Mechanical Engineering Reference

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viii M E C H A N I C A L E N G I N E E R I N G R E F E R E N C E
23.H Properties of Saturated Refrigerant-12 (R-12) 34.K
by Pressure (customary U.S. units) . . . . . . . A-76
23.I Properties of Superheated Refrigerant-12 (R-12) 35.A
(customary U.S. units) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-77
23.J Pressure-Enthalpy Diagram for Refrigerant-12 35.B
(R-12) (customary U.S. units). . . . . . . . . . . A-79 35.C
23.K Properties of Saturated Refrigerant-22 (R-22)
by Temperature (customary U.S. units) . . . A-80 35.D
23.L Pressure-Enthalpy Diagram for Refrigerant-22 35.E
(R-22) (customary U.S. units). . . . . . . . . . . A-82
23.M Pressure-Enthalpy Diagram for Refrigerant 35.F
HFC-134a (customary U.S. units) . . . . . . . . A-83
23.N Properties of Saturated Steam by Temperature 36.A
(SI units). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-84
23.O Properties of Saturated Steam by Pressure
(SI units). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-87 36.B
23.P Properties of Superheated Steam (SI units) . . . A-89
23.Q Properties of Compressed Water (SI units) . . . A-90
23.R Enthalpy-Entropy (Mollier) Diagram for Steam
(SI units). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-92 36.C
23.S Properties of Low-Pressure Air (SI units) . . . . A-93
23.T Properties of Saturated Refrigerant-12 (R-12)
by Temperature (SI units) . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-96
23.U Pressure-Enthalpy Diagram for Refrigerant-12 36.D
(R-12) (SI units) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-98
23.V Properties of Saturated Refrigerant-22 (R-22)
by Temperature (SI units) . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-99 36.E
23.W Pressure-Enthalpy Diagram for Refrigerant-22
(R-22) (SI units) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-101 36.F
23.X Pressure-Enthalpy Diagram for Refrigerant 37.A
HFC-134a (SI units). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-102 38.A
23.Y Thermal Properties of Selected Solids
(customary U.S. units) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-103
23.Z Generalized Compressibility Charts. . . . . . . . A-104 38.B
25.A Isentropic Flow Factors (k = 1.4) . . . . . . . . . A-105
25.B Isentropic Flow and Normal Shock
Parameters (k = 1.4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-106 38.C
25.C Fanno Flow Factors (k = 1.4) . . . . . . . . . . . . A-107
25.D Rayleigh Flow Factors (k = 1.4) . . . . . . . . . . A-108
25.E International Standard Atmosphere . . . . . . . A-109 38.D
34.A Representative Thermal Conductivity . . . . . . A-110
34.B Properties of Metals and Alloys . . . . . . . . . . A-111
34.C Properties of Nonmetals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-112 42.A
34.D Typical Thermal Properties of Foodstuffs . . . A-113
34.E Typical Cooling and Freezing Properties of 48.A
Foodstuffs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-114
34.F Transient Heat Flow Charts 48.B
(solid spheres of radius ro) . . . . . . . . . . . . A-116
34.G Transient Heat Flow Charts (infinite solid
circular cylinders of radius ro) . . . . . . . . . . A-117 50.A
34.H Transient Heat Flow Charts (infinite flat
slabs of thickness 2L) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-118 51.A
34.I Heisler Transient Heat Flow Chart (temperature 51.B
at center of a sphere of radius ro) . . . . . . . A-119 53.A
34.J Heisler Transient Heat Flow Chart (temperature 54.A
at center of infinite cylinder of radius ro) . . A-120
P P I * w w w . p p i 2 p a s s . c o m
M A N U A L
Heisler Transient Heat Flow Chart (temperature
at center of infinite slab of thickness 2L) . . A-121
Properties of Saturated Water
(customary U.S. units) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-122
Properties of Saturated Water (SI units) . . . . A-123
Properties of Atmospheric Air
(customary U.S. units) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-124
Properties of Atmospheric Air (SI units) . . . . A-125
Properties of Steam at One Atmosphere
(customary U.S. units) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-126
Properties of Steam at One Atmosphere
(SI units). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-127
Correction Factor, Fc, for the Logarithmic Mean
Temperature Difference (one shell pass,
even number of tube passes) . . . . . . . . . . . A-128
Correction Factor, Fc, for the Logarithmic
Mean Temperature Difference
(two shell passes, multiple of four
tube passes) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-129
Correction Factor, Fc, for the Logarithmic
Mean Temperature Difference
(one shell pass, three tube passes,
two counter and one cocurrent) . . . . . . . . A-130
Correction Factor, Fc, for the Logarithmic
Mean Temperature Difference
(crossflow shell, one tube pass) . . . . . . . . . A-131
Characteristics of Birmingham Wire Gage
(BWG) Size Tubing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-132
Heat Exchanger Effectiveness (%). . . . . . . . . A-134
Emissivities of Various Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . A-136
ASHRAE Psychrometric Chart No. 1, Normal
Temperature—Sea Level (32–120 ! F)
(customary U.S. units) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-137
ASHRAE Psychrometric Chart No. 1, Normal
Temperature—Sea Level (0–50 ! C)
(SI units). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-138
ASHRAE Psychrometric Chart No. 2, Low
Temperature—Sea Level ("40–50 ! F)
(customary U.S. units) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-139
ASHRAE Psychrometric Chart No. 3, High
Temperature—Sea Level (60–250 ! F)
(customary U.S. units) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-140
Representative Insulating Properties of
Building Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-141
Typical Mechanical Properties of Metals
(room temperature). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-143
Typical Mechanical Properties of Thermoplastic
Resins and Composites (room temperature,
after post-mold annealing) . . . . . . . . . . . . A-146
Centroids and Area Moments of Inertia for
Basic Shapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-147
Elastic Beam Deflection Equations . . . . . . . . A-148
Stress Concentration Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . A-152
Properties of Weld Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-153
Spring Wire Diameters and Sheet Metal
Gauges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-154
 A P P E N D I C E S T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S ix

54.B Journal Bearing Correlations . . . . . . . . . . . . A-155 72.A Polyphase Motor Classifications

56.A Mass Moments of Inertia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-156 and Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-165
59.A Standard Epicyclic Gear Train Ratios . . . . . . A-157 72.B DC and Single-Phase Motor Classifications
63.A Single Sampling Plan Table for Various and Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-166
Producer’s and Consumer’s Risks . . . . . . . A-158 73.A Noise Reduction and Absorption
63.B Cumulative Probability Chart . . . . . . . . . . . A-159 Coefficients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-167
64.A Thermoelectric Constants for 73.B Transmission Loss Through Common
Thermocouples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-160 Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-168
67.A Typical Equivalent Lengths of Valves and 74.A Standard Cash Flow Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . A-169
Fittings for Fire Protection Systems . . . . . A-162 74.B Cash Flow Equivalent Factors . . . . . . . . . . . A-170
67.B Approximate Properties of Selected
Flammable Liquids and Gases. . . . . . . . . . A-163

P P I * w w w . p p i 2 p a s s . c o m
 Preface
. . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . ... . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . .

This book is a broad review of mechanical engineering In addition, I have used this new edition as an opportu-
principles, as well as a compendium of useful and typical nity to make thousands of improvements, most too
data to support those principles. Because of its emphasis small to be noticed except through a side-by-side com-
on undergraduate engineering subjects (the only prere- parison. These improvements include updates to termi-
quisite course of study required of most state licensing nology, descriptions, and references; clarifications and
examinees), this book is an efficient method of preparing rewording of explanations; additional typical data;
for the standardized Professional Engineering (PE) updated chapter nomenclature; improved consistency
licensing examinations in mechanical engineering. Tens between chapters; and, the inevitable correction of
of thousands of engineers have used the previous 12 edi- author’s errata.
tions for just that purpose.
This is the first edition of the Mechanical Engineering
This book presents each major topic as a standalone Reference Manual to be produced in PPI’s integrated
section subdivided into chapters. Each chapter builds book development and maintenance system. That fact is
on previous chapters, and each section builds on pre- of significance only to PPI. However, it is strategically
vious sections. The choice of what to cover (i.e., topics) too important to go unmentioned. And, I’ll just leave it
in sections and chapters has always been based on what at that.
I think a mechanical engineering graduate should know,
only loosely influenced by the major subdivisions of the Coincident with this new edition is a significant new
PE exam syllabus. Because of that, the scope of this edition of its companion book, Practice Problems for
book exceeds the scope of the PE exam. So, if you use the Mechanical Engineering PE Exam. Approximately
this book as a PE exam reference, you will end up being 150 new problems were added to that book, and many of
over-prepared. them required corresponding supporting instruction and
data to be added this Reference Manual. And, many of
Now, on to this new edition. Many, approximately half, the changes to this Reference Manual have resulted in
of the chapters in this Reference Manual have been problems being added the Practice Problems. The
substantially revised. It would be impractical to describe changes to both books go hand in hand.
everything that is new. All I can say is that a lot of new
material has been added; a small amount of obsolete Truthfully, however, publication of the two books has
material has been removed; and the validity of every- never been 100% synchronized. Just like the fellow who
thing has been checked and updated. For the skeptics replaces his suit jacket when the elbows get threadbare,
and conspiracists who inevitably claim that this edition only to have to replace the pants two years later (and,
is no different from their, say, fifth editions, here are the starting a never-ending cycle of “catch-up”), either the
changes that distinguish the twelfth and thirteenth Reference Manual or its Practice Problems companion
editions. has always been ahead of the other in the publication
cycle. The problems in this cycle are more synchronized
additional pages, 190 than they have ever been, but some practice problems
new chapters, 4 still require instruction or data that are not yet incorpo-
chapters with new material, 36 rated into this new edition. And, the Reference Manual
chapters with revisions to existing material, 46 certainly contains material for which there are no prac-
new equations, 300 tice problems. That’s inevitable. The next edition of
these books will leapfrog them into a new asynchronous
revised equations, 128
mismatch.
new tables, 27
revised tables, 31 Since 1975, the prefaces of this title have cleverly
new examples, 7 chronicled the stages of my life. Each preface was a
revised examples, 34 snapshot, an “instantaneous value” sampled from the
new appendices, 10 continuous function of an author’s life. Laid end to
revised appendices, 27 end, the prefaces would circle a beach ball once or
new figures, 35 stretch across your kitchen floor. They would constitute
revised figures, 28 a stepwise approximation to the continuous function,
new index entries, 1094 and they would tell a story. Of course, no one can even
find all 12 previous prefaces, let alone read them in

P P I * w w w . p p i 2 p a s s . c o m
xii M E C H A N I C A L E N G I N E E R I N G R E F E R E N C E M A N U A L

sequence. But, if you could, you would learn about pie,
pets, and family. And, consistent with the story line,
you wouldn’t be surprised to learn that “family” now
includes a grandchild: Sydney Claire King, born May
26, 2012—a significant first edition. It’s too early to
know how books will fit into Sydney’s life. With four
teeth and an insatiable curiosity about what constitutes
nourishment, she is more interested in eating a book
than reading it. For her, right now, “leading a balanced
life” is interpreted gyroscopically, not socially or intel-
lectually. And, who knows? By the time she is grown,
books may not even exist. Ahh, but I am jumping for-
ward several future prefaces at once, and that’s not
permitted.
The journey to “here” has been an adventure, and I’m
looking forward to future editions.
Best career wishes.
Michael R. Lindeburg, PE

P P I * w w w . p p i 2 p a s s . c o m
 Acknowledgments
. . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . ... . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . .

It’s hard to believe that over 35 years ago, I wrote, Editing, typesetting, and paginating: Roger
typed, edited, and illustrated the first edition of the Apolinar, Tom Bergstrom, Ryan Cannon, Lisa Devoto
Mechanical Engineering Reference Manual. That pro- Farrell, Kate Hayes, Tyler Hayes, Chelsea Logan, Scott
cess describes production of the first six editions of this Marley, Magnolia Molcan, Connor Sempek, Ian A.
book, which consisted of three-ring binders of loose Walker, and Julia White
pages printed from camera-ready copy prepared on my
Smith-Corona typewriter. The seventh edition was Proofreading: Bill Bergstrom, Ryan Cannon, Lisa
typeset by a fine young lady (Joanne Bergeson, PPI’s Devoto Farrell, Tyler Hayes, Jennifer Lindeburg King,
first employee) using new-to-the-world software (TEX) Chelsea Logan, Scott Marley, Magnolia Molcan, Connor
running on an industrial-strength mainframe computer Sempek, Bonnie Thomas, Ian A. Walker, and Julia
(IBM 370) from a character-based terminal (Televideo) White
connected via a very slow (2400 baud) modem to a Illustrating: Tom Bergstrom, Kate Hayes, and Amy
distant university (Stanford). Her drive, intensity, and Schwertman La Russa
dedication are characteristics that PPI staffers still exhi-
bit to this day. If Joanne had not set and maintained Calculation checking: Andrew Chan, Todd Fisher,
that company standard for over 10 years, it is doubtful Scott Miller, Allen Ng, Alex Valeyev, and Akira
that PPI would be where it is today. I’ll never forget her. Zamudio
Cover design: Amy Schwertman La Russa
Not including the time spent writing the new content for
this edition, the editorial and production process for Marketing: Casey Scott, marketing manager; Vanessa
producing this book has spanned 35 months. And, even Merina, director of Marketing
then, the process was less than linear, because I was
IT: Vijay Kumar, web developer; Megan Synnestvedt,
writing new content for the Reference Manual and the
IT department manager; Peter Fletcher, director of IT
Practice Problems books as PPI simultaneously worked
on previously submitted chapters. PPI received the last Management: Sarah Hubbard, director of Product
of my new content only a few months before the entire Development and Implementation; Cathy Schrott, pro-
book was completed. To make that schedule happen, duction services manager; Jennifer Lindeburg King,
more than 25 people at PPI worked on these books. Chelsea Logan, and Julia White, editorial project man-
Along the way, there have been two editorial project agers; Christine Eng, product development manager
managers directing the process. Jennifer Lindeburg
King kicked off the new edition by validating the orig- It is worth noting that Kate Hayes has been to this
inal content that had been fed into PPI’s integrated dance before, since she typeset the 9th, 10th, 11th, and
book development system. After bringing the preexist- 12th editions in TEX. She, Cathy Schrott (who mana-
ing content up to current PPI publication standards, ged the production of two earlier editions), and I have
she assembled the entire book for my “round 1” review. seen how book composition has changed over the years.
After maternity leave, she returned to validate the sys- Movable type, hot metal, cold type, phototypesetting,
tem’s final output. Every character, sentence, and page and most currently, TEX’s embedded verbose coding
has since been measured against her internal scale of and macros have been replaced by tags, algorithms,
“goodness.” and style sheets. We’ve survived, but the pace of the
changes has been challenging.
Julia White was this edition’s second editorial project In addition to Kate with five editions and Cathy with
manager. Her seemingly impossible task was to integrate three editions, other PPI contributors with two editions
the new and preexisting material, and to essentially get under their belts are Jennifer Lindeburg King, Amy
this book into the form that you are now reading. With Schwertman La Russa, Tom Bergstrom, and Sarah
dozens of chapters being worked simultaneously, she Hubbard.
coordinated the hugely diverse contributions of outside
engineering experts and production services as well as all This edition incorporates the comments, suggestions,
other PPI editors, engineers, illustrators, compositors, and errata submitted by many people who used the
proofreaders, and paginators. Here, I’ll list the other previous editions for their own preparations. As an
PPI people by function, in alphabetical order, and I hope author, I am humbled to know that these individuals
that each knows that I understand and appreciate his/ read the previous edition in such detail as to notice
her contribution. typos, illogic, and other errata, and that they

P P I * w w w . p p i 2 p a s s . c o m
xiv M E C H A N I C A L E N G I N E E R I N G R E F E R E N C E
subsequently took the time to share their observations
with me. Their suggestions have been incorporated into
this edition, and their attention to detail will benefit you
and all future readers. The following is a partial list
(again in alphabetical order) of some of the readers
whose comments improved this book.
Daniel Cogan; Christian Crew; Matthew Davidson;
Lisa Denke; Justin Dickson; Brandee McKim; Sara
Phillips; Ezekiel Sachs; Ross Schwend; and David
Woolley
The preface glosses over the significance of this edition
being the first to have been created with PPI’s inte-
grated book development and maintenance system. This
system eliminates the constraints that have kept PPI
from making substantial changes to the contents of its
most massive books, including this one. As an author,
I’ve been waiting for a long time to incorporate some
“good stuff” that couldn’t be fit in because of such pub-
lishing limitations. But, now, I’m thrilled to be able to
thank Stephen P. Andrew; C. Dale Buckner, PhD, PE,
SECB; and Ken Shannon for accumulated suggestions
that I held onto, but couldn’t implement, until now.
Despite all of the new material, this edition retains
almost all of the material in earlier editions. There are
hundreds and hundreds of additional contributors men-
tioned by name in the acknowledgments of those earlier
editions. I haven’t forgotten them, and their names will
live on in the tens of thousands of old editions that
remain in widespread circulation. For this edition,
P P I * w w w . p p i 2 p a s s . c o m
M A N U A L
there isn’t a single new contributor whose name I inten-
tionally excluded. Still, I could have slipped up and
forgotten to mention you. I hope you’ll let me know if
you should have been credited, but were inadvertently
left out. I’d appreciate the opportunity to list your
name in the next printing of this edition.
Near the end of the acknowledgments, after mentioning
a lot of people who contributed to a book and, therefore,
could be blamed for a variety of types of errors, it is
common for an author to say something like, “I take
responsibility for all of the errors you find in this book.”
Or, “All of the mistakes are mine.” This is certainly true,
given the process of publishing, since the author sees
and approves the final version before his/her book goes
to the printer. You would think that after 35 years of
writing, I would have figured out (1) how to write with-
out making mistakes, and (2) how to proofread without
missing those mistakes that are so obvious to readers.
However, such perfection continues to elude me. So, yes.
The finger points straight at me.
In the absence of perfection, all I can say is that I’ll do my
best to respond to any suggestions and errata that you
report through PPI’s website, ppi2pass.com/errata.
I’d love to see your name in the acknowledgments for the
next edition.
Thank you, everyone! This edition wouldn’t exist with-
out you.
Michael R. Lindeburg, PE
 Codes Used to Prepare This Book
. . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . ... . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . .

