Program Summary,
FE, Fundamentals of Engineering, or EIT Exam Preparation Course

Title of Program:  FE, Fundamentals of Engineering

Instructor:  Bobby Rauf, P.E, CEM, MBA

Time/Duration: 40 Hours.

Brief Program Description:

This review course is designed to prepare candidates for the Fundamentals of Engineering NCEES exam. This course is instructed using Michael R. Lindeburg’s Engineer-in-Training Reference Manual, associated EIT Solutions Manual, Lectures by Bobby Rauf on audio CD’s and other ancillary material listed below. This course is divided into of thirteen (13) segments, based primarily on subject matter. Some subjects, i.e. Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, and Thermodynamics, due to their breadth and depth, are devoted more time. Each subject begins with a review of important concepts, terminology, units, laws, principles and analysis strategies. Majority of the instruction, in each segment, entails analysis and solution of problems that are of practical value and likely to appear on an exam. The instructor explains and illustrates methods for analyzing and solving complex and abstract problems in simple and relatively easy to understand fashion. Ancillary material is utilized where applicable. An important fact that is highlighted through out the course has to do with the role and importance of the NCEES Reference Manual that is supplied to candidates in the examination room. Tips on how to navigate through this manual, in search of necessary formulas and concepts, are provided. FE candidates are encouraged to gain familiarity with the contents of the manual and are advised to refer to the manual for formulas, laws and principles as they analyze practice problems. Throughout the 40 hours of instruction, the instructor shares important tips on successful test taking strategies and techniques.

The Fluid Statics and Fluid Dynamics review is premised on auxiliary material provided by the instructor, consisting of problems and case studies.

Study Material Provided:

  • EIT Reference Manual by Michael R. Lindeburg, PE
  • Solutions Manual by Michael R. Lindeburg, PE
  • Reference Handbook by NCEES, Current Edition
  • Audio Lecture CD Files – By Bobby Rauf
  • Fluids, Hydrodynamics and Hydraulic Machine Concepts and Problems by Bobby Rauf.
  • CD Containing Scans of Instructors Ancillary Notes

Topics to be covered

  • Engineering Math and System of Units – I
  • Engineering Math - II
  • Statics
  • Dynamics
  • Engineering Economics
  • Electrical Engineering  - I
  • Electrical Engineering  - II
  • Fluid Mechanics
  • Chemistry
  • Thermodynamics - I
  • Thermodynamics  - II
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Material Science

Brief Description of Material Covered Under Each Topic:

  • Engineering Mathematics and System of Units - I:

Vital role of units in engineering calculations, in verification of solutions and application of correct formulas, is emphasized. Discussion of System of Units, SI (Metric) and US (British); important differences between the two (2) systems. Pros and cons of one unit system over another. Review of numbering system, fundamental algebraic laws, polynomials, methods for deriving roots and solving various types of equations. Review of complex numbers and forms of complex numbers. Techniques for evaluation of  limits of various types of mathematical expressions. Linear algebra, matrices, matrix operations and application of Cramer’s Rule for solving simultaneous linear equations. Substantial portion of the time is devoted to analysis and solution of various types of problems.

  • Engineering Mathematics – II:

Mathematical expressions of vectors are reviewed. Unit vectors and three dimensional considerations of vectors are covered. Discussions and problems further include vector operations - i.e. vector addition, dot product and cross product - review of trigonometry, trigonometric formulas, trigonometric functions, application and practical significance of trigonometric functions in solving engineering problems; triangle formulas, law of sines and law of cosines. Important topics in analytic geometry, i.e. hydraulic radius, properties and analysis of curves, straight line analysis, planes, equations of planes, distance between geometric figures and angles between geometric planes are reviewed. Differential calculus and use of derivatives for calculation of critical points on curves, such as extreme points, maxima, minima and inflection point are covered. Method for partial derivation is explained. Integral calculus and application of definite integrals in calculation of areas formed by multiple curves, or a curve and “x” or “y” axis are reviewed. Basic Fourier Analysis is explained and illustrated through problems.

