200+ Free PE Mechanical Practice Questions

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A solid circular shaft transmits 50 kW of power at 300 RPM. What is the approximate torque transmitted by the shaft?

796 N·m

1592 N·m

398 N·m

2387 N·m

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: PE Mechanical Exam

Exam Questions

NCEES

8 hrs

Test Time

NCEES

69%

Avg Pass Rate

NCEES 2024

$400

Exam Fee

NCEES

Content Areas

NCEES

9 hrs

Total Appointment

NCEES

The PE Mechanical exam has first-time pass rates of 66-72%, making it one of the more achievable PE exams. The 80-question computer-based exam allows 9 hours total (including tutorial and break). The exam uses the NCEES PE Mechanical Reference Handbook. The exam covers a broad range of mechanical engineering topics with emphasis on design and analysis. Strong preparation in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and mechanical design is essential.

Sample PE Mechanical Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your PE Mechanical exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 200+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A solid circular shaft transmits 50 kW of power at 300 RPM. What is the approximate torque transmitted by the shaft?

A.796 N·m

B.1592 N·m

C.398 N·m

D.2387 N·m

Explanation: Power (P) = 2πNT/60, where N is RPM and T is torque. Rearranging: T = 60P/(2πN) = 60 × 50000 / (2π × 300) = 3,000,000 / 1884.96 ≈ 1591.5 N·m. Wait - let me recalculate: T = (60 × 50000) / (2 × 3.14159 × 300) = 3,000,000 / 1884.96 ≈ 1592 N·m. Actually, using P in kW: T (N·m) = 9550 × P(kW) / N(RPM) = 9550 × 50 / 300 = 1591.7 N·m. The closest answer is 1592 N·m.

2According to the maximum shear stress theory (Tresca criterion), yielding occurs when the maximum shear stress equals:

A.The yield strength in tension

B.Half the yield strength in tension

C.The ultimate tensile strength

D.Twice the yield strength in tension

Explanation: The maximum shear stress theory (Tresca criterion) states that yielding occurs when the maximum shear stress reaches the shear stress at yielding in a uniaxial tension test. For uniaxial tension, the maximum shear stress is half the normal stress, so yielding occurs when τ_max = Sy/2, where Sy is the yield strength in tension.

3A helical compression spring has a spring rate of 50 N/mm. If the spring is compressed by 20 mm, what is the stored strain energy?

A.5 J

B.10 J

C.20 J

D.40 J

Explanation: The strain energy stored in a spring is given by U = ½kx², where k is the spring rate and x is the deflection. Here, k = 50 N/mm = 50,000 N/m and x = 20 mm = 0.020 m. Therefore, U = ½ × 50,000 × (0.020)² = ½ × 50,000 × 0.0004 = 10 J. Alternatively, keeping units in N and mm: U = ½ × 50 × 20² / 1000 = ½ × 50 × 400 / 1000 = 10,000 / 1000 = 10 J.

4Which failure theory is most appropriate for brittle materials under static loading?

A.Maximum shear stress theory (Tresca)

B.Distortion energy theory (von Mises)

C.Maximum normal stress theory (Rankine)

D.Maximum strain energy theory

Explanation: The maximum normal stress theory (Rankine theory) is most appropriate for brittle materials because brittle materials fail due to normal stress rather than shear stress. Brittle materials have different strengths in tension and compression, and they fail when the maximum principal stress reaches the ultimate strength. Ductile materials are better analyzed using Tresca or von Mises criteria.

5A cantilever beam with length L carries a concentrated load P at its free end. What is the maximum bending moment?

A.PL/2

B.PL/4

C.PL

D.2PL

Explanation: For a cantilever beam with a concentrated load P at the free end, the maximum bending moment occurs at the fixed support. The bending moment varies linearly from zero at the free end to maximum at the fixed end. The maximum bending moment is M_max = P × L, where P is the applied load and L is the beam length.

6In a bolted connection, what is the primary purpose of washers?

A.To increase the bolt strength

B.To distribute the clamping load over a larger area

C.To prevent loosening from vibration

D.To reduce the required torque

Explanation: The primary purpose of washers in a bolted connection is to distribute the clamping load over a larger area, reducing bearing stress on the joined materials. This prevents damage to the surface of the components being joined. While lock washers can help prevent loosening, and washers affect torque-tension relationships, the fundamental purpose is load distribution.

7A rotating shaft experiences completely reversed bending stress with a maximum value of 80 MPa. If the endurance limit is 200 MPa and the fatigue stress concentration factor is 1.5, what is the factor of safety against fatigue failure using the Soderberg criterion? Assume the yield strength is 400 MPa.

A.1.25

B.1.67

C.2.5

D.3.33

Explanation: For completely reversed loading (mean stress = 0), the Soderberg criterion simplifies to: 1/n = σ_a / (Se/Kf), where σ_a is the alternating stress, Se is the endurance limit, Kf is the fatigue stress concentration factor, and n is the factor of safety. Here, σ_a = 80 MPa, Se = 200 MPa, Kf = 1.5. The allowable alternating stress is Se/Kf = 200/1.5 = 133.33 MPa. Therefore, n = 133.33/80 = 1.67.

8What is the critical speed of a shaft?

A.The speed at which maximum torque is transmitted

B.The rotational speed that matches the natural frequency of transverse vibration

C.The maximum safe operating speed

D.The speed at which bearing failure occurs

Explanation: The critical speed of a shaft is the rotational speed at which the rotating shaft becomes dynamically unstable due to resonance. It occurs when the rotational speed matches the natural frequency of transverse vibration of the shaft. Operating at or near critical speed can cause large amplitude vibrations and potential failure.