The documents, codes, and standards that I used to All standards produced by ASME, ASHRAE, ANSI,
prepare this new edition were the most current available ASTM, and similar organizations are identified by an
at the time. In the absence of any other specific need, edition, revision, or date. However, although NCEES
that was the best strategy for this book. lists “codes and standards” in its lists of mechanical
engineering PE exam topics, unlike for the civil engi-
Engineering practice is often constrained by law or con-
neering PE exam, no editions, revisions, or dates are
tract to using codes and standards that have already
specified. My conclusion is that the NCEES mechanical
been adopted or approved. However, newer codes and
engineering PE exam is not sensitive to changes in
standards might be available. For example, the adop-
codes, standards, regulations, or announcements in the
tion of building codes by states and municipalities often
Federal Register. That is the reason that I referred to
lags publication of those codes by several years. By the
the most current documents available as I prepared this
time the 2013 codes are adopted, the 2015 codes have
new edition.
been released. Federal regulations are always published
with future implementation dates. Contracts are signed The relationship of the exam to specific codes is dis-
with designs and specifications that were “best practice” cussed in more detail in the Introduction.
at some time in the past. Nevertheless, the standards are
referenced by edition, revision, or date. All of the work is
governed by unambiguous standards.

P P I * w w w . p p i 2 p a s s . c o m
 Introduction
. . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . ... . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . .

PART 1: HOW YOU CAN USE THIS know to pass the exam, particularly the afternoon
BOOK parts of the exam. You will need to assemble a
. . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . .. .
library of other references. This book is not a sub-
stitute for the experience, general knowledge, and
QUICKSTART
. . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . .. .
judgment that engineers are expected to demon-
strate on the exam. This book will help you learn
If you never read the material at the front of your books subjects. It won’t help you pass the exam if you go
anyway, and if you’re in a hurry to begin and only want into the exam unprepared or unqualified.
to read one paragraph, here it is:
. Become intimately familiar with this book. This
Most chapters in this book are independent. means knowing the order of the chapters, the
Start with any one and look through it. Use the approximate locations of important figures and
index extensively. Decide if you are going to work tables, what appendices are available, and so on.
problems in that topic. If so, solve as many prob-
lems in that topic as time allows. Don’t stop . Use the subject title tabs along the side of each page.
studying until the exam. Start right now! The tab names correspond to the exam organization.
Quickly! Good luck.
. Use Table 1 and Table 2 of this Introduction to learn
However, if you want to begin a thorough review, you which subjects in this book are (and are not) specific
should probably try to find out everything there is to exam subjects. Some chapters in this book are sup-
know about the PE exam. The rest of this Introduction portive and do not cover specific exam topics. How-
is for you. ever, these chapters provide background and support
for the other chapters.

. Some engineers read every page in a chapter. Some

IF YOU ARE A PRACTICING ENGINEER
. . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . .. . merely skim through a chapter and its appendices. In
either case, you must familiarize yourself with the
If you are a practicing engineer and have obtained this
subjects before starting to solve practice problems.
book as a general reference handbook, it will probably
sit in your bookcase until you have a specific need. . Identify and obtain a set of 10–30 solved practice
However, if you are preparing for the PE examination in problems for each of the exam subjects. I have
mechanical engineering, the following suggestions may written an accompanying book, Practice Problems
help. for the Mechanical Engineering PE Exam, for this
purpose. Other resources include the Mechanical
. Find out the current edition of this book. You might Engineering Practice Examination, books in the
be reading this book long after it was published. Six-Minute series, and the Mechanical PE Exam
Newer editions mean that older editions are no Cafe, all offered by PPI. You may use problem sets
longer appropriate for the current exam. Newer from your old textbooks, college notes, or review
editions mean that the codes, standards, and course if they are more convenient. Regardless of
regulations on which the exam is based are not the books you use, you should know that you will
represented in the older edition, that the encounter two types of practice problems. Some
exam body of knowledge has changed, and/ problems look like examination problems. They are
or the exam format and policies have changed. short and have multiple-choice answers. This type of
New editions are published for a reason, and it’s not problem is good for familiarizing yourself with the
reasonable for you to expect the older edition to exam format. However, it is not very effective for
serve your needs when it is out of date. exposing you to the integration of multiple concepts
in problem solving, for familiarizing you with this
. Be reasonable in what you expect from this book. book, and for making sure you have seen all of the
Much like any textbook, this book is a compilation “gotchas” that are possible in a subject. To address
of material designed to help you learn certain sub- those requirements, you’ll need some longer prob-
jects—in this case, subjects on the exam. This book lems. Practice Problems for the Mechanical Engi-
does not contain “everything” that you need to neering PE Exam contains both types of problems.

P P I * w w w . p p i 2 p a s s . c o m
xviii M E C H A N I C A L E N G I N E E R I N G R E F E R E N C E M A N U A L

. Most of the problems in Practice Problems for the I have always tried to overprepare my students. For
Mechanical Engineering PE Exam are presented in that reason, the homework problems (i.e., example
both customary U.S. (English) and SI units. Initi- problems in this book and the practice problems in
ally, work through the problems in U.S. units. If you the companion Practice Problems for the Mechanical
have time at the end of your review, start over and Engineering PE Exam book) are often more difficult
solve all of the problems in SI units. and more varied than actual examination questions.
Also, you will appreciate the fact that it is more effi-
. Set a reasonable limit on the time you spend on each
cient to cover several procedural steps in one problem
subject. It isn’t necessary to solve an infinite number
than to ask simple “one-liners” or definition questions.
of practice problems. The number of practice prob-
That is the reason that the example and homework
lems you attempt will depend on how much time you
problems are often harder and longer than actual
have and how skilled you are in the subject.
exam problems.
. If it isn’t already your habit, practice carrying units
along in all calculations. Many errors are caused by, To do all the homework for some chapters requires
and many incorrect exam answer options are based approximately 15 to 20 hours. If you are covering one
on, common mistakes with units. Pounds don’t work or more chapters per week, that’s a lot of homework
in F = ma; ft3/sec doesn’t cancel gpm. When work- per week. “Capacity assignment” is the goal in my
ing in customary U.S. (English) units, you will find review courses. If you assign 20 hours of homework
equations in this book in which the quantity g/gc and a student is able to put in only 10 hours that
appears. For calculations at standard gravity, the week, that student will have worked to his or her
numerical value of this fraction is 1.00. Therefore, capacity. After the PE examination, that student will
it is necessary to incorporate this quantity only in honestly say that he or she could not have prepared
calculations with a nonstandard gravity or when you any more than he or she did in your course. For that
are being meticulous with units. reason, you have to assign homework on the basis of
what is required to become proficient in the subjects of
. Use the solutions to your practice problems to check
your lecture. You must resist assigning only the home-
your work. If your answer isn’t correct, figure out
work that you think can be completed in an arbitrary
why.
number of hours.
. To minimize time spent in searching for often-used
formulas and data, prepare a one-page summary of Homework assignments in my review courses are not
all the important formulas and information in each individually graded. Instead, students are permitted to
subject area. You can then use these summaries make use of existing solutions to learn procedures and
during the examination instead of searching in this techniques to the problems in their homework set, such
book. You can develop your own, or you may want as those in the companion Practice Problems for the
to consider Quick Reference for the Mechanical Mechanical Engineering PE Exam book, which contains
Engineering PE Exam, which PPI has published for solutions to all practice problems. However, each stu-
this type of use. dent must turn in a completed set of problems for credit
each week. Though I don’t correct the homework prob-
. Use the index extensively. Every significant term, lems, I address comments or questions emailed to me,
law, theorem, and concept has been indexed in every posted on the course forum, or written on the
conceivable way—backward and forward—using assignments.
fuzzy logic synonyms in anticipation of frantic exam
searches. If you don’t recognize a term used, look for I believe that students should start preparing for the PE
it in the index. Many engineers bring a separate copy exam at least six months before the examination date.
of the index with them to the exam. However, most wait until three or four months before
. Some subjects appear in more than one chapter. Use getting serious. Because of that, I have found that a
the index liberally to learn all there is to know about 13- or 14-week format works well for a live PE review
a particular subject. course. It’s a little rushed, but the course is over before
everyone gets bored with my jokes. Each week, there is a
three-hour meeting, which includes lecture and a short
break. Table 1 outlines a course format that might work
IF YOU ARE AN INSTRUCTOR
. . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . .. . for you. If you can add more course time, your students
will appreciate it. Another lecture covering heat trans-
If you are teaching a review course for the PE examina- fer, HVAC, or machine design would be wonderful.
tion, you can use the material in this book as a guide to However, I don’t think you can cover the full breadth
prepare your lectures. The first two editions of this book of material in much less time or in many fewer weeks.
consisted of a series of handouts prepared for the benefit
of my PE review courses. These editions were intended I have tried to order the subjects in a logical, progres-
to be compilations of all the long formulas, illustrations, sive manner, keeping my eye on “playing the high-
and tables of data that I did not have time to put on the probabilitysubjects.” For example, heat transfer and
chalkboard. You can use this edition in the same way. HVAC are dependent on thermodynamics principles,

P P I * w w w . p p i 2 p a s s . c o m

Table 1 Typical PE Exam Review Course Format
meeting subject covered
1 Introduction to the Exam, Units, Mathematics
2 Thermodynamics
3 Power Cycles
4 Compressible Fluid Flow
5 Heat Transfer
6 Fluids and Hydraulic Machines
7 Fans, Ductwork, and Terminal Devices
8 HVAC
9 Combustion
10 Engineering Materials and Statics
11 Mechanics of Materials
12 Mechanical Systems and Machine Design
13 Kinematics of Machinery
14 Engineering Economic Analysis
so they come after the thermodynamics chapters. Also,
machine design comes after statics, engineering materi-
als, and strengths of materials.
Lecture coverage of some examination subjects is neces-
sarily brief; other subjects are not covered at all. These
omissions are intentional; they are not the result of
scheduling omissions. Why? First, time is not on our
side in a review course. Second, some subjects rarely
contribute to the examination. Third, some subjects
are not well-received by the students. For example, I
have found that very few people study modeling and
systems analysis, material handling, and manufacturing
methods. Unless you have six months in which to teach
your PE review, your students’ time can be better spent
covering other subjects.
All the skipped chapters and any related practice prob-
lems are presented as floating assignments to be made
up in the students’ “free time.”
I strongly believe in exposing my students to a realistic
sample examination, but I no longer administer an in-
class mock exam. Since the review course usually ends
only a few days before the real PE examination, I hesi-
tate to make students sit for several hours in the late
evening to take a “final exam.” Rather, I distribute and
assign a take-home sample exam at the first meeting of
the review course.
If the practice test is to be used as an indication of
preparedness, caution your students not to even look
at the sample exam prior to taking it. Looking at the
sample examination, or otherwise using it to direct
their review, will produce unwarranted specialization
in subjects contained in the sample examination.
There are many ways to organize a PE review course,
depending on your available time, budget, intended
audience, facilities, and enthusiasm. However, all good
course formats have the same result: The students
struggle with the workload during the course, and then
they breeze through the examination after the course.
I N T R O D U C T I O N xix
chapters
1, 3–12
22–24
26–33
25
34–37
14–19
41
38–44
21
45–49
50–52
53–56
57–61
74
PART 2: EVERYTHING YOU EVER
WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT THE
PE EXAM
. . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .
WHAT IS THE FORMAT OF THE PE EXAM?
. . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .
The NCEES PE examination in mechanical engineering
consists of two four-hour sessions separated by a one-
hour lunch period. The morning “breadth” (a.m.) ses-
sion is taken by all examinees. There are three afternoon
“depth” (p.m.) modules: HVAC and refrigeration, mech-
anical systems and materials (formerly known as
“machine design”), and thermal and fluids systems.
(The depth modules may be referred to as “discipline-
specific,” or DS, modules, borrowing a term from the FE
exam.) You must be approved by your state licensing
board before you can register for the exam using the
“My NCEES” system on the NCEES website. You select
your depth module when you register for the exam. At
the exam, you will receive an examination booklet for
the depth module you selected during registration.
Switching modules is not possible. Your answer sheet
will be scored based on the module you selected during
registration.
Both the morning and afternoon sessions contain
40 questions in multiple-choice (i.e., “objective”) format.
As this is a “no-choice” exam, you must answer all
questions in each session correctly to receive full credit.
There are no optional questions.
WHAT SUBJECTS ARE ON THE PE EXAM?
. . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .
NCEES has published a description of subjects on the
examination. Irrespective of the published examination
structure, the exact number of questions that will
appear in each subject area cannot be predicted reliably.
P P I * w w w . p p i 2 p a s s . c o m
xx M E C H A N I C A L E N G I N E E R I N G R E F E R E N C E M A N U A L