  • Statics:

Three important laws of static equilibrium, S Fx = 0, S Fy = 0 and S M = 0, are explained. Explanation of couple, distributed loads, point loads, moments and free-body diagrams are covered. Representation of distributed forces as corresponding point loads and determination of location of the derived forces are reviewed. Important differences between various types of two-dimensional supports, i.e. pinned, point and roller supports, are explained on the basis of forces of reaction and illustrated through problems. Trusses and forces in axial members of trusses are discussed. Methods for calculation of specific unknown forces in truss members are covered. The Method of Sections is illustrated through solution of truss problems. Force analysis, involving cables under tension, subjected to concentrated loads, are reviewed. Numerous problems from auxiliary sources are covered.

  • Dynamics:

Difference between Kinematics and Kinetics is explained. Concepts, units, terminology, principles, laws, formulas, analysis and computational techniques are explained and illustrated through solution of problems.  Concepts, principles and equations associated with linear particle motion, distance, speed, uniform motion, projectile motion, and rotational particle motion are covered. Distinction and relationship between position functions s(t), q(t) and net distance travelled is illustrated through problems. Relative motion, Coriolis Acceleration and dependent motion topics are reviewed and illustrated through various problems. Concepts, principles and equations associated with kinetics topics i.e. centripetal force, dynamic equilibrium, flat friction, motion on inclined planes, roadway banking, belt friction, cable in tension, impulse and momentum are reviewed and illustrated through problem analysis and solutions. As with other topics in this course, reference is drawn to pertinent sections of the NCEES Reference Manual, periodically, for training purposes.

  • Engineering Economics:

Essence of Time Value of Money concept is explained . Alternate methods and tools for performing TVM calculations; i.e. those associated with derivation of future values, present values, annuities, EUAC’s and alternative engineering project comparisons are reviewed. Preferred method for TVM calculations, utilizing financial factor tables is explained and illustrated in detail. Derivation of financial factor based equations, i.e. F = P x (F/P, i, n), for calculation of future values, present values and annuities is reviewed and illustrated through various types of problems. Significance of cash flow diagram, method for construction of cash flow diagrams and transformation of cash flow diagrams into financial calculation equations are covered. All concepts and methods are illustrated and reinforced through solving of different types of problems.

  • Electrical Engineering – I

The first segment of Electrical Engineering begins with concepts, laws, equations and sample problems associated with Electrostatics. Topics such as Electric Field, Capacitors, Electric Flux, Permittivity, Electric Field Strength, Force on a Charged Particle and Work/Energy in Electric Field are covered. Problems illustrating computation of charge and voltage potential on capacitors in DC circuits and at electrodes in vacuum tubes are covered. Magnetic field, the Right Hand Rule, characteristics of inductors in DC circuits and calculation of MMF, Magnetomotive Force, are explained and illustrated through problems. Parallel and series DC circuits, with common elements, i.e. resistors and DC power sources, are reviewed. Methods for deriving equivalent resistance, simplified versions of circuits, with resistances in parallel and series configuration are illustrated using various problems. Formulas for performing Y – Delta and Delta – Y conversions are explained and demonstrated. Concepts and equations associated voltage and current divider circuits, Thevenin Equivalent and Norton Equivalent circuits are reviewed and illustrated through problems. Kirchhoff’s Voltage and Current Laws are covered and their application in performing circuit analysis is illustrated.

  • Electrical Engineering – II

This segment begins with solution, discussion and study of various practice problems at the end of EIT Manual Chapter 47, followed by important concepts associated with AC Current. The discussion on AC concepts includes review of trigonometric, exponential, polar/phasor and rectangular forms for AC current, voltage, impedance and power. Important AC concepts like rms value, average value, effective value, capacitive reactance, inductive reactance, impedance, combination of impedances through complex math, apparent power, reactive power, real power and power factor are reviewed and illustrated through various problems. Fundamental concepts and calculations associated with three phase AC systems are reviewed.

  • Fluid Mechanics

As with all other topics in this course, Fluid Mechanics begins with a brief review of pertinent nomenclature and symbols. Principles, concepts, formulas associated with pressure, weight density, manometers, hydrostatic pressure on vertical plane surfaces, pressure on inclined surfaces, pressure on general plane surfaces, forces on dams and moments on submerged dams are reviewed. This discussion is supplemented and illustrated through solving various types of problems. The topic of buoyancy is discussed and related problems are solved. The discussion on hydrodynamics is premised on Bernoulli’s equation, Kinetic Head, Potential Head and Pressure Head. Most of the discussion on hydrodynamics, including open channel flows and computation of frictional head, is premised on ancillary material provided by the instructor. Several fluid dynamics problems are included in this discussion.