9A pair of spur gears has a velocity ratio of 4:1. If the pinion has 20 teeth, how many teeth does the gear have?

A.40

B.60

C.80

D.100

Explanation: The velocity ratio (VR) of a gear pair equals the ratio of the number of teeth on the gear to the number of teeth on the pinion: VR = N_gear / N_pinion. Given VR = 4 and N_pinion = 20, we have: 4 = N_gear / 20, so N_gear = 4 × 20 = 80 teeth.

10In a four-bar linkage, the link that makes a complete revolution is called the:

A.Coupler

B.Rocker

C.Crank

D.Frame

Explanation: In a four-bar linkage, the crank is the link that makes a complete revolution about its pivot. The rocker oscillates through a limited angle, the coupler connects the crank to the rocker, and the frame is the fixed link. For a crank to exist, Grashof's law must be satisfied (the sum of the shortest and longest links must be less than or equal to the sum of the other two links).

About the PE Mechanical Exam

The NCEES PE Mechanical exam is an 80-question computer-based test designed for engineers with a minimum of four years of post-college work experience. The exam covers seven content areas: Mechanical Design & Analysis (25%), HVAC & Refrigeration (18%), Thermal & Fluid Systems (15%), Power Plants & Energy (15%), Materials & Processing (12%), Measurements/Instrumentation/Controls (10%), and Ethics & Professional Practice (5%). The exam emphasizes practical application of engineering principles.

Questions

80 scored questions

Time Limit

8 hours

Passing Score

Approximately 70% (scaled)

Exam Fee

$400 (NCEES (Pearson VUE))

PE Mechanical Exam Content Outline

25%

Mechanical Design & Analysis

Stress analysis, failure theories, fatigue, bearings, power transmission, kinematics, vibrations, statics, dynamics

18%

HVAC & Refrigeration

Thermodynamics, psychrometrics, refrigeration cycles, load calculations, equipment selection, air distribution

15%

Thermal & Fluid Systems

Heat transfer, fluid mechanics, fluid dynamics, compressible flow, pump/power calculations

15%

Power Plants & Energy

Power cycles, turbines, steam generators, combustion, renewable energy, combined cycles

12%

Materials & Processing

Material properties, manufacturing processes, materials selection, surface conditions, corrosion

10%

Measurements/Instrumentation/Controls

Sensors, control systems, instrumentation, data acquisition

Ethics & Professional Practice

Engineering ethics, licensure law, professional responsibility

How to Pass the PE Mechanical Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Approximately 70% (scaled)
Exam length: 80 questions
Time limit: 8 hours
Exam fee: $400

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

PE Mechanical Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master the NCEES PE Mechanical Reference Handbook - know where formulas and tables are located

2Focus on Mechanical Design & Analysis (25%) and HVAC & Refrigeration (18%) as the highest-weighted areas

3Practice time management - 6 minutes per question on average

4Review thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer fundamentals thoroughly

5Work through practice problems using only the NCEES handbook to simulate exam conditions

6Study stress analysis, failure theories, and fatigue for the design questions

7Understand psychrometrics and refrigeration cycles for HVAC content

8Practice unit conversions - the exam uses both US Customary and SI units

9Review engineering economics and ethics for the professional practice questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PE Mechanical exam pass rate?

First-time takers have a pass rate of 66-72% (NCEES 2024 data), which is higher than many other PE exams. Repeat takers have a significantly lower pass rate of approximately 30-40%. The higher first-time pass rate reflects the strong preparation of mechanical engineering candidates and the broad alignment with academic training.

How hard is the PE Mechanical exam?

The PE Mechanical exam is considered moderately challenging. It covers a wide range of mechanical engineering topics, but the content aligns well with typical mechanical engineering curricula. Most successful candidates study 200-300 hours over 3-6 months. The exam tests application of engineering principles and requires familiarity with the NCEES reference handbook.

What are the PE Mechanical exam requirements?

To take the PE Mechanical exam, you need: (1) a bachelor's degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program, (2) passing the FE exam, (3) typically 4 years of progressive engineering experience (varies by state), and (4) state board approval. Some states have additional requirements like references or specific coursework. Foreign degree holders may need additional evaluation.

What changed in the latest PE Mechanical exam specifications?

Recent exam specifications updated the topic weights and organization. Key topics now include: Mechanical Design & Analysis (25%), HVAC & Refrigeration (18%), Thermal & Fluid Systems (15%), Power Plants & Energy (15%), Materials & Processing (12%), Measurements/Instrumentation/Controls (10%), and Ethics (5%). The exam emphasizes practical engineering applications and design.

What references are provided during the exam?

NCEES provides the PE Mechanical Reference Handbook as a searchable PDF during the exam. You cannot bring personal reference materials. It's critical to familiarize yourself with the electronic handbook format before exam day. The handbook includes formulas, tables, and reference data needed to solve exam problems.

What topics are most heavily tested on the PE Mechanical exam?

The most heavily weighted topics are Mechanical Design & Analysis (25%) and HVAC & Refrigeration (18%). Within these areas, expect questions on stress analysis, failure theories, fatigue, bearings, thermodynamics, psychrometrics, and refrigeration cycles. The exam balances theoretical knowledge with practical design problems.