There is no guarantee that any single subject will occur assumptions or using plausible data, you will not gen-
in any quantity. One of the reasons for this is that some erally be required to come up with numerical data that
of the questions span several disciplines. You might might affect your success on the problem. Friction fac-
categorize and solve a steam flow question as a fluids tors and pipe roughness, thermal conductivities, U- and
problem, while NCEES might categorize it as a thermo- R- heat transfer factors, most pipe sizes, material
dynamics (ideal gas or compressible flow) problem. strengths and other properties, and relevant assump-
tions will be given in the question statement. There will
Table 2 describes the subjects in detail. Most examinees also be superfluous information in the majority of
find the list to be formidable in appearance. The per- questions.
centage breakdowns in Table 2 are according to
NCEES, but these percentages are approximate.
NCEES adds,
WHAT DOES “MOST NEARLY” REALLY
The examination is developed with questions MEAN?
. . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .
that require a variety of approaches and meth-
odologies including design, analysis, application,
One of the more disquieting aspects of these questions is
and operations. Some questions may require
that the available answer choices are seldom exact.
knowledge of engineering economics. These areas
Answer choices generally have only two or three signifi-
are examples of the kinds of knowledge that will
cant digits. Exam questions ask, “Which answer choice
be tested but are not exclusive or exhaustive
is most nearly the correct value?” or they instruct you to
categories.
complete the sentence, “The value is approximately . . .”
As Table 2 shows, the subjects in morning and after- A lot of self-confidence is required to move on to the
noon sessions overlap. However, the depths of required next question when you don’t find an exact match for
knowledge between sessions are not the same. Therefore, the answer you calculated, or if you have had to split the
Table 2 provides some guidance as to just “what” each of difference because no available answer choice is close.
these subjects means.
NCEES describes it like this:
Many of the questions on NCEES exams require
WHAT IS THE TYPICAL QUESTION FORMAT?
. . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . .. . calculations to arrive at a numerical answer.
Depending on the method of calculation used, it
Almost all of the questions are standalone—that is, they is very possible that examinees working correctly
are completely independent. NCEES allows that some will arrive at a range of answers. The phrase
sets of questions may start with a statement of a sce- “most nearly” is used to accommodate answers
nario or “situation” that will apply to (typically) two to that have been derived correctly but that may be
five following questions. Such grouped questions are slightly different from the correct answer choice
increasingly rare, however. given on the exam. You should use good engi-
neering judgment when selecting your choice of
Each of the questions will have four answer options, answer. For example, if the question asks you to
labeled “A,” “B,” “C,” and “D.” If the answer options calculate an electrical current or determine the
are numerical, they will be displayed in increasing value. load on a beam, you should literally select the
One of the answer options is correct (or, will be “most answer option that is most nearly what you cal-
nearly correct,” as described in the following section). culated, regardless of whether it is more or less
The remaining answer options are incorrect and may than your calculated value. However, if the ques-
consist of one or more “logical distractors,” the term tion asks you to select a fuse or circuit breaker to
used by NCEES to designate incorrect options that look protect against a calculated current or to size a
correct. beam to carry a load, you should select an answer
NCEES intends the questions to be unrelated. Ques- option that will safely carry the current or load.
tions are independent or start with new given data. A Typically, this requires selecting a value that is
mistake on one of the questions shouldn’t cause you to closest to but larger than the current or load.
get a subsequent question wrong. However, considerable The difference is significant. Suppose you were asked to
time may be required to repeat previous calculations calculate “most nearly” the volumetric pure airflow
with a new set of given data. required to dilute a contaminated air stream to an
acceptable concentration. Suppose, also, that you cal-
culated the answer to be 823 cfm. If the answer choices
HOW MUCH “LOOK-UP” IS REQUIRED ON THE were (A) 600 cfm, (B) 800 cfm, (C) 1000 cfm, and
EXAM?
. . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . .. . (D) 1200 cfm, you would go with answer choice (B),
because it is most nearly what you calculated. If, how-
Since the questions are multiple choice in design, all ever, you were asked to select a fan or duct with the
required data will appear in the situation statement. same rated capacities, you would have to go with
Since the examination would be unfair if it was possible choice (C), because an 800 cfm fan wouldn’t be suffi-
to arrive at an incorrect answer after making valid cient. Got it?

P P I * w w w . p p i 2 p a s s . c o m
 I N T R O D U C T I O N xxi

Table 2 Detailed Analysis of Tested Subjectsa,b

MORNING SESSION
(40 multiple-choice questions)
Basic Engineering Practice (30%)
Engineering terms and symbols; economic analysis; project management; interpretation of technical drawings; electrical
concepts; units and conversions
Mechanical Systems and Materials (20%)
Principles (13%): statics and dynamics; strength of materials; stress analysis; fatigue theory
Applications (7%): mechanical components (e.g., springs, gears, pressure vessels); joints and fasteners (e.g., welding, bolts,
adhesives); vibration and dynamic analysis; materials selection (e.g., corrosion, weight, strength)
Hydraulics and Fluids (17%)
Principles (7%): compressible and incompressible flow
Applications (10%): hydraulic and fluid equipment (e.g., pumps, turbines, compressors); piping systems and components
Energy/Power Systems (15%)
Principles (7%): thermodynamic cycles and properties; energy and mass balances; heat transfer; combustion
Applications (8%): power conversion systems; energy/power equipment (e.g., turbines, boilers, engines); heat exchangers
HVAC/Refrigeration (18%)
Principles (10%): psychrometrics; refrigeration cycles; heat transfer
Applications (8%): HVAC and refrigeration systems and components (e.g., air handlers, compressors); heating and cooling loads

AFTERNOON SESSIONS
(40 multiple-choice questions per exam)

HVAC AND REFRIGERATION DEPTH EXAM

Principles (55%)
Thermodynamics (7%): cycles; properties; compression processes
Psychrometrics (15%): heating and cooling cycles; humidification and dehumidification; heating and cooling loads
Heat Transfer (13%)
Fluid Mechanics (7%)
Compressible Flow (3%)
Energy Balances (10%)
Applications (45%)
Equipment and components (20%): cooling towers and fluid coolers; boilers and furnaces; condensers; pumps, compressors, and fans;
evaporators and chillers; cooling and heating coils; control systems components; refrigerants; refrigeration components
Systems (18%): air distribution; fluid distribution; refrigeration; energy recovery
Supportive knowledge (7%): codes and standards; air quality and ventilation; vibration control; acoustics; economic analysis;
electrical concepts
MECHANICAL SYSTEMS AND MATERIALS DEPTH EXAM
Principles (60%)
Statics (15%): free body diagrams; friction; centroids; inertia
Kinematics (7%): linear and rotational motion; velocity; acceleration
Dynamics (10%): particle and rigid body
Materials properties (10%): physical; chemical; mechanical
Strength of materials (18%): stress and strain; shear; bending; buckling; torsion
Applications (40%)
Mechanical components (10%): pressure vessels; bearings; gears; springs; belts, pulleys, and chains; clutches and brakes; power
screws; shafts and keys; mechanisms; mechatronics
Joints and fasteners (10%): welding and brazing; bolts, screws, and rivets; adhesives and soldering; others (e.g., pipe threads,
snap rings, interference fit)
Vibration/dynamic analysis (10%): natural frequencies; damping; forced vibrations; vibration isolation; dynamic analysis
Materials and process (10%): materials selection; manufacturing processes; fits and tolerances; economic analysis and project
management; quality control
(continued)

P P I * w w w . p p i 2 p a s s . c o m
xxii M E C H A N I C A L E N G I N E E R I N G R E F E R E N C E M A N U A L

Table 2 Detailed Analysis of Tested Subjectsa,b (continued)

THERMAL AND FLUIDS SYSTEMS DEPTH EXAM

Principles (45%)
Materials properties (5%): density; viscosity
Fluid mechanics (10%): compressible and incompressible fluids
Heat transfer principles (10%): convection; conduction; radiation
Mass balance principles (7%): evaporation; dehumidification; combustion
Thermodynamics (10%): thermodynamic cycles and properties; energy balances; combustion
Related principles (3%): strength of materials; fatigue theory; statics and dynamics; stress analysis; psychrometrics; welding; safety;
quality control and assurance
Applications (55%)
Equipment (18%): pumps; turbines; compressors, fans, and blowers; boilers and steam generators; engines and drive trains; pressure
vessels; heat exchangers, condensers, and feedwater heaters; cooling towers; control devices
Systems (32%): power hydraulics; pneumatic power; fluid distribution; power conversion; energy recovery; cooling and heating
cycles; power cycles
Codes and standards (5%)

a
Considerable overlap, duplication, and flexibility exists in each topic.
b
NCEES may occasionally revise exam subjects somewhat. For the most current information, visit the Exam FAQs section of PPI’s website,
ppi2pass.com/mefaq.

HOW MUCH MATHEMATICS IS NEEDED FOR Basic statistical analysis of observed data may be neces-
THE EXAM?
. . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . .. .
sary. Statistical calculations are generally limited to
finding means, medians, standard deviations, variances,
percentiles, and confidence limits. Since the problems
There are no pure mathematics questions (algebra, are multiple choice, you won’t have to draw a histo-
geometry, trigonometry, etc.) on the exam. However, gram, although you might have to interpret one. Usu-
you will need to apply your knowledge of these subjects ally, the only population distribution you need to be
to the exam questions. familiar with is the normal curve. Probability, reliabil-
ity, hypothesis testing, and statistical quality control
Generally, only simple algebra, trigonometry, and geom-
are not explicit exam subjects, though their concepts
etry are needed on the PE exam. You will need to use
may appear peripherally in some problems. You will
the trigonometric, logarithm, square root, exponentia-
not have to use linear or nonlinear regression and other
tion, and similar buttons on your calculator. There is no
curve fitting techniques to correlate data.
need to use any other method for these functions.
Quantitative optimization methods, such as linear,
Except for simple quadratic equations, you will prob- dynamic, and integer programming, generally asso-
ably not need to find the roots of polynomial equations. ciated with the field of operations research are not exam
For second-order (quadratic) equations, the exam does subjects.
not care if you find roots by factoring, completing the
square, using the quadratic equation, graphing, or using The PE exam is concerned with numerical answers, not
your calculator’s root finder. Occasionally, it will be with proofs or derivations. You will not be asked to
convenient to use the equation-solving capability of prove or derive formulas, use deductive reasoning, or
your calculator. However, other solution methods will validate theorems, corollaries, or lemmas.
always exist.
Inasmuch as first assumptions can significantly affect
There is essentially no use of calculus on the exam. the rate of convergence, problems requiring trial-and-
Rarely, you may need to take a simple derivative to find error solutions are unlikely. Rarely, a calculation may
a maximum or minimum of some simple algebraic func- require an iterative solution method. Generally, there is
tion. Even rarer is the need to integrate to find an no need to complete more than two iterations. You will
average, moment of inertia, statical moment, or shear not need to program your calculator to obtain an
flow. “exact” answer. Nor will you generally need to use com-
plex numerical methods.
There is essentially no need to solve differential equa-
tions. Questions involving radioactive decay, seismic
vibrations, control systems, chemical reactions, and HOW ABOUT ENGINEERING ECONOMICS?
. . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .
fluid mixing have appeared from time to time. However,
these applications are extremely rare, have usually been For most of the early years of engineering licensing,
first-order, and could usually be handled without having questions on engineering economics appeared frequently
to solve differential equations. on the examinations. This is no longer the case.

P P I * w w w . p p i 2 p a s s . c o m
 I N T R O D U C T I O N xxiii

However, in its outline of exam subjects, NCEES notes: you won’t encounter the phrase “ethical obligation” in
“Some questions may require knowledge of engineering the exam.
economics.” What this means is that engineering eco-
nomics concepts might appear in several questions on
the exam, or the subject might be totally absent. While WHAT ABOUT CODES AND STANDARDS?
. . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .

the degree of engineering economics knowledge has

decreased somewhat, the basic economic concepts (e.g., NCEES lists “codes and standards” in its lists of exam
time value of money, present worth, non-annual com- topics without identifying any specific codes and stan-
pounding, comparison of alternatives, etc.) are still valid dards. For that reason, at least for the mechanical
test subjects. engineering PE exam, “codes and standards” seems to
imply “knowledge about codes and standards,” as
If engineering economics is incorporated into other ques- opposed to “possession of and reference to the codes
tions, its “disguise” may be totally transparent. For and standards” during the exam. The distinction is sig-
example, you might need to compare the economics of nificant, because (without a specific list) it would be
buying and operating two blowers for remediation of a unreasonably expensive to purchase every code and
hydrocarbon spill—blowers whose annual costs must be standard affecting mechanical engineers. Among others,
calculated from airflow rates and heads. Also, you may ASME, ASTM, ANSI, ASHRAE, SAE, NFPA, NEC,
need to use engineering economics concepts and tables AGMA, EPA, OSHA, and other U.S. organizations
in problems that don’t even mention “dollars” (e.g., publish numerous documents, as do Canada and the
when you need to predict future water demand, popula- European Union (EU).
tion, or traffic volume).
There are a few noteworthy exceptions: ASME Y14.5
(Dimensioning and Tolerancing); ASME Boiler and
WHAT ABOUT FIRE PROTECTION Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) Sec. VIII, Div. 1;
ENGINEERING?
. . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . .. .
ASHRAE Standard 62.1 (Ventilation for Acceptable
Indoor Air Quality); TEMA’s Standards of the Tubular
At one time, fire protection was a topic on the mechan- Exchanger Manufacturers Association; and, OSHA
ical engineering PE exam. Numerical questions dealt CFR 29. Depending on your afternoon discipline, one
with sprinkler capacity, sprinkler layout, fire pumps, or more of these publications could be valuable.
hydrants, standpipes, hose and nozzle flow rate, and
Inasmuch as fire protection is no longer a specific topic
occupancy categories. This topic disappeared when the
on the mechanical PE exam, none of the NFPA pub-
mechanical engineering PE exam adopted the breadth-
lications should be needed. A useful standard for non-
and-depth format. However, piping, pumps, valve, and
fatigue applications, ASME’s Code for Design of
controls for fire protection are easily categorized into
Transmission Shafting (ASA-B17c), is obsolete and is
other exam topics. The fire protection chapter in this
unlikely to be needed during the exam.
book covers basic material that might still be useful on
the exam.
IS THE EXAM TRICKY?
. . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .

WHAT ABOUT NUCLEAR ENGINEERING?

. . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . .. . Other than providing superfluous data, the PE exam is
not a “tricky exam.” The exam does not overtly try to
At one time, nuclear engineering problems appeared
get you to fail. Examinees manage to fail on a regular
regularly on the mechanical engineering PE exam.
basis with perfectly straightforward questions. The
These problems dealt with shielding, health safety, core
exam questions are difficult in their own right. NCEES
power development, decay, liquid metal flow and heat
does not need to provide misleading or conflicting state-
transfer, and core design. Such problems disappeared
ments. However, you will find that commonly made
when the nuclear engineering PE exam became avail-
mistakes are represented in the available answer choices.
able. Problems involving nuclear reactor environments
Thus, the alternative answers (known as distractors)
continue to appear, but these can always be solved with
will be logical.
“traditional” heat transfer, thermodynamic, power
cycle, and fluid machinery concepts. Questions are generally practical, dealing with common
and plausible situations that you might experience in
your job. You will not be asked to determine the
WHAT ABOUT PROFESSIONALISM AND radiated heat transfer from the side of a spacecraft at
ETHICS?
. . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . .. . night after it has landed on a Jovian moon with a
methane atmosphere.
For many decades, NCEES has considered adding pro-
fessionalism and ethics questions to the PE exam. How-
ever, these subjects are not part of the test outline, and DOES NCEES WRITE EXAM QUESTIONS
there has yet to be an ethics question in the exam. AROUND THIS BOOK?
. . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .
Professional practice questions dealing with obligations
related to contracts, bidding, estimating, inspection, Only NCEES knows what NCEES uses to write its
and regulations sometimes get pretty close. However, exam questions. However, it is irrelevant, because this

P P I * w w w . p p i 2 p a s s . c o m
xxiv M E C H A N I C A L E N G I N E E R I N G R E F E R E N C E M A N U A L

book is not intended to (1) be everything you need to (watts) and water concentration (mg/L) questions.
pass the exam, (2) expose exam secrets or exam ques- Either system can be used for fluids, stress analysis,
tions, or (3) help you pass when you don’t qualify to and thermodynamics.
pass. NCEES knows about this book, but worrying
about NCEES writing exam questions based on infor- Unlike this book, the exam does not differentiate
mation that is or is not in this book means you are between lbf and lbm (pounds-force and pounds-mass).
placing too much dependency on this book. This book, Similarly, the exam does not follow this book’s practice
for example, will teach you how to use aspects of many of meticulously separating the concepts of mass and
standards and codes. Expecting that this book will weight, density and specific weight, and gravity, g, and
replace those standards and codes is unrealistic. This the gravitational constant, gc.
book will provide instruction in certain principles.
Expecting that you will not need to learn anything else
is unrealistic. This book presents many facts, defini- WHY DOES NCEES REUSE SOME
tions, and numerical values. Expecting that you will QUESTIONS?
. . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .

