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Mechanical Apprenticeship Tests

Mechanical Apprenticeship Tests
Photo by Sam Loyd / Unsplash

Mechanical Apprenticeship Test

10 Essential Questions and Answers with Visuals


Question 1: Identify the correct tool for measuring internal diameters.

Answer: The correct tool for measuring internal diameters is a caliper or an inside micrometer. Vernier calipers can measure both internal and external dimensions with high precision.

VERNIER CALIPER

Internal Jaws


Question 2: What is the purpose of a torque wrench in mechanical applications?

Answer: A torque wrench is used to apply a specific amount of torque (rotational force) to a fastener such as a nut or bolt. This ensures that fasteners are tightened to the manufacturer's specifications, preventing damage from over-tightening or failure from under-tightening.

50

Handle
Dial Indicator
Socket
TORQUE WRENCH

Apply Force Here
Rotational Force Applied Here


Question 3: Explain the difference between SAE and Metric fasteners.

Answer:

  • SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) fasteners use imperial measurements (inches) and are commonly used in the United States.
  • Metric fasteners use the metric system (millimeters) and are standard in most countries worldwide.

The key differences include:

  • Sizing convention (inches vs. millimeters)
  • Thread pitch measurement (threads per inch vs. distance between threads)
  • Wrench sizes required for installation/removal
  • Head markings for identification
SAE FASTENER METRIC FASTENER
Size marking 5/16" M8
Grade marking Grade 5 Class 8.8
Visual marking 3 radial lines 8.8 number
Measurement Inches Millimeters
Thread pitch Threads per inch Distance between
threads (mm)

Question 4: In a hydraulic system, what happens when air enters the system?

Answer: When air enters a hydraulic system (a condition known as aeration), several problems occur:

  • Spongy or erratic operation due to air's compressibility (unlike hydraulic fluid)
  • Increased noise ("knocking" sounds)
  • Reduced system efficiency and power
  • Potential overheating due to decreased heat dissipation
  • Accelerated component wear and possible damage to pumps
  • Potential hydraulic lock and system failure
Reservoir Pump Cylinder Air Bubbles

Pressure Fluctuations

HYDRAULIC SYSTEM WITH AIR CONTAMINATION


Question 5: Identify the parts of this basic four-stroke engine.

Answer: The main components of a four-stroke engine are:

  1. Cylinder
  2. Piston
  3. Connecting rod
  4. Crankshaft
  5. Intake valve
  6. Exhaust valve
  7. Spark plug
  8. Camshaft
  9. Timing chain/belt
  10. Cylinder head
10. Cylinder Head 7. Spark Plug 5. Intake Valve 6. Exhaust Valve 8. Camshaft 1. Cylinder 2. Piston 3. Connecting Rod 4. Crankshaft 9. Timing Chain

FOUR-STROKE ENGINE COMPONENTS


Question 6: Calculate the mechanical advantage of this pulley system.

Answer: For this compound pulley system with 2 fixed pulleys and 2 movable pulleys, the mechanical advantage is 4:1. This means that a 100 lb load could be lifted with only 25 lbs of force.

Formula: MA = Number of rope segments supporting the movable pulley(s)

COMPOUND PULLEY SYSTEM (4:1 ADVANTAGE) Fixed Pulley Movable Pulley Fixed Pulley Movable Pulley LOAD (100 lbs)

Input Force: 25 lbs


Question 7: What type of bearing is shown in the image, and what are its applications?

Answer: The image shows a tapered roller bearing. This type of bearing can handle both radial loads (perpendicular to the shaft) and thrust loads (parallel to the shaft) simultaneously.

Common applications include:

  • Automotive wheel hubs
  • Gearboxes
  • Machine tool spindles
  • Conveyor systems
  • Any application requiring support for combined loading
TAPERED ROLLER BEARING Outer Race (Cup) Inner Race (Cone) Tapered Rollers Cage

Radial Load
Thrust Load


Question 8: Interpret this wiring diagram and explain the circuit operation.

Answer: This is a starting circuit for a small engine with these components:

  • Battery (12V power source)
  • Ignition switch (controls power to the system)
  • Solenoid/relay (amplifies the control signal to energize the starter)
  • Starter motor (converts electrical energy to mechanical rotation)
  • Ground connections

When the ignition switch is turned to "START," current flows from the battery through the switch to the solenoid coil. The energized solenoid closes its internal contacts, connecting the battery directly to the starter motor with a heavy-duty circuit capable of handling the high current draw.

ENGINE STARTING CIRCUIT BAT 12V OFF ON STA Ignition Switch Solenoid B S M MOTOR Starter

Ground
Ground

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