Mechanical Engineering Concepts and Innovations

What is the primary focus of mechanical engineering?

• The study of electrical circuits and magnetism.

• The design, construction, operation, and maintenance of machines and mechanical systems.

• The development of chemical processes and biological systems.

• The creation of software and computer networks.

Before the invention of the steam engine, what was a significant limitation of horse-drawn carriages for long-distance travel?

• They were too expensive to maintain.

• Horses required frequent rest and food, limiting daily travel distance.

• The carriages were too heavy for horses to pull.

• There were no roads suitable for carriages.

What was James Watt's significant improvement to the Newcomen steam engine?

• He made the engine smaller and more portable.

• He introduced a separate condenser to prevent steam energy waste.

• He replaced the piston with a rotary mechanism.

• He used a different fuel source for the boiler.

Who successfully designed and flew the first powered aircraft, the Wright Flyer, in 1903?

• George and Robert Stephenson

• Thomas Newcomen

• Orville and Wilbur Wright

• Frank Whittle

Which of the following is NOT a primary component of a jet engine?

• A multi-stage compressor

• A combustion chamber

• A single turbine

• A propeller

What was a key feature of the Unimate robot, the first industrial robot?

• It could perform complex surgeries with high precision.

• It had up to six fully programmable axes of motion.

• It was designed to clean floors in homes.

• It could only handle parts weighing up to 50 pounds.

What aspects of the human body do engineers consider when applying biomechanics to design machines?

• The body's emotional responses and cognitive functions.

• The stress, load, and impact the body can withstand.

• The body's ability to generate electricity.

• The body's resistance to extreme temperatures.

What was the primary purpose of the Berkeley Lower Extremity Exoskeleton (BLEEX) developed by DARPA?

• To enable astronauts to walk on the moon more easily.

• To assist in performing delicate surgical procedures.

• To provide mechanical support for carrying heavy loads.

• To allow robots to clean floors more efficiently.