module 2: Alloys and Phase Diagrams

    Describe eutectic, peritectic, peritectoid and monotectic reactions, clearly stating the phase changes in each case.

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  17. Q5a. Explain how Young's modulus is obtained from the stress-strain curve and discuss the physical meaning of the linear elastic region.20257m

    Module 3: Mechanical Property Measurement

    Explain how Young's modulus is obtained from the stress-strain curve and discuss the physical meaning of the linear elastic region.

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  18. Q5b. Explain the concept and objectives of non-destructive testing (NDT) and contrast it with destructive mechanical testing.20257m

    Module 3: Mechanical Property Measurement

    Explain the concept and objectives of non-destructive testing (NDT) and contrast it with destructive mechanical testing.

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  19. Q6a. Define annealing, normalising, tempering and spheroidising of steel, stating the typical heating temperature range relative to critical temperatures, holding, and cooling conditions.20257m

    Module 4: Heat Treatment of Steel

    Define annealing, normalising, tempering and spheroidising of steel, stating the typical heating temperature range relative to critical temperatures, holding, and cooling conditions.

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  20. Q6b. Sketch and label a typical isothermal transformation (TTT) diagram for eutectoid steel.20257m

    Module 4: Heat Treatment of Steel

    Sketch and label a typical isothermal transformation (TTT) diagram for eutectoid steel.

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  21. Q7a. Explain the difference between a Time-Temperature-Transformation (TTT) diagram and a Continuous Cooling Transformation (CCT) diagram for steels.20257m

    Module 4: Heat Treatment of Steel

    Explain the difference between a Time-Temperature-Transformation (TTT) diagram and a Continuous Cooling Transformation (CCT) diagram for steels.

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  22. Q7b. Describe how to use TTT and CCT diagrams to predict the final microstructure and hardness for different cooling paths.20257m

    Module 4: Heat Treatment of Steel

    Describe how to use TTT and CCT diagrams to predict the final microstructure and hardness for different cooling paths.

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  23. Q8a. Explain the purpose of alloying in steels, naming at least four common alloying elements and summarising their main effects on mechanical properties.20257m

    Module 5: Alloying of Steel

    Explain the purpose of alloying in steels, naming at least four common alloying elements and summarising their main effects on mechanical properties.

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  24. Q8b. Classify stainless steels with their compositions and applications.20257m

    Module 5: Alloying of Steel

    Classify stainless steels with their compositions and applications.

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  25. Q9a. Write a short note on: Super alloy20257m

    Module 5: Alloying of Steel

    Write a short note on: Super alloy

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  26. Q9b. Write a short note on: Surface hardening20257m

    Module 4: Heat Treatment of Steel

    Write a short note on: Surface hardening

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  27. Q9c. Write a short note on: Solid Solutions20257m

    Module 2: Alloys and Phase Diagrams

    Write a short note on: Solid Solutions

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  28. Q9d. Write a short note on: Binary Phase Diagrams20257m

    Module 2: Alloys and Phase Diagrams

    Write a short note on: Binary Phase Diagrams

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