not need to know other facts, definitions, and numerical

values is unrealistic. What NCEES uses to write exam NCEES reuses some of the more reliable questions
questions won’t have any effect on what you need to do from each exam. The percentage of repeat questions
to prepare for the exam. isn’t high—no more than 25% of the exam. NCEES
repeats questions in order to equate the performance
of one group of examinees with the performance of an
WHAT MAKES THE QUESTIONS DIFFICULT?
. . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . .. . earlier group. The repeated questions are known as
equaters, and together, they are known as the equat-
Some questions are difficult because the pertinent the- ing subtest.
ory is not obvious. There may be only one acceptable
procedure, and it may be heuristic (or defined by a code) Occasionally, a new question appears on the exam
such that nothing else will be acceptable. For example, if that very few of the examinees do well on. Usually,
you don’t know the AGMA procedure for designing the reason for this is that the subject is too obscure or
gears, no other knowledge of gear design is going to be the question is too difficult. Questions on control sys-
helpful for an AGMA question. tems and some engineering management subjects
(e.g., linear programming) fall into this category.
Some questions are difficult because the data needed are Also, there have been cases where a low percentage
hard to find. Some data just aren’t available unless you of the examinees get the answer correct because the
happen to have brought the right reference book. Sol- question was inadvertently stated in a poor or confus-
ving some HVAC problems depends on having climato- ing manner. Questions that everyone gets correct are
logical data for a specific location and performance also considered defective.
characteristics of specific construction types.
NCEES tracks the usage and “success” of each of the
Some questions are difficult because they defy the exam questions. “Rogue” questions are not repeated
imagination. Problems involving epicyclical gear trains without modification. This is one of the reasons histor-
can be like this. If you cannot visualize the operation of ical analysis of question types shouldn’t be used as the
the mechanism . . . if you cannot get an intuitive basis of your review.
feeling about what is going on, you probably cannot
analyze it.
Some questions are difficult because the computational DOES NCEES USE THE EXAM TO PRE-TEST
burden is high, and they just take a long time. Convec- FUTURE QUESTIONS?
. . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .
tive heat transfer, HVAC, and pipe networks analyzed
with the Hardy-Cross method fall into this category. NCEES does not use the PE exam to “pre-test” or
qualify future questions. (It does use this procedure on
Some questions are difficult because the terminology is the FE exam, however.) All of the questions you work
obscure, and you just don’t know what the terms mean. will contribute toward your final score.
This can happen in almost any subject.

DOES THE PE EXAM USE SI UNITS?

. . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . .. .
ARE THE EXAMPLE PROBLEMS IN THIS
BOOK REPRESENTATIVE OF THE EXAM?
. . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .

The PE exam in mechanical engineering primarily uses

customary U.S. units (also known as “English units,” The example problems in this book are intended to be
“inch-pound units,” and “British units”), although SI instructional and informative. They were written to
and a variety of other metric systems are also used. illustrate how their respective concepts can be imple-
Questions use the units that correspond to commonly mented. Example problems are not intended to repre-
accepted industry standards. Metric units are used in sent exam problems or provide guidance on what you
chemical-related subjects, including electrical power should study.

P P I * w w w . p p i 2 p a s s . c o m

ARE THE PRACTICE PROBLEMS
REPRESENTATIVE
. . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . .. .
The practice problems in the companion Practice Prob-
lems for the Mechanical Engineering PE Exam book
were chosen to cover the most likely exam subjects.
Some of the practice problems are multiple choice, and
some require free-format solutions. However, they are
generally more comprehensive and complex than actual
exam problems, regardless of their formats.
Practice problems in the companion book were selected
to complement subjects in the Mechanical Engineering
Reference Manual. Over the many editions of both
books, the practice problems have developed into a
comprehensive review of the most important mechanical
engineering subjects covered on the exam.
All of the practice problems are original. Since NCEES
does not release old exams, and since examinees are
sworn to secrecy before taking the exam, none of the
practice problems are actual exam problems.
WHAT REFERENCE MATERIAL IS
PERMITTED
. . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . .. .
The PE examination is an open-book exam. Most states
do not have any limits on the numbers and types of
books you can use. Personal notes in a three-ring binder
and other semipermanent covers can usually be used.
Some states use a “shake test” to eliminate loose papers
from binders. Make sure that nothing escapes from your
binders when they are inverted and shaken.
The references you bring into the examination room in
the morning do not have to be the same as the references
you use in the afternoon. However, you cannot share
books with other examinees during the exam.
A few states do not permit collections of solved prob-
lems such as Schaum’s Outline Series, sample exams,
and solutions manuals. A few states maintain a formal
list of banned books.
Strictly speaking, loose paper and scratch pads are not
permitted in the examination. Certain types of pre-
printed graphs and logarithmically scaled graph papers
(which are almost never needed) should be three-hole
punched and brought in a three-ring binder. An excep-
tion to this restriction may be made for laminated and
oversize charts, graphs, and tables (e.g., Mollier dia-
grams and psychrometric charts) that are commonly
needed for particular types of questions. However, there
aren’t many such items for the mechanical PE exam.
HOW MANY BOOKS SHOULD YOU BRING?
. . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . .. .
Except for codes and standards, you shouldn’t need
many books in the examination, particularly in the
morning breadth section. The trouble is, you can’t know
in advance which ones you will need. That’s the reason
why many examinees show up with boxes and boxes of
I N T R O D U C T I O N xxv
books. Since this book is not a substitute for your own
OF THE EXAM?
experience and knowledge, without a doubt, there are
many things that you will need that are not in this book.
But there are not so many that you need to bring your
entire company’s library. The examination is very fast-
paced. You will not have time to use books with which
you are not thoroughly familiar. The exam doesn’t
require you to know obscure solution methods or to
use difficult-to-find data. You won’t need articles
printed in an industry magazine; you won’t need doc-
toral theses or industry proceedings; and, you won’t
need to know about recent industry events.
So, it really is unnecessary to bring a large quantity of
books with you. Essential books are identified in Table 3
in this Introduction, and you should be able to decide
which support you need for the areas in which you
intend to work. This book and five to ten other refer-
ences of your choice should be sufficient for most of the
questions you answer.1
MAY TABS BE PLACED ON PAGES?
. . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .
It is common to tab pages in your books in an effort to
IN THE EXAM?
reduce the time required to locate useful sections. Inas-
much as some states consider Post-it® notes to be “loose
paper,” your tabs should be of the more permanent
variety. Although you can purchase tabs with gummed
attachment points, it is also possible simply to use
transparent tape to securely attach the Post-its you
have already placed in your books.
MAY YOU WRITE AND MARK IN YOUR
BOOKS?
. . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .
During your preparation, you may write anything you
want, anywhere in your books, including this one. You
can use pencil, pen, or highlighter in order to further
your understanding of the content. However, during the
exam, you must avoid the appearance of taking notes
about the exam. This means that you should only write
on the scratch paper that is provided. During the exam,
other than drawing a line across a wide table of num-
bers, or using your pencil to follow a line on a graph, you
should not write in your books.
WHAT ABOUT CALCULATORS?
. . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .
The exam requires use of a scientific calculator. How-
ever, it may not be obvious that you should bring a
spare calculator with you to the examination. It is
always unfortunate when an examinee is not able to
finish because his or her calculator was dropped or
stolen or stopped working for some unknown reason.
1
For decades, this Introduction has recommended that you bring an
engineering/scientific dictionary with you, but this recommendation is
no longer valid. Printed engineering/scientific dictionaries appear to
be things of the past. Those that still exist are not very good, and none
are targeted enough to be helpful with the modern afternoon depth
examinations.
P P I * w w w . p p i 2 p a s s . c o m
xxvi M E C H A N I C A L E N G I N E E R I N G R E F E R E N C E M A N U A L

To protect the integrity of its exams, NCEES has communication device, you should expect to be politely
banned communicating and text-editing calculators excluded from the remainder of the examination.
from the exam site. NCEES provides a list of calculator
models acceptable for use during the exam. Calculators
not included in the list are not permitted. Check the HOW YOU SHOULD GUESS
. . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .
current list of permissible devices at the PPI website
(ppi2pass.com/calculators). Contact your state There is no deduction for incorrect answers, so guessing
board to determine if nomographs and specialty slide is encouraged. However, since NCEES produces defen-
rules are permitted. sible licensing exams, there is no pattern to the place-
The exam has not been optimized for any particular ment of correct responses. Since the quantitative
brand or type of calculator. In fact, for most calcula- responses are sequenced according to increasing values,
tions, a $15 scientific calculator will produce results as the placement of a correct answer among other numer-
satisfactory as those from a $200 calculator. There are ical distractors is a function of the distractors, not of
definite benefits to having built-in statistical functions, some statistical normalizing routine. Therefore, it is
graphing, unit-conversion, and equation-solving cap- irrelevant whether you choose all “A,” “B,” “C,” or “D”
abilities. However, these benefits are not so great as to when you get into guessing mode during the last minute
give anyone an unfair advantage. or two of the exam period.

It is essential that a calculator used for the mechanical The proper way to guess is as an engineer. You should
PE examination have the following functions. use your knowledge of the subject to eliminate illogi-
cal answer choices. Illogical answer choices are those
. trigonometric and inverse trigonometric functions that violate good engineering principles, that are out-
side normal operating ranges, or that require extraor-
. hyperbolic and inverse hyperbolic functions dinary assumptions. Of course, this requires you to
have some basic understanding of the subject in the
. p first place.
pffiffiffi
. x and x 2 Otherwise, it’s back to random guessing. That’s the
reason that the minimum passing score is higher
. both common and natural logarithms than 25%.
. yx and ex You won’t get any points using the “test-taking skills”
that helped you in college—the skills that helped with
For maximum speed and utility, your calculator should tests prepared by amateurs. You won’t be able to elim-
also have or be programmed for the following functions. inate any [verb] answer choices from “Which [noun] . . .”
questions. You won’t find problems with options of the
. interpolation “more than 50” and “less than 50” variety. You won’t
find one answer choice among the four that has a differ-
. extracting roots of quadratic and higher-order ent number of significant digits, or has a verb in a
equations different tense, or has some singular/plural discrepancy
with the stem. The distractors will always match the
. calculating factors for economic analysis questions
stem, and they will be logical.
You may not share calculators with other examinees. Be
sure to take your calculator with you whenever you
HOW IS THE EXAM GRADED AND SCORED?
leave the examination room for any length of time. . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .

Laptop, palmtop, and tablet computers (including the The maximum number of points you can earn on the
iPad®), and electronic readers (e.g., Nook® and mechanical engineering PE exam is 80. The minimum
Kindle™), are not permitted in the examination. Their number of points for passing (referred to by NCEES as
use has been considered, but no states actually permit the cut score) varies from exam to exam. The cut score
them. However, considering the nature of the exam is determined through a rational procedure, without the
questions, it is very unlikely that these devices would benefit of knowing examinees’ performance on the exam.
provide any advantage. That is, the exam is not graded on a curve. The cut
score is selected based on what you are expected to
know, not based on passing a certain percentage of
ARE CELL PHONES PERMITTED?
. . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . .. . engineers.
You may not possess or use a walkie-talkie, cell phone, Each of the questions is worth one point. Grading is
or other communications or text-messaging device dur- straightforward, since a computer grades your score
ing the exam, regardless of whether it is on. You won’t sheet. Either you get the question right or you don’t.
be frisked upon entrance to the exam, but should a If you mark two or more answers for the same problem,
proctor discover that you are in possession of a no credit is given for the problem.

P P I * w w w . p p i 2 p a s s . c o m
 I N T R O D U C T I O N xxvii

You will receive the results of your examination from WHAT IS THE HISTORICAL PASSING RATE?
. . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .
your state board (not NCEES) by mail. Eight to ten
weeks will pass before NCEES releases the results to Before the mechanical engineering PE exam became
the state boards. However, the state boards take vary- a no-choice, breadth-and-depth (B&D) exam with
ing amounts of additional time before notifying exam- multiple-choice questions, the passing rate for first-
inees. You should allow three to four months for timers varied considerably. It might have been 40%
notification. for one exam and 80% for the next. The passing rate
for repeat examinees was even lower. The no-choice,
Your score may or may not be revealed to you, depend- objective, B&D format has reduced the variability in
ing on your state’s procedure. Even if the score is the passing rate considerably. Within a few percentage
reported to you, it may have been scaled or normalized points, 65–70% of first-time takers pass the mechanical
to 100%. It may be difficult to determine whether the engineering PE exam. The passing rate for repeat exam
reported score is out of 80 points or is out of 100%. takers is approximately half of the first-time taker
If you fail, you will also receive a diagnostic report passing rate.
showing your performance in each subject area.
CHEATING AND EXAM SUBVERSION
. . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .

HOW IS THE CUT SCORE ESTABLISHED?

. . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . .. . There aren’t very many ways to cheat on an open-book
test. The proctors are well trained in spotting the few
The raw cut score may be established by NCEES before ways that do exist. It goes without saying that you
or after the exam is administered. Final adjustments should not talk to other examinees in the room, nor
may be made following the exam date. should you pass notes back and forth. You should not
write anything into your books or take notes on the
NCEES uses a process known as the modified Angoff contents of the exam. You shouldn’t use your cell phone.
procedure to establish the cut score. This procedure The number of people who are released to use the
starts with a small group (the cut score panel) of profes- restroom may be limited to prevent discussions.
sional engineers and educators selected by NCEES.
Each individual in the group reviews each problem and NCEES regularly reuses good problems that have
makes an estimate of its difficulty. Specifically, each appeared on previous exams. Therefore, examination
individual estimates the number of minimally qualified integrity is a serious issue with NCEES, which goes to
engineers out of a hundred examinees who should know great lengths to make sure nobody copies the questions.
the correct answer to the problem. (This is equivalent to You may not keep your exam booklet or scratch paper,
predicting the percentage of minimally qualified engi- enter text of questions into your calculator, or copy
neers who will answer correctly.) problems into your own material.
Next, the panel assembles, and the estimates for each NCEES has become increasingly unforgiving about loss
problem are openly compared and discussed. Even- of its intellectual property. NCEES routinely prosecutes
tually, a consensus value is obtained for each. When violators and seeks financial redress for loss of its exam-
the panel has established a consensus value for every ination problems, as well as invalidating any engineering
problem, the values are summed and divided by 100 to license you may have earned by taking one of its exam-
establish the cut score. inations while engaging in prohibited activities. Your
Various minor adjustments can be made to account for state board may impose additional restrictions on your
examinee population (as characterized by the average right to retake any examination if you are convicted of
performance on any equater questions) and any flawed such activities. In addition to tracking down the sources
problems. Rarely, security breaches result in compro- of any examination problem compilations that it
mised problems or examinations. How equater ques- becomes aware of, NCEES is also aggressive in pursuing
tions, examination flaws, and security issues affect and prosecuting examinees who disclose the contents of
examinee performance is not released by NCEES to the exam in internet forum and “chat” environments.
the public. Your constitutional rights to free speech and expression
will not protect you from civil prosecution for violating
the nondisclosure agreement that NCEES requires you
to sign before taking the examination. If you wish to
ARE ALL OF THE DEPTH MODULES participate in a dialog about a particular exam subject,
EQUAL IN DIFFICULTY?
. . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . .. . you must do so in such a manner that does not violate
the essence of your nondisclosure agreement. This
Nothing in the modified Angoff procedure ensures that requires decoupling your discussion from the examina-
the cut score will be the same in all of the depth mod- tion and reframing the question to avoid any examina-
ules. Thus, each depth module may have a different cut tion particulars.
score. The easier the questions, the higher the cut score
will be. Accordingly, the cut scores and passing rates are The proctors are concerned about exam subversion,
different for each depth module. which generally means activity that might invalidate