  • Chemistry

Most of the material covered in the chemistry segment focuses on inorganic chemistry. The periodic table and distinct properties of some of the common elements in the table are reviewed. The important concept of electronegativity - which forms the premise for valance charges and, subsequently, the types of compounds that are formed in chemical reactions – are reviewed and illustrated. Formation and properties of ionic and covalent bonds are examined. The principles and concepts of moles, formula weights, molecular weights, equivalent weights, molarity, normality, molality, formality and mole fraction are reviewed. Atomic structure, technique for assignment of electrons in orbitals and subsequent properties of respective elements are covered. Balancing of chemical equations and significance of stoichiometric reactions are reviewed and illustrated trough problems. Ionic concentrations in form of pH and pOH are explained and their significance illustrated through problems. Some basic concepts in organic chemistry are reviewed and common problems involving combustion of heat are highlighted.

  • Thermodynamics – I

The discussion on thermodynamics is initiated with study of the concepts of Energy, Work and Power. Mathematical equations and laws governing work, potential energy, kinetic energy, spring energy and pressure energy are reviewed, followed by law of conservation of energy and demonstration of all principles and concepts through various problems. As with most topics in this course, the discussion on pertinent topics is prefaced with review of important nomenclature, symbols, etc. In subsequent chapters, the discussion evolves into phases of substances, with main focus on the phases of water, i.e. solid, sub-cooled liquid, saturated liquid, liquid-vapor mixture, saturated vapor and super-heated vapor/steam. One of the most important learning experiences in this segment is associated with the review of steam tables, different types of steam tables and the method for navigation through the tables.  The physical significance of various specific heat or specific enthalpy values in the steam tables is explained. The importance of establishing the phase of vapor or water, on the basis of stated temperature and pressure versus the respective saturated pressure and saturated temperature, is emphasized and demonstrated through various problems. Through out the two (2) thermodynamics segments, application of US, as well as SI units, is demonstrated.  

  • Thermodynamics – II

The second segment of thermodynamics builds upon the concepts, principles and mathematical techniques reviewed in the first segment through rigorous review of numerous thermodynamics problems. Some of the problems covered involve calculation of heat required to transform a given mass of ice to superheated steam phase. Such comprehensive analyses take into account latent and sensible heats through transitions between phases, specific initial and final temperatures. Application of ideal gas laws in thermodynamic realm is reviewed and illustrated through numerical examples. Various types of thermodynamic processes, i.e. adiabatic process, constant pressure (isobaric) process, constant temperature (isothermal) process, constant volume (isometric) process, isentropic process and throttling process are reviewed. First Law of Thermodynamics for Closed Systems and Open Systems are covered and illustrated through problems with practical significance. Characteristics and application of psychrometric charts are reviewed and demonstrated through numerical examples.  

  • Mechanics of Materials

This segment begins with the topic of Material Testing. Hooke’s Law, ductility, stress-strain curve, concepts of engineering stress and engineering strain are reviewed with illustrations premised on numerical problems. Mathematical relations between engineering stress, true stress, engineering strain and true strain are defined. Under the topic of thermal treatment of metals, calculation of concentration of alloying ingredient, fraction of solid and fraction of liquid are covered. The Lever Rule is reviewed and illustrated through problems. Typical iron-carbon diagram is reviewed.

  • Material Science

This segment covers the topics of Engineering Materials, Crystalline Structure and Indeterminate Statics. Grades of alloy steel are discussed with focus on determination of alloying ingredients and interpretation of AISI-SAE Steel Designations. This discussion is supported by a numerical example. Polymers¸ molecular construction of polymers, vulcanization, degree of polymerization and the concept of initiator are reviewed and illustrated through problems. Concrete properties and factors affecting concrete strength are covered. Various types of crystalline lattices are reviewed with more detailed discussion on relatively common crystalline structures, i.e. BCC and FCC. Methods for calculation of inter-­atomic distances, crystallographic directions and Miller indices are reviewed, supported by problem based illustrations.

 

 

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