P P I * w w w . p p i 2 p a s s . c o m
xxviii M E C H A N I C A L E N G I N E E R I N G R E F E R E N C E M A N U A L

the examination or the examination process. The most Some engineers plan on modeling their solutions from
common form of exam subversion involves trying to similar problems they have found in textbooks, collec-
copy exam problems for future use. However, in their tions of solutions, and old exams. These engineers often
zeal to enforce and protect, proctors have shown spend a lot of time compiling and indexing the example
unforgiving intolerance of otherwise minor infractions and sample problem types in all of their books. This is
such as using your own pencil, using a calculator not not a legitimate preparation method, and it is almost
on the approved list, possessing a cell phone, or con- never successful.
tinuing to write for even an instant after “pencils
down” is called. For such infractions, you should
expect to have the results of your examination invali- DO YOU NEED A CLASSROOM
dated, and all of your pleas and arguments in favor or REVIEW COURSE?
. . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .
forgiveness to be ignored. Even worse, since you will
summarily be considered to have cheated, your state Approximately 60% of first-time PE examinees take an
board will most likely prohibit you from retaking the instructor-led review course of some form. Live class-
exam for a number of examination cycles. There is no room and internet courses, as well as previously
mercy built into the NCEES and state board recorded lessons of various types, are available for some
procedures. or all of the exam topics. Live courses and instructor-
moderated internet courses provide several significant
advantages over self-directed study, some of which may
PART 3: HOW TO PREPARE FOR AND apply to you.
PASS THE PE EXAM IN MECHANICAL . A course structures and paces your review. It ensures
ENGINEERING
. . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . .. . that you keep going forward without getting bogged
down in one subject.
WHAT SHOULD YOU STUDY? . A course focuses you on a limited amount of mate-
. . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . .. .
rial. Without a course, you might not know which
The exam covers many diverse subjects. Strictly speak- subjects to study.
ing, you don’t have to study every subject on the exam
. A course provides you with the questions you need to
in order to pass. However, the more subjects you study,
the more you’ll improve your chances of passing. You solve. You won’t have to spend time looking for
should decide early in the preparation process which them.
subjects you are going to study. The strategy you select . A course spoon-feeds you the material. You may not
will depend on your background. Following are the four need to read the book!
most common strategies.
. The course instructor can answer your questions
A broad approach is the key to success for examinees when you are stuck.
who have recently completed their academic studies.
This strategy is to review the fundamentals in a broad You probably already know if any of these advantages
range of undergraduate subjects (which means study- apply to you. A review course will be less valuable if you
ing all or most of the chapters in this book). The are thorough, self-motivated, and highly disciplined.
examination includes enough fundamentals problems
to make this strategy worthwhile. Overall, it’s the best
approach. HOW LONG SHOULD YOU STUDY?
. . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .

Engineers who have little time for preparation tend to We’ve all heard stories of the person who didn’t crack a
concentrate on the subject areas in which they hope to book until the week before the exam and still passed it
find the most problems. By studying the list of exam- with flying colors. Yes, these people really exist. How-
ination subjects, some have been able to focus on those ever, I’m not one of them, and you probably aren’t
subjects that will give them the highest probability of either. In fact, after having taught thousands of engi-
finding enough problems that they can answer. This neers in my own classes, I’m convinced that these people
strategy works as long as the examination cooperates are as rare as the ones who have taken the exam five
and has enough of the types of questions they need. Too times and still can’t pass it.
often, though, examinees who pick and choose subjects
to review can’t find enough problems to complete the A thorough review takes approximately 300 hours.
exam. Most of this time is spent solving problems. Some of
it may be spent in class; some is spent at home. Some
Engineers who have been away from classroom work for examinees spread this time over a year. Others try to
a long time tend to concentrate on the subjects in which cram it all into two months. Most classroom review
they have had extensive experience, in the hope that the courses last for three or four months. The best time to
exam will feature lots of problems in those subjects. This start studying will depend on how much time you can
method is seldom successful. spend per week.

P P I * w w w . p p i 2 p a s s . c o m

WHAT THE WELL-HEELED MECHANICAL
ENGINEER
. . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . .. .
There are many references and resources that you
should begin to assemble for review and for use in the
examination.
It is unlikely that you could pass the PE exam without
accumulating other books and resources. There cer-
tainly isn’t much margin for error if you show up with
only one book. True, references aren’t needed to answer
many fluids, thermodynamics, and combustion ques-
tions. However, there are many afternoon depth ques-
tions that require knowledge, data, and experience that
are presented and described only in codes, standards,
and references dedicated to a single subject. You would
have to be truly lucky to go in “bare,” find the right mix
of questions, and pass.
Few examinees are able to accumulate all of the refer-
ences needed to support the exam’s entire body of
knowledge. The accumulation process is too expensive
and time-consuming, and the sources are too diverse.
Like purchasing an insurance policy, what you end up
with will be more a function of your budget than of your
needs. In some cases, one book will satisfy several needs.
The list in Table 3 was compiled from more than
70 administrations of the mechanical engineering PE
exam. The books and other items listed are regularly
cited by examinees as being particularly useful to them.
This listing only includes the major “named” books that
have become standard references in the industry. These
books are in addition to any textbooks or resources that
you might choose to bring. Some of the items (partic-
ularly anything in loose-sheet form) may not be per-
mitted in the examination room but will still be
valuable during your studies. In some cases, one book
will satisfy several needs. For example, ASHRAE’s
Handbook of Fundamentals contains a lot of useful data
for fluids, thermodynamics, HVAC, and heat transfer
problems.
ADDITIONAL
. . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . .. .
In addition to this book and its accompanying Practice
Problems for the Mechanical Engineering PE Exam,
PPI can provide you with many targeted references
and study aids, some of which are listed here. All of
these books have stood the test of time, which means
that examinees continually report their usefulness and
that PPI keeps them up-to-date.
. Mechanical Engineering Practice Examination
. Quick Reference for the Mechanical Engineering PE
Exam
. Engineering Unit Conversions
. Mechanical Engineering Solved Problems
. PPI books in the Six-Minute series
I N T R O D U C T I O N xxix
DON’T FORGET THE DOWNLOADS
. . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .
SHOULD BEGIN ACCUMULATING
Many of the tables and appendices in this book are
representative abridgments with just enough data to
(a) do the practice problems in the companion book
and (b) give you a false sense of security. You can
download or link to additional data, explanations, and
references by visiting PPI’s website, ppi2pass.com/
online-resources.
WHAT YOU WON’T NEED
. . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .
Generally, people bring too many things to the exam-
ination. One general rule is that you shouldn’t bring
books that you have not looked at during your review.
If you didn’t need a book while doing the practice
problems in this book, you won’t need it during the
exam.
There are some other things that you won’t need.
. Books on basic and introductory subjects: You won’t
need books that cover trigonometry, geometry, or
calculus.
. Books that cover background engineering subjects
that appear on the exam, such as fluids, thermody-
namics, and chemistry: The exam is more concerned
with the applications of these bodies of knowledge
than with the bodies of knowledge themselves.
. Books on non-exam subjects: Such subjects as draft-
ing, operations research, materials science, structural
analysis, seismic design, history, the English lan-
guage, geography, and philosophy are not part of
the exam.
. Books on mathematical analysis, numerical analysis,
or extensive mathematics tabulations
. Extensive collections of properties: You will not be
expected to know the properties and characteris-
REVIEW MATERIAL
tics of chemical compounds, obscure or exotic
alloys, uncommon liquids and gases, or biological
organisms. Most characteristics affecting perfor-
mance are provided as part of the question
statement.
. Building, plumbing, electrical, or fire codes
. Obscure books and materials: Books that are in for-
eign languages, doctoral theses, and papers pre-
sented at technical societies won’t be needed during
the exam.
. Old textbooks or obsolete, rare, and ancient books:
NCEES exam committees are aware of which text-
books are in use. Material that is available only in
out-of-print publications and old editions won’t be
used.
P P I * w w w . p p i 2 p a s s . c o m
xxx M E C H A N I C A L E N G I N E E R I N G R E F E R E N C E M A N U A L

Table 3 What the Well-Heeled Mechanical Engineer Would Take to the Exam

P.M. session
HVAC and mechanical systems thermal and
A.M. session refrigeration and materials fluids systems
psychrometric chartsa X X X
rulerb X X X X
steam tablesc X X X
Mollier diagramsd X X X
air tablese X X
compressible flow tablesf X
Marks’ Handbookg X X X X
Machinery’s Handbookh X X
TEMA Standardsi X X X
detailed heat transfer bookj X X X
detailed HVAC bookk X X X
extensive refrigerant datal X X X
machine design bookm X X
Formulas for Stress and Strainn X X
detailed fluids data booko X X X
NFPA Standardsp X X
management science bookq X
English dictionaryr X X X X
book of unit conversions X X X X
various ASHRAE standardss X X
a
psychrometric charts: approximately 10 for normal temperature and pressure, and several each for low-pressure, low-temperature, and high-
temperature problems. (Available directly from ASHRAE.)
b
ruler: long, flexible, clear plastic ruler marked in tenths of an inch or in centimeters and millimeters.
c
steam tables: detailed tables in both English and SI units (e.g., the old Steam Tables by Keenan and Keyes or ASME Steam Tables).
d
Mollier diagrams: large diagrams in both English and SI units (as contained in the old Steam Tables by Keenan and Keyes or in the ASME Steam
Tables; alternatively, the stand-alone ASME Mollier Diagram).
e
air tables: detailed tables in both English and SI units (e.g., the old Gas Tables by Keenan and Kaye).
f
compressible flow tables: isentropic flow and normal shock factors for various ratios of specific heats (as contained in Gas Tables by Keenan and
Kaye)
g
Marks’ Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers: any reasonably current edition.
h
Machinery’s Handbook: any reasonably current edition with AGMA gear data.
i
Standards of the Tubular Exchanger Manufacturers Association (“TEMA Standards”): specifically for the heat exchanger correction factors.
j
heat transfer book: with the following charts, figures, or tables: charts for solving transient heat flow problems (simple solids other than spheres);
radiation arrangement factors, Fa; and correction factors, Fc, for multiple-pass heat exchangers (counterflow, crossflow, etc.), same as contained in
TEMA Standards.
k
HVAC book: the gold standard is the three-volume set of ASHRAE Handbooks. There are two fallback positions: (1) One of the three handbooks,
ASHRAE’s Handbook of Fundamentals, with the following charts, figures, or tables of data: outside design conditions versus geographic location
(including winter design temperature; winter degree days; summer design temperature; summer degree days; average temperature swing; wind
velocity; k- or U-values for various wall constructions; infiltration coefficients; heat loss coefficient for the slab-edge method; equivalent temperature
differences and related CLTD support tables; cooling load factors (various)); (2) ASHRAE’s ASHRAE Pocket Guide for Air Conditioning, Heating,
Ventilation, Refrigeration, Inch-Pound edition (provides abbreviated construction and weather data).
l
refrigerant data: A collection of thermodynamic property data for common refrigerants, notably R-134a, R-11, R-12, R-22, and ammonia. Data
should be available in customary U.S. units in the form of saturation tables (by temperature and pressure both), T-s charts, and p-h charts.
(ASHRAE’s Handbook of Fundamentals contains a complete collection.)
m
machine design book: such as Shigley’s Mechanical Engineering Design. Since basic machine design changes slowly, it is not necessary to have the
latest edition. Machine design books will cover the topic that NCEES has renamed “mechanical systems and materials.”
n
Roark’s Formulas for Stress and Strain by Young, Budynas, and Sadegh. This is good for obscure configurations requiring stress or vibration
analysis. Any reasonably current edition.
o
fluids data book: such as Crane’s Flow of Fluids Through Valves, Fittings, and Pipe (Technical Paper 410 ), Flowserve’s Cameron Hydraulic Data, or
Colt Industries’ Hydraulic Handbook.
(continued)

P P I * w w w . p p i 2 p a s s . c o m
 I N T R O D U C T I O N xxxi

Table 3 What the Well–Heeled Mechanical Engineer Would Take to the Exam (continued)

p
NFPA Standards: Fire Code (NFPA 1, which incorporates the publication published separately as NFPA 230 (Fire Protection of Storage); National
Fire Protection Association Standards NFPA 13 (Installation of Sprinkler Systems), NFPA 14 (Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems),
NFPA 20 (Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection) and NFPA 291 (Recommended Practice for Fire Flow Testing and Marking of
Hydrants), or suitable substitutes such as Fire and Explosion Protection Systems from PPI.
q
management science book: such as Schaum’s Quantitative Business Analysis. Quantitative business analysis, industrial engineering, or operations
research textbook covering linear programming, models for assembly line balancing, plant location, plant layout, queuing theory, Markov chains,
and simple simulations.
r
standard English dictionary: any available.
s
For example, ASHRAE Standard 62.1 is invaluable for ventilation problems. Old editions of this standard may be available for free download from
the ASHRAE website.

. Handbooks in other disciplines: You probably won’t Furthermore, NCEES sometimes constructs its sample
need a civil, electrical, or industrial engineering questions books from questions that have been pulled
handbook. from active use for various reasons, including poor per-
formance. Such marginal questions, while accurately
. The Handbook of Chemistry and Physics reflecting the format of the examination, are not always
representative of actual exam subjects.
. Crafts- and trades-oriented books: The exam does
not expect you to have detailed knowledge of trades
or manufacturing operations (e.g., carpentry, plumb- WHAT SHOULD YOU MEMORIZE?
. . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .
ing, electrical wiring, roofing, sheetrocking, foundry,
metal turning, sheet-metal forming, or designing jigs You get lucky here, because it isn’t necessary to actually
and fixtures). memorize anything. The exam is open-book, so you can
look up any procedure, formula, or piece of information
. Manufacturer’s literature and catalogs: No part of that you need. You can speed up your problem-solving
the exam requires you to be familiar with products response time significantly if you don’t have to look up
that are proprietary to any manufacturer. the conversion from ft-lbf/sec to horsepower, the defini-
tion of the sine of an angle, and the chemical formula for
. U.S. government publications: With the exceptions carbon dioxide, but you don’t even have to memorize
of the publications mentioned and referenced in this these simple things. As you work practice problems in
book, no government publications are required in the companion book, you will automatically memorize
the PE exam. the things that you come across more than a few times.

. The text of federal acts, policies, and treaties such as

the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Resource DO YOU NEED A REVIEW SCHEDULE?
. . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .

Recovery and Conservation Act, Oil Pollution Act,

Atomic Energy Act, and Nuclear Waste Policy Act. It is important that you develop and adhere to a review
outline and schedule. Once you have decided which
. Your state’s laws: The PE exam is a national subjects you are going to study, you can allocate the
exam. Nothing unique to your state will appear available time to those subjects in a manner that makes
on it. (However, federal legislation affecting engi- sense to you. If you are not taking a classroom review
neers, particularly in environmental areas, is fair course (where the order of preparation is determined by
game.) the lectures), you should make an outline of subjects for
self-study to use for scheduling your preparation. A fill-
. Local, state, or national building codes in-the-dates schedule is provided in Table 4 at the end of
this Introduction.

SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR OLD EXAMS?

. . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . .. .
A SIMPLE PLANNING SUGGESTION
. . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .
The traditional approach to preparing for standard-
ized tests includes working sample tests. However, Designate some location (a drawer, a corner, a card-
NCEES does not release old tests or questions after board box, or even a paper shopping bag left on the
they are used. Therefore, there are no official questions floor) as your “exam catch-all.” Use your catch-all dur-
or tests available from legitimate sources. NCEES pub- ing the months before the exam when you have revela-
lishes booklets of sample questions and solutions to tions about things you should bring with you. For
illustrate the format of the exam. However, these ques- example, you might realize that the plastic ruler
tions have been compiled from various previous exams, marked off in tenths of an inch that is normally kept
and the resulting publication is not a true “old exam.” in the kitchen junk drawer can help you with some

P P I * w w w . p p i 2 p a s s . c o m
xxxii M E C H A N I C A L E N G I N E E R I N G R E F E R E N C E M A N U A L

psychrometric chart questions. Or, you might decide Prepare a separate copy of this book’s index. You can
that a certain book is particularly valuable. Or, that it photocopy the actual index; alternatively, you may
would be nice to have dental floss after lunch. Or, that download the index to the current edition of this book
large rubber bands and clips are useful for holding at ppi2pass.com/mermindex.
books open.
If it’s convenient, visit the exam location in order to find
It isn’t actually necessary to put these treasured items in the building, parking areas, examination room, and
the catch-all during your preparation. You can, of restrooms. If it’s not convenient, you may find driving
course, if it’s convenient. But if these items will have directions and/or site maps on the web.
other functions during the time before the exam, at least Take the battery cover off your calculator and check to
write yourself a note and put the note into the catch-all. make sure you are bringing the correct size replacement
When you go to pack your exam kit a few days before batteries. Some calculators require a different kind of
the exam, you can transfer some items immediately, and battery for their “permanent” memories. Put the cover
the notes will be your reminders for the other items that back on and secure it with a piece of masking tape.
are back in the kitchen drawer. Write your name on the tape to identify your calculator.
If your spare calculator is not the same as your primary
HOW YOU CAN MAKE YOUR REVIEW calculator, spend a few minutes familiarizing yourself
REALISTIC with how it works. In particular, you should verify that
. . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . .. .
your spare calculator is functional.
In the exam, you must be able to quickly recall solution
procedures, formulas, and important data. You must
remain sharp for eight hours or more. When you played PREPARE YOUR CAR
. . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .
a sport back in school, your coach tried to put you in
game-related situations. Preparing for the PE exam [ ] Gather snow chains, shovel, and tarp to lie on while
isn’t much different from preparing for a big game. installing chains.
Some part of your preparation should be realistic and [ ] Check tire pressures.
representative of the examination environment.
[ ] Check your spare tire.
There are several things you can do to make your review [ ] Check for tire installation tools.
more representative. For example, if you gather most of [ ] Verify that you have the vehicle manual.
your review resources (i.e., books) in advance and try to [ ] Check fluid levels (oil, gas, water, brake fluid,
use them exclusively during your review, you will transmission fluid, window-washing solution).
become more familiar with them. (Of course, you can [ ] Fill up with gas.
also add to or change your references if you find [ ] Check battery and charge if necessary.
inadequacies.)
[ ] Know something about your fuse system (where
Learning to use your time wisely is one of the most they are, how to replace them, etc.).
important lessons you can learn during your review. [ ] Assemble all required maps.
You will undoubtedly encounter questions that end up [ ] Fix anything that might slow you down (missing
taking much longer than you expected. In some wiper blades, etc.).
instances, you will cause your own delays by spending [ ] Check your taillights.
too much time looking through books for things you [ ] Affix the recently arrived DMV license sticker.
need (or just by looking for the books themselves!).
[ ] Fix anything that might get you pulled over on the
Other times, the questions will entail too much work.
Learn to recognize these situations so that you can make way to the exam (burned-out taillight or headlight,
an intelligent decision about skipping such questions in broken lenses, bald tires, missing license plate, noisy
the exam. muffler).
[ ] Treat the inside windows with anti-fog solution.
[ ] Put a roll of paper towels in the back seat.
WHAT TO DO A FEW DAYS BEFORE [ ] Gather exact change for any bridge tolls or toll
THE EXAM
. . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . .. .
roads.
[ ] Find your electronic toll tag (FasTrak®/E-Z Pass®,
There are a few things you should do a week or so before etc.).
the examination. You should arrange for childcare and [ ] Put $20 in your glove box.
transportation. Since the examination does not always [ ] Check for current registration and proof of
start or end at the designated time, make sure that your insurance.
childcare and transportation arrangements are flexible. [ ] Locate a spare door and ignition key.
Check PPI’s website for last-minute updates and errata [ ] Find your AAA or other roadside-assistance cards
to any PPI books you might have and are bringing to and phone numbers.
the exam. [ ] Plan out alternate routes.

P P I * w w w . p p i 2 p a s s . c o m
 I N T R O D U C T I O N xxxiii

The second kit consists of the following items and

PREPARE YOUR EXAM KITS
. . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . .. . should be left in a separate bag or box in your car in
case they are needed.
Second in importance to your scholastic preparation is
the preparation of your two examination kits. The first [ ] copy of your application
kit consists of a bag, box (plastic milk crates hold up [ ] proof of delivery
better than cardboard in the rain), or wheeled travel [ ] light lunch
suitcase containing items to be brought with you into [ ] beverage in thermos or cans
the examination room. [ ] sunglasses
[ ] letter admitting you to the examination [ ] extra pair of prescription glasses
[ ] photographic identification (e.g., driver’s license) [ ] raincoat, boots, gloves, hat, and umbrella
[ ] this book [ ] street map of the examination area
[ ] a separate, bound copy of this book’s index [ ] parking permit
(a printable copy can be downloaded at [ ] battery-powered desk lamp
ppi2pass.com/mermindex) [ ] your cell phone
[ ] other textbooks and reference books [ ] length of rope
[ ] regular dictionary The following items cannot be used during the examina-
[ ] review course notes in a three-ring binder tion and should be left at home.
[ ] cardboard boxes or plastic milk crates to use as
bookcases [ ] personal pencils and erasers (NCEES distributes
[ ] primary calculator mechanical pencils at the exam.)
[ ] spare calculator [ ] fountain pens
[ ] instruction booklets for your calculators [ ] radio, CD player, or iPod™
[ ] extra calculator batteries [ ] battery charger
[ ] straightedge and rulers [ ] extension cords
[ ] protractor [ ] scratch paper
[ ] scissors [ ] note pads
[ ] stapler [ ] drafting compasses
[ ] transparent tape [ ] circular (“wheel”) slide rules
[ ] psychrometric charts (punched in a three-ring
binder) PREPARE FOR THE WORST
. . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .
[ ] magnifying glass
[ ] small (jeweler’s) screwdriver for fixing your glasses All of the occurrences listed in this section have hap-
or for removing batteries from your calculator pened to examinees. Granted, you cannot prepare for
[ ] unobtrusive (quiet) snacks or candies, already every eventuality. But, even though each of these occur-
unwrapped rences taken individually is a low-probability event,
[ ] two small plastic bottles of water taken together, they are worth considering in advance.
[ ] travel pack of tissue (keep in your pocket) . Imagine getting a flat tire, getting stuck in traffic, or
[ ] handkerchief running out of gas on the way to the exam.
[ ] headache remedy . Imagine rain and snow as you are carrying your
[ ] personal medication cardboard boxes of books into the exam room.
[ ] $5.00 in assorted coinage Would plastic trash bags be helpful?
[ ] spare contact lenses and wetting solution
[ ] backup reading glasses . Imagine arriving late. Can you get into the exam
[ ] eye drops without having to make two trips from your car?
[ ] light, comfortable sweater . Imagine having to park two blocks from the exam
[ ] loose shoes or slippers site. How are you going to get everything to the
[ ] cushion for your chair exam room? Can you actually carry everything that
[ ] earplugs far? Could you use a furniture dolly, a supermarket
[ ] wristwatch with alarm basket, or perhaps a helpmate?
[ ] several large trash bags (“raincoats” for your boxes . Imagine a Star Trek convention, square-dancing con-
of books) test, construction, or auction in the next room.
[ ] roll of paper towels . Imagine a site without any heat, with poor lighting,
[ ] wire coat hanger (to hang up your jacket or to get or with sunlight streaming directly into your eyes.
back into your car in an emergency)
[ ] extra set of car keys on a string around your neck . Imagine a hard folding chair and a table with one
short leg.

P P I * w w w . p p i 2 p a s s . c o m
xxxiv M E C H A N I C A L E N G I N E E R I N G R E F E R E N C E M A N U A L

. Imagine a site next to an airport with frequent take- WHAT TO DO THE DAY OF THE EXAM
. . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .
offs, or next to a construction site with a pile driver,
or next to the NHRA’s Drag Racing Championship. Turn off the quarterly and hourly alerts on your wrist-
watch. Leave your pager or cell phone at home. If you
. Imagine a seat where someone nearby chews gum
must bring them, change them to silent mode. Bring or
with an open mouth; taps his pencil or drums her buy a morning newspaper.
fingers; or wheezes, coughs, and sneezes for eight
hours. You should arrive at least 30 minutes before the exam-
. Imagine the distraction of someone crying or of proc- ination starts. This will allow time for finding a conve-
nient parking place, bringing your materials to the
tors evicting yelling and screaming examinees who
examination room, making room and seating changes,
have been found cheating.
and calming down. Be prepared, though, to find that
. Imagine the tragedy of another examinee’s serious the examination room is not open or ready at the desig-
medical emergency. nated time.
. Imagine a delay of an hour while they find someone Once you have arranged the materials around you on
to unlock the building, turn on the heat, or wait for your table, take out your morning newspaper and look
the head proctor to bring instructions. cool. (Only nervous people work crossword puzzles.)
. Imagine a power outage occurring sometime during
the exam.
WHAT TO DO DURING THE EXAM
. . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .
. Imagine a proctor who (a) tells you that one of your
favorite books can’t be used in the exam, (b) accuses All of the procedures typically associated with timed,
you of cheating, or (c) calls “time up” without giving proctored, computer-graded assessment tests will be in
you any warning. effect when you take the PE examination.
. Imagine not being able to get your lunch out of your The proctors will distribute the examination booklets
car or find a restaurant. and answer sheets if they are not already on your tables.
. Imagine getting sick or nervous in the exam. However, you should not open the booklets until
instructed to do so. You may read the information on
. Imagine someone stealing your calculator during the front and back covers, and you should write your
lunch. name in any appropriate blank spaces.
Listen carefully to everything the proctors say. Do not
ask your proctors any engineering questions. Even if
they are knowledgeable in engineering, they will not be
WHAT TO DO THE DAY BEFORE THE EXAM
. . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . .. .
permitted to answer your questions.
Take the day before the examination off from work to Answers to questions are recorded on an answer sheet
relax. Do not cram the last night. A good night’s sleep is contained in the test booklet. The proctors will guide
the best way to start the examination. If you live a you through the process of putting your name and other
considerable distance from the examination site, con- biographical information on this sheet when the time
sider getting a hotel room in which to spend the night. comes, which will take approximately 15 minutes. You
Practice setting up your examination work environ- will be given the full four hours to answer questions.
ment. Carry your boxes to the kitchen table. Arrange Time to initialize the answer sheet is not part of your
your “bookcases” and supplies. Decide what stays on the four hours.
floor in boxes and what gets an “honored position” on The common suggestions to “completely fill the bubbles
the tabletop. and erase completely” apply here. NCEES provides each
Use your checklist to make sure you have everything. examinee with a mechanical pencil with HB lead. Use of
Make sure your exam kits are packed and ready to go. ballpoint pens and felt-tip markers is prohibited for
Wrap your boxes in plastic bags in case it’s raining when several reasons.
you carry them from the car to the exam room. If you finish the exam early and there are still more than
Calculate your wake-up time and set the alarms on two 30 minutes remaining, you will be permitted to leave the
bedroom clocks. Select and lay out your clothing items. room. If you finish less than 30 minutes before the end of
(Dress in layers.) Select and lay out your breakfast the exam, you may be required to remain until the end.
items. This is done to be considerate of the people who are still
working.
If it’s going to be hot on exam day, put your (plastic)
bottles of water in the freezer. Be prepared to stop working immediately when the
proctors call “pencils down” or “time is up.” Continuing
Make sure you have gas in your car and money in your to work for even a few seconds will completely invalidate
wallet. your examination.

P P I * w w w . p p i 2 p a s s . c o m
 I N T R O D U C T I O N xxxv

When you leave, you must return your exam booklet. SOLVE QUESTIONS CAREFULLY
. . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .
You may not keep the exam booklet for later review.
Many points are lost to carelessness. Keep the following
If there are any questions that you think were flawed, in items in mind when you are solving the end-of-chapter
error, or unsolvable, ask a proctor for a “reporting form” questions. Hopefully, these suggestions will be auto-
on which you can submit your comments. Follow your matic in the exam.
proctor’s advice in preparing this document.
[ ]
Did you recheck your mathematical equations?
[ ]
Do the units cancel out in your calculations?
WHAT ABOUT EATING AND DRINKING IN [ ]
Did you convert between radius and diameter?
THE EXAM ROOM?
. . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . .. .
[ ]
Did you convert between feet and inches?
The official rule is probably the same in every state: no [ ]
Did you convert from gage to absolute pressures?
eating or drinking in the exam. That makes sense, for a [ ]
Did you convert between pounds and kips, or kPa
number of reasons. Some exam sites don’t want (or and Pa?
don’t permit) stains and messes. Others don’t want [ ] Did you use the universal gas constant that
crumbs to attract ants and rodents. Your table partners corresponds to the set of units used in the
don’t want spills or smells. Nobody wants the distrac- calculation?
tions. Your proctors can’t give you a new exam booklet [ ] Did you recheck all data obtained from other
when the first one is ruined with coffee. sources, tables, and figures? (In finding the friction
How this rule is administered varies from site to site and factor, did you enter the Moody diagram at the
from proctor to proctor. Some proctors enforce the letter correct Reynolds number?)
of law, threatening to evict you from the exam room
when they see you chewing gum. Others may permit you
to have bottled water, as long as you store the bottles on SHOULD YOU TALK TO OTHER EXAMINEES
the floor where any spills will not harm what’s on the AFTER THE EXAM?
. . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .
table. No one is going to let you crack peanuts while you
work on the exam, but I can’t see anyone complaining The jury is out on this question. People react quite
about a hard candy melting away in your mouth. You’ll differently to the examination experience. Some people
just have to find out when you get there. are energized. Most are exhausted. Some people need to
unwind by talking with other examinees, describing
HOW TO SOLVE MULTIPLE-CHOICE every detail of their experience, and dissecting every
QUESTIONS
. . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . .. .
examination question. Other people need lots of quiet
space, and prefer to just get into a hot tub to soak and
When you begin each session of the exam, observe the sulk. Most engineers, apparently, are in this latter
following suggestions: category.
. Use only the pencil provided. Since everyone who took the exam has seen it, you will
. Do not spend an inordinate amount of time on any not be violating your “oath of silence” if you talk about
single question. If you have not answered a question the details with other examinees immediately after the
in a reasonable amount of time, make a note of it and exam. It’s difficult not to ask how someone else
move on. approached a question that had you completely
stumped. However, keep in mind that it is very disquiet-
. Set your vibrating wristwatch alarm for five minutes ing to think you answered a question correctly, only to
before the end of each four-hour session, and use that have someone tell you where you went wrong.
remaining time to guess at all of the remaining ques-
tions. Odds are that you will be successful with To ensure you do not violate the nondisclosure agree-
about 25% of your guesses, and these points will ment you signed before taking the exam, make sure you
more than make up for the few points that you might do not discuss any exam particulars with people who
earn by working during the last five minutes. have not also taken the exam.

. Make mental notes about any questions for which

you cannot find a correct response, that appears to AFTER THE EXAM
. . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .

have two correct responses, or that you believe have

Yes, there is something to do after the exam. Most
some technical flaw. Errors in the exam are rare, but
people return home, throw their exam “kits” into the
they do occur. Such errors are usually discovered
corner, and collapse. A week later, when they can bear
during the scoring process and discounted from the
examination, so it is not necessary to tell your proc- to think about the experience again, they start integrat-
tor, but be sure to mark the one best answer before ing their exam kits back into their normal lives. The
moving on. calculators go back into the desk, the books go back on
the shelves, the $5.00 in change goes back into the piggy
. Make sure all of your responses on the answer sheet bank, and all of the miscellaneous stuff you brought
are dark and completely fill the bubbles. with you to the exam is put back wherever it came from.

P P I * w w w . p p i 2 p a s s . c o m
Another random document with
no related content on Scribd:
Miss Parsons’, of course, nor her niece, Miss Hester’s. The old
gentleman carries his on a ring and sleeps with it under his pillow
and though I tried twice to get it he woke up both times; I had a job of
it to explain what I was doing in his room and I didn’t dare risk it
again. George was getting wild with the waiting and worry, and took
to prowling out at night in spite of all I could say; I was getting pretty
desperate myself when all at once he’d gone, and that’s all I know.”
He straightened his narrow shoulders as though a load were lifted
from them and McCarty rose.
“When did you see him last?”
“Sunday night late when I went to take him some food. I handed it
in through the window and we talked for a minute, but I didn’t dare
stay longer. George was almost ready to give himself up, for his
nerve was gone and it was all I could do to persuade him to wait.
We’d arranged that I was to go to him every other night—I couldn’t
risk it oftener—so I didn’t miss him Monday. Last evening I got some
rolls, a cold pheasant and a half-bottle of burgundy and waited under
the window as long as I dared, but he didn’t come and finally I took
down the loose iron bars and let myself in. There wasn’t the least
sign of a light from his candle and he didn’t answer when I took a
chance and called, so I left the food and came away, but I was
awake all night worrying and towards morning I went back and got
the stuff, which hadn’t been touched. I was afraid the cook would
miss the pheasant and it might be found and traced; I never thought
about the wine bottles!”
“So he might have got away any time from Sunday night on?”
“That’s right. I’m giving it to you straight, Mac, and I knew when I
saw you an hour ago that you’d be after me sooner or later,
especially when Miss Parsons—the old gentleman’s sister, Miss
Priscilla—heard a noise next door and told me to notify the
watchman! I was afraid it was all up with us last week when
Inspector Druet came, but it was about that valet from across the
street who was poisoned and the inspector didn’t even let on he
recognized me.”
 “Do you know the kid that Radley tried to get a key off of?”
McCarty ignored the observation.
“Only by sight. Red-haired, isn’t he, and lives next door to where
that valet worked? I see him now and then going by on the other side
of the street.”
“Have you seen him since he got that scare?”
“Oh, yes.” Porter smiled faintly in surprise. “Only a day or so ago.
George didn’t mean to scare him even,—he wouldn’t harm a fly!—
but the thought of those gates shutting him in as though he was back
up the river almost drove him mad!”
“You’ve been here since June, you say, Porter? Did you know that
valet who died?”
“No. I think I’ve seen him with the butler from the next house, but I
don’t want to know any of them. I was glad enough to stay here and
do a servant’s work myself till I could get my nerve back to go out
and hunt up my own kind of a position again where the bulls wouldn’t
keep moving me on.” He smiled again, but bitterly. “I guess there
isn’t a chance of that now with you on! I’m not sorry, though; I’d do it
again for George! He was innocent, the same as me, and look what
was done to him!”
“If I find you’ve come clean I’ll keep my word, Porter,” McCarty
reiterated as he moved toward the door with Dennis in tow. “You may
not know it but I’m not on the Force any longer, nor connected with
headquarters except to mix in now and then for old times’ sake, and
the inspector didn’t recognize you the other day; he kind of knew
your face but he couldn’t place you. Riordan and me will just forget
you laid eyes on Radley unless it comes to a showdown, and then
we’ll do what we can for you.”
Cutting short the ex-convict’s broken thanks they took their
departure, to find Inspector Druet pacing impatiently back and forth
before the two closed houses opposite and Dennis’ comments on
the interview just ended were necessarily curtailed.
“Did you get any dope from Parsons?” the inspector asked.
 “We didn’t even see him,” McCarty parried. “I was getting a line on
the servants; do you recall saying you’d seen one or two of them
before? Have you thought where?”
“Lord, no! I’ve had enough else on my mind! I had an idea one of
the housemaids and the page-boy who runs errands looked familiar,
but there wasn’t anything out of the ordinary about them.”
Dennis coughed and McCarty remarked hastily:
“I guess none of them knows what’s become of the man who has
been hiding next door, nor anything about the Goddard lad and that’s
all that matters right now, isn’t it, sir? Did you get the keys to these
houses?”
“Yes, and explained again to that fool of a watchman, Jennings. I
had time to look around pretty thoroughly outside them while I waited
for you and I couldn’t find a window or door that had been tampered
with. Let’s see what’s inside.”
One o’clock had come and gone and another hour passed before
they emerged from the second of the two houses after a fruitless
search. Dust and mold were all they had encountered in the huge,
echoing, partially dismantled rooms and the footprints they
themselves left behind them were the only recent signs of human
presence.
Dennis blinked and drew in the fresh air deeply when they stood
once more in the sunlight.
“’Tis like coming out of a tomb!” he averred. “What’s it to be now,
inspector?”
“I’m going to Goddard and make him talk!” that official responded
with a certain grimness which was eloquent. “Until he comes across
with his suspicions as to who kidnapped the boy our hands are tied
and every hour counts. You two had better get a bite to eat and meet
me at his house later.”
Nothing loth, they accepted the hint. It was mid-afternoon before
they approached the east gate of the Mall again, to find Jennings
energetically engaged in driving away a swarthy vendor of toy
balloons, whose basket freighted with globes of bright, crude color
bobbing on slender sticks, resembled an uprooted garden patch of
strange, grotesque blooms.
“They’re a pest, those peddlers!” he declared as he admitted them.
“They’re not so bad, though, as the reporters that have been trying to
get in since you left! Say, did you know Horace Goddard is lost—?”
“Sure we know it!” McCarty interrupted. “Didn’t Trafford tell you so
himself yesterday afternoon?—Hurry, Denny!”
Leaving the watchman staring speechlessly, they quickened their
pace toward the Goddard house and were passing the entrance door
of Orbit’s when it was flung open and Ching Lee appeared.
For once the Chinaman’s wooden impassivity had deserted him.
His slant-eyes were rolling wildly, his yellow face distorted and his
queue streaked out behind him like a tail as he plunged down the
steps and seized McCarty with an iron grip of long-nailed, tapering
fingers.
“The nurse-baby!” he babbled, his singsong voice high and shrill.
“The Flench maid of next-door baby! Come quick!”
“Lucette, do you mean? The Bellamy child’s nurse?” McCarty
halted. “Stop chattering like a monkey and tell me where is she, and
what’s the matter?”
“Lucette!” Ching Lee nodded vigorously and pointed in at the open
windows of the conservatory. “She is the next! She has breathed the
breath of death!”
 CHAPTER XIII
“THE HORROR DEEPENS!”

“‘T HE breath of death!’” Dennis repeated, awestruck. “God save

us, what’s that? Are you trying to say that the French girl is in
Orbit’s house, dead?”
“We’ll soon see!” Shaking off the Chinese butler’s grip McCarty
dashed up the steps and in at the door, with Dennis just behind and
Ching Lee bringing up the rear, chanting a weird refrain of
lamentation.
The door of the huge conservatory also stood wide and its humid
breath, heavy with fragrance, stole out to meet them, the silent organ
with slender pipes gleaming softly like silver birches in moonlight
looming up in the semi-gloom, but a group at the marble bench
facing it stood out against the background of leafy palms and thorny
cacti, holding their eyes irresistibly in dread fascination.
Orbit’s tall figure, the Bellamy baby clasped tightly in his arms,
stood before it. Beside him Jean, the houseman, was bending
forward while little Fu Moy knelt at its foot. On the bench itself a
slender form lay relaxed as though in sleep, the head with its bright
hair rippling from beneath the trim little bonnet resting against the
high, white stone back, the small gloved hands limply extended at
either side.
McCarty halted for an instant and Dennis crossed himself but
Ching Lee darted forward and seizing Fu Moy dragged him away as
though from the mouth of some unnameable peril. Then Orbit turned,
his face white and set, and McCarty advanced to meet him.
“Thank Heaven, it is you!” The resonant, well-modulated voice was
hoarse and shaken. “Ching Lee thought he caught a glimpse of you
passing and I told him to rush after you! McCarty, look—look at this
girl! What is this horror that has come to my house!”
 “Is it—dead, she is?” McCarty’s own tones were reverently low.
“How did it happen? What was she doing here?”
“Listening to the organ! She was to all appearances as bright and
well as this little child but when I finished playing and turned, she
was as you see her now! I feel as though I were going mad, as
though I couldn’t credit the evidence of my own eyes! What can this
fearful thing mean!”
“We’d better be finding out, Mr. Orbit!” McCarty was rapidly
recovering from the first shock and his quick mind leaped to meet the
exigencies of the tragic situation. “Denny, run next door to Goddard’s
and get the inspector but not a word to anybody else!—Jean, take
the little one home to the other house and tell Mrs. Bellamy that her
nursemaid’s took sick here but will be over it in a little while and
she’s not to bother; understand? Think you can put it so’s she won’t
come tearing in here to make a scene?”
Jean straightened and nodded, not trusting himself to speak. His
sensitive face was working but he controlled his emotions by a
valiant effort and took the baby whom his employer held
mechanically out to him. Little Maude broke into a low wail of dismay
at the abrupt transition and stretched out wavering, dimpled arms to
the familiar but strangely inattentive figure on the bench. Her sobs
echoed back to them as she was borne quickly from the room.
“Now, Mr. Orbit, what did you do when you turned from the organ
and saw Lucette stretched out like this on the bench?” McCarty
began. “Where was the baby? How did Ching Lee and Jean know
that something was wrong,—did you call them? Have you sent for
anybody else?”
Orbit passed his hand across his forehead as if dazed and the
other noticed that it came away glistening with moisture.
“For the doctor, of course!” He replied to the last question first.
“Allonby, around on the next block. I haven’t had a physician for
years myself, but some of my neighbors swear by him. I told Ching
Lee to telephone to him as soon as I could make myself realize that
—that she was gone!”
 A slight shudder ran through him and he averted his gaze from the
rounded, childish face, relaxed as though in sleep, save that the
bright blue eyes were dull and staring widely at the lofty ceiling.
“She wasn’t dead, then, the first glimpse you had of her after you
stopped playing?” McCarty himself did not find it easy to continue,
with that silent, dominant presence before them.
“I don’t know—but she must have been, of course! She didn’t
move and there was no sign of her breath! I can’t understand it!
What frightful thing can have stricken her?”
“Suppose you tell me from the beginning.” McCarty restrained his
impatience. “How did she and the child come here?”
“I was seated here alone at the organ, improvising as I do when I
am disturbed in mind, for this misfortune to little Horace affected me
deeply.” He paused as though to collect himself, glanced again with
a shudder at the body of the young French girl and turned away.
“The room seemed overpoweringly warm and I went to the window
there and opened it wider to see Lucette and the baby just outside,
listening. The child is entranced with music and once or twice before
Lucette has brought her in at my invitation; Mrs. Bellamy is much
amused at little Maude’s devotion to me. When I saw them standing
there I suggested that they come in and myself opened the door for
them. Lucette seated herself there where you see her now and took
the baby up on her lap. I returned to the organ, really forgetting their
presence the moment I was seated again before it. Handel’s ‘Largo’
came into my thoughts, although it is scarcely the sort of thing to
appeal to a child and I played it through to the end. In the silence, as
the last notes died away, the patter of little feet running across the
marble floor recalled my guests to my mind and I turned. Little
Maude was playing about that palm over there, trying to reach the
lowest of its broad leaves but Lucette was—as you see her. I don’t
know—I can’t recall what I thought for the moment—possibly that
she had fallen asleep or was still relaxed under the spell of the
music, but almost instantly it came to me that something was wrong.
I called her name sharply, I remember, and hurried to her side but
before I touched her I seemed to know the truth—that she was
dead!”
“You didn’t move her, Mr. Orbit? The position of the body is just the
same?”
“I raised one of her hands to feel her pulse but there was no
slightest beat beneath my fingers and I lowered it to the bench and
drew her head forward. One look was enough and I let it roll back
once more, calling for Ching Lee. The baby had trotted over to me
and I took her up in my arms to keep her from approaching Lucette. I
think it was Jean who appeared first, but Ching Lee came
immediately after and I told him to send for the doctor; when he
came back from the telephone he said you were passing and I had
him stop you.” Orbit passed a shaking hand once more across his
forehead. “What could have brought death to that girl, McCarty? I’m
not ignorantly superstitious but it seems as if some horrible, malign
thing were settling down over us here in the Mall and the horror
deepens! First Hughes, then Horace’s disappearance and now this
inexplicable tragedy right under my roof, in my very presence! It is
enough to shake a man’s reason!”
“You’re sure you were alone in the house, with just the servants, I
mean?” McCarty had advanced to the body again and was
scrutinizing it carefully without touching it. “Those front windows are
flush with the sidewalk but nobody could have climbed in very well in
broad daylight with the watchman patrolling the block. How about
that glass wall where it bulges out? The lower panes open as well as
the upper ones, don’t they?”
He pointed to the farther side of the room built out like a huge bay-
window and Orbit nodded.
“Of course, but they are never touched, except for an hour on the
hottest of summer days; the tropical orchids banked there would die
instantly if a cool breeze blew over them and the sections of glass
can only be reached with a long pole. No one could force a way
through the plants without leaving some trace or making their
presence known. There is a French window in the card-room which
is probably open and a person might enter unseen from the court
between this house and Goddard’s, and the kitchen or tradesmen’s
door may have been left ajar.” He spoke slowly as if to himself. “The
cook is out and Jean, Ching Lee and Fu Moy are the only others in
the house besides myself. Great heavens, Sir Philip arrives this
evening! I had a wire from him!”
“That’s the English gentleman who’s on his way from the West?
Sir Philip Dever—something?” McCarty recalled their conversation of
the previous day.
“Sir Philip Devereux. He comes at a most inopportune moment!”
Orbit groaned. “This poor girl—McCarty, there must be some rational
explanation!”
“What did Ching Lee mean?” McCarty asked suddenly. “When he
grabbed me outside in the street there he said Lucette had ‘breathed
the breath of death.’ It didn’t seem only a Chinese way of expressing
himself. Have you an idea what he could have been getting at?”
“Is that what he said?” Orbit walked quickly over to the nearest
orchid and indicated the great distended purple bloom shot with
angry streaks of livid orange-yellow. “There is what he meant, one of
the rarest of my specimens and a hybrid, a cross between two of the
least-known varieties of orchid in Central America. The natives down
there regard it as poison and believe that to inhale its odor, which is
rank and nauseous, means death. There is an old superstition
among them that it is part vegetable and part animal life and that the
curious vibration of its petals—so like pulsation, do you see it?—is
the act of breathing; to smell it is to take its breath, to die. Ching Lee
heard me telling this to some guests one evening and nothing could
ever induce him to approach it since. There is nothing in the idea,
however; the plant isn’t poisonous in any way, but I suppose that
was the first thought that occurred to his mind when he saw Lucette
lying dead.”
McCarty edged cautiously over toward it but footsteps sounded in
the hall and Jean presented himself at the door.
“Madame Bellamy is not at home, but Snape took the little Maude
to place in the care of one of the maids,” he reported. “He say that
he will explain to Madame.—The docteur is not come?”
Before Orbit or McCarty could reply the doorbell rang and he
hurried away to admit Dennis and the inspector. The latter had
evidently been prepared by his companion, for he glanced hastily at
the body and then turned to Orbit.
“How long has she been dead?” he asked.
“I don’t know; about twenty minutes I should say, inspector. It
occurred while I was playing rather a lengthy movement on the
organ and I wasn’t aware of it until I had finished.” Orbit started as
the bell pealed again and added in relief: “That must be Doctor
Allonby now!”
Jean ushered in a slender, dapper man who greeted Orbit by
name, nodded with suddenly alert interest when the inspector and
his deputies were introduced and then advanced to the body.
While he examined it the four grouped themselves about him, but
Jean crept to the door and joined Ching Lee who was hovering just
outside. They whispered together but the others waited in tense
silence.
Finally the doctor straightened.
“This woman has been killed by the inhalation of some gas, some
poisonous fumes, but of what nature I am unable to determine,” he
announced, gazing from Orbit to the inspector with keen
incisiveness. “I have never encountered a similar case but the
symptoms admit of no other diagnosis. They are like and yet unlike
some of those I noted on the battlefields of France a few years ago,
but undoubtedly death was induced by asphyxiation of an
exceedingly uncommon form; the autopsy will reveal its nature.”
The inhalation of poisonous fumes! McCarty heard a faint but high-
pitched ejaculation in the hall, in Ching Lee’s chattering tones.
Involuntarily his eyes strayed to the distorted, bulbous, luridly
glowing orchid, which seemed in the shadows to be moving,
reaching out toward them! Could it have been the “breath of death”
indeed? He felt the nerves crawl beneath his skin and his scalp
tingled, but the matter-of-fact voice of the inspector recalled him to
stern facts.
“How long would you say she’d been dead, Doctor?”
“Not much more than half an hour; the body is still warm. You have
taken charge here?”
The inspector nodded.
“Then I may suggest that you notify your medical examiner without
delay. I understand that this death is—er—a mystery, Mr. Orbit?”
“An unaccountable one, Doctor Allonby. I was here in the room at
the time it occurred, playing the organ over there and Lucette and
the baby—this young girl was the nurse for Mrs. Bellamy’s child next
door—were seated on this bench.”
The doctor started and asked quickly:
“The child! What has become of it?”
“The houseman took it home after you were summoned,” Orbit
replied.
“But it was unharmed? The child was seated here beside the
nurse?”
“Oh, no!” Orbit interrupted. “While I played it had climbed down
and was amusing itself over by that palm.”
“A miraculous escape!” the doctor exclaimed. “Had it remained
here it would undoubtedly have met with the same death which
overcame the nurse. Was that window open just as it is now, the one
directly behind those plants back of the bench?”
The doctor had never taken his eyes from Orbit’s face and it
seemed to McCarty that his tones had quickened.
“Just as you see it now,” affirmed Orbit. “Nothing has been
disturbed or changed in any way. But, Doctor, are you positive of
your diagnosis? I am not questioning your knowledge but this terrible
affair is utterly inexplicable to me! I heard nothing, saw no one!
When I seated myself before the organ Lucette was to all casual
appearances a perfectly normal young woman glowing with health;
when I turned from it a few minutes later she was stretched there
dead! The child was absolutely unconcerned and I am sure she had
noticed nothing; she is a shy little creature, uneasy in the presence
of strangers, and if any one had stolen in and approached the nurse
it seems incredible that she would not have cried out or run to me.
Thank heaven she is old enough to talk, we may be able to learn
something from her later.”
“That is an important point,” conceded the doctor. “When you
approached the body did you notice any peculiar odor on the air? It
would have been pungent, irritating, almost choking.—Think, Mr.
Orbit! You must have been conscious of some foreign, highly
chemicalized odor, even if it were almost instantly dissipated.”
There was a pause and then Orbit slowly shook his head.
“I was conscious of no such odor,” he replied. “It is odd, for I am
peculiarly sensitive to things of that sort but then I was overwhelmed
with the shock of what had taken place. As soon as I realized the girl
was dead I called the servants—they might have detected this odor
you speak of.—Jean! Ching Lee!”
The two advanced reluctantly from the hall, but in answer to the
physician’s queries supplemented by more brusk ones from the
inspector, they could reply only in the negative. Jean had been
polishing some brasses in a nearby room and heard Mr. Orbit call
Ching Lee; he had thought it strange that he did not ring as usual,
and when he called again there was something in his voice that
made Jean think he needed help. He rushed in and saw the girl
stretched upon the bench and Mr. Orbit standing there with little
Maude in his arms. Ching Lee had entered just behind him and their
stammered stories corroborated that of their employer in every
detail. They had noticed no odor but that of the plants all about and
they were quite certain they had seen no stranger lurking in the
immediate vicinity, to say nothing of getting into the house itself.
They had both been on the lower floor all the afternoon.
“I live on the next street and I shall be glad to render any
assistance possible to your medical examiner,” Doctor Allonby turned
to the inspector and there was an oddly repressed note in his tones.
“I will look up this case among my notes and try to ascertain the
nature of the chemicals used to generate the gas or vapor which
caused this young woman’s death, meanwhile holding myself at your
disposal.—Mr. Orbit, I regret that I arrived too late to be of real
service, but in any event the end must have come almost
instantaneously.”
He bowed, still with that guarded air of repression, and left the
room, Ching Lee accompanying him to the door. Orbit shrugged,
throwing out his hands in a hopeless gesture.
“You saw? I believe the man actually thinks I am withholding some
facts from him!—But who wouldn’t? I can’t bring myself to believe it
either, even with that poor girl’s body here before us! It is awful—
awful!”
He sank down upon a low stone seat, resting his head upon his
hands and the inspector observed:
“Poison gas! That’s a new one on me, except for the carbon
monoxide generated from motor cars standing in enclosed spaces. I
never was connected with the Bomb Squad but I thought most of
that stuff had to be exploded. You didn’t hear anything, did you, while
you were playing?”
“Not a sound. The ‘Largo’ is not necessarily thunderous in volume
but it has swelling chords which would have effectually smothered
any slight noise. What are we to do now, inspector? I am in your
hands.”
“Where’s your telephone? I’ve got to notify headquarters and get
the medical examiner. That’s the first step, as the doctor said.... Of
course I want no one to leave this house!”
“Assuredly not!” Orbit lifted his head. “Ching Lee, show Inspector
Druet to the telephone and then see that Fu Moy remains quietly
upstairs until he is sent for.”
Ching Lee bowed and followed the official from the room. Dennis,
who had been fearfully regarding the body of the dead girl, moved
toward McCarty.
 “By all that’s unholy, what’s doing around here!” he whispered
audibly. “Are the powers of darkness let loose, entirely? Poison gas,
my eye! Mac, how would anybody be reaching her except with a
squirt-gun or a grenade through that window?”
“Who gave Hughes that poison that not one in a thousand has
ever heard of, and how was the Goddard kid snatched from off the
face of the earth?” McCarty retorted but in a cautiously lowered tone.
He had approached the bench once more and was gazing down at
the still figure. “You remember what Ching Lee said? Lucette was the
‘next.’ He don’t think this devilment is goin’ to stop even here and no
more do I, unless our luck turns and we can stamp it out! This girl,
now—”
He paused, staring down seemingly at the small feet encased in
their neat shoes which peeped out from beneath a fold of her skirt,
and Dennis drew back with a shiver.
“It turns me fair sick to look at her! To think we was only talking to
her this morning!—It seems to me there is a kind of a funny smell on
the air! Don’t you get it, Mac? Maybe it’s something that creeps over
you gradual, and before we know it we could be corpses ourselves!
I’d like well to be out of this room!”
“’Tis your imagination and not that nose you brag of that’s working
now!” McCarty thrust his foot forward in a pushing motion until his
knee struck smartly against the edge of the stone seat on which
Lucette’s body lay. “There’s no smell whatever, barring the scent of
the flowers! Himself has been here through it all, remember.”
He indicated with a jerk of his head the seat where the bowed
figure rested, and at that moment the inspector reëntered the
conservatory.
“Mr. Orbit, is there any other entrance to this room besides that
door?”
Orbit looked up and then rose slowly, shaking his head.
“None, but the windows are open as you see—”
 “We’ll close and fasten them and then lock this door behind us. I
want everything in here left undisturbed until the medical examiner
comes. Take us somewhere private where we can talk; I’ll have to
get every detail connected with this straight for my report.”
“My study, upstairs?” Orbit suggested.
“All right. Riordan, close the windows, will you, and fix the
catches?” The inspector turned and fumbled with the key in the lock
as Dennis started for the windows and Orbit, after a last horror-
stricken glance at the dead girl, preceded the others from the room.
McCarty eyed his superior’s back for a moment then stooped
quickly and drew out from under the bench the object he had
carefully kicked there a minute or two before; it was a slender stick
with a wad of shrivelled, limp blue rubber dependent from one end.
Snapping the stick he thrust it back beneath the bench again and
placed the fragment with the clinging, clammily resilient pouch in his
pocket. Then he, too, glanced once more at Lucette’s dead face as
though ratifying some agreement between them and turned to follow
his superior.
 CHAPTER XIV
THE BLUE BALLOON

O RBIT told of the afternoon’s tragic experience again in detail for

the inspector’s benefit and McCarty and Dennis listened
carefully, but it differed in no way from his first description. At its
conclusion the medical examiner’s assistant was announced. The
inspector descended with Orbit but McCarty and his colleague
discreetly effaced themselves.
“We’re leaving just when it’s getting good!” Dennis sighed with
morbid relish as they went down the steps and out into the
lengthening shadows of late afternoon. “I’d like to have had a good
look by ourselves around that conservatory! That doctor may be all
right for the fashionable, expensive ailments of the crowd around this
neighborhood, but I’ve been fighting fires too long not to know what
asphyxiation means and ’twas not that killed the poor young thing in
that great vault of a room with the windows open wide behind her!—
How the devil do you suppose she did come to die, Mac?”
“I’m past guessing!” McCarty confessed. “’Tis the worst case since
ever I went on the Force, and we’re up against the cleverest
murdering wretch that’s been loosed on the world! You’ll mind I told
you once that brains and not brawn was back of it all? Brains it is,
with the genius of them twisted and gone wrong, and a knowledge of
poisons and such that means the learning of a lifetime! We’ll slip
around to the back of the house and wait till the medical lad from
headquarters has gone. I’m thinking there’s more besides us would
like a minute or two in that conservatory!”
“Why?” Dennis looked startled. “Is something hid there, do you
mean? How could it be, with the servants around all the time and
Orbit right there in the room? ’Tis the first murder ever I heard of that
could be pulled off with a man playing the organ not twenty feet
away and a little child running about in the midst of it and neither of
them the wiser! There’s the baby now!”
They had reached the rear court and in the tradesmen’s entrance
of the Bellamy house next door a buxom housemaid appeared with
little Maude in her arms. She stood eyeing them in undisguised
curiosity and interest and McCarty lifted his hat, approaching her
with a bland smile.
“Maudie’s after having a new nurse, I see!” he began ingratiatingly.
“’Tis a pity Lucette took sick back there in Mr. Orbit’s—”
“How is she?” the woman interrupted. “What happened to her? I
know who you are; you’re from the police trying to find out who killed
the valet from in there.”
McCarty acknowledged the recognition with a bow as graceful as
his girth permitted.
“You’ve got us right. We just happened to be on hand to-day when
Lucette got sick; she’d brought the baby in to hear Mr. Orbit play and
he told Jean to bring her back home while the doctor was coming. I
guess that French girl’s pretty bad but they didn’t tell us what was
the matter with her.”
“Lucette!” The child had caught a familiar name. “Maudie wants
Lucette!—Wants to hear mans play adain!”
She struggled to free herself and the woman stooped and set her
on her feet but kept a careful grip on the fluffy skirts.
“She’s a handful!” Her tone was exasperated. “It was all I could do
to get her quiet and now she’s started hollering again! Lucette’s got a
wonderful knack with her, and patience too, and Maudie’s took a
great fancy to her, considering the little while she’s been here. She’s
a nice girl and I can’t think what’s ailing her, for she was all right
when she started out with the baby for a walk this afternoon.”
“Want to walk now!” Maudie announced making an abortive dive
forward. “Want to go to Lucette.”
“Hello, there!” McCarty held out a stubby forefinger and Maudie
looked up at him for a moment, then shyly clasped her chubby hand
about it. “What happened to your pretty balloon?”
“‘Balloon?’” Her other hand went to her mouth and she sucked her
thumb reflectively.
“Sure,” McCarty urged encouragingly while Dennis stared at him in
surprise. “The grand blue balloon you had. What’s become of it? Did
you break it?”
“She had no balloon—,” the woman began, but Maudie was of
another mind.
“Did have!” she contradicted flatly. “Lucette buyed it.”
“Off of a wop—I mean, a man—with a big basket full of them down
by the gate?” McCarty asked. “A big basket with a lot of balloons, red
and blue and purple ones?”
Maudie nodded.
“Big bastik!” she affirmed. “Lucette buyed balloon an’ I tooked it
into the man’s house where he made the music.”
She was evidently trying hard to remember and McCarty waited
but the effort proving vain he prompted:
“You broke the balloon while the man was making the music, didn’t
you?—When you got down off Lucette’s lap to play around, didn’t
you break the pretty balloon?”
“Didn’t bwoke it!” Maudie shook her curls decidedly. “Dave it to
Lucette.”
“Whilst the man was making the music?” McCarty persisted.
“No. Lucette tooked it when we went into the man’s house, where
the garden is an’ the fing that makes the music.—Want my balloon!”
The corners of the rosebud mouth drooped pitifully and a
premonitory moisture dimmed her eyes.
“What did Lucette do with it, do you know?”
The question was beyond Maudie, however, and she could only
reiterate:
 “Want Lucette! Want my balloon!”
“Did Lucette have many friends here in this country, do you think?”
McCarty gave it up at last and addressed the housemaid, who
fortunately did not note that he voiced his query in the past tense.
“No, she hasn’t. She’s got plenty of followers, if that’s what you
mean, but she’s real sensible for such a young thing and don’t
bother with them. She would not have gone in Mr. Orbit’s house if
that Hughes had been alive, though; she hated the sight of him and
small blame to her!”
McCarty chuckled.
“He was a gay lad, from all accounts! But I guess there are others
that Lucette hates too, eh? She’s kind of afraid of somebody, isn’t
she?”
“Not that I know of!” The woman tossed her head as she caught
up the protesting Maudie once more. “I’ve no call to be talking about
her to a stranger, anyway! Get along with your nonsense!”
McCarty laughed again good-naturedly.
“A bit of gossip does no harm! But we’ve work to do, Denny and
me. Good-by, Maudie!”
“By-by!” that young person responded graciously, and the two
departed for the Orbit house.
“What for were you asking the kid about the balloon?” Dennis
asked, when they were out of earshot of the woman who still stood in
the door watching them. “I saw none anywhere near the girl’s body!
How did you know she’d bought one for the child?”
“What would that wop have been hanging around the gate for, if
he’d not sold one already in here and hoped to get rid of more?”
McCarty countered. “Who else would be wanting balloons when
there’s no other kid on the block since the Burminster girl’s not back
from the country and Horace Goddard’s gone?”
“‘Gone,’ it is!” Dennis’ voice lowered fearfully. “I feel it in my bones,
Mac, that the boy will never turn up alive!—There goes the car with
the medical examiner’s assistant. They’ll be sending now for the
body and then ’twill be all over the neighborhood!—Who in the devil
is back of it all?”
“Who’ll be the next one marked for death or disappearance?”
retorted McCarty. “’Tis that has me worried now, for the hell-hound is
working faster and faster as if the killing fever was getting the best of
him. By that same token, that’s my one hope; that ’twill get the best
of his shrewdness and cunning, and he’ll give himself away! That’s
the question now, Denny; who’ll be the next?”
They reëntered the Orbit house, by way of the tradesmen’s
entrance, to find that André the cook had returned and was visibly
wrought up over the fate of his countrywoman. His hands trembled
as he shelled chestnuts for a glacé and dire threats issued in a
choked monotone from beneath the fiercely bristling mustache.
“That Hughes should have been taken, perhaps it was the hand of
fate or le bon Dieu, for he was of use to no one in the world except
m’sieu, and a perfect valet is easily found, especially among the
French, but that the little Horace should be made to disappear and
now Lucette the beautiful one is kill’—it shall be for the revenge!”
“You’re right, it shall!” McCarty returned grimly. “André, do you
know the Parsons’ cook across the street?”
“It is a she!” André looked up with a shrug of unutterable contempt.
“A woman big like a brigadier with three moles upon her cheek! How
should she know the art of the cuisine?—But what would you? They
are of the old bourgeoisie, these Parsons. I am not acquaint’ with the
Amazon of the three moles!”
“Did ever you notice the eyes of her?” McCarty asked suddenly.
“Do they be looking two ways at once?”
“But yes!” André stared. “It is as though she would see behind of
her. Has she, then, tell to you something of value to your search?”
“She’d have to see more than just behind her to do that, André!”
They left him still muttering and passed through the pantries and
down the hall toward the front, but McCarty drew Dennis hastily back