Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani

Work-Integrated Learning Programmes Division

Second Semester 2009-2010

Comprehensive Examination
(EC-2 Regular)

Course No. : TA ZC232

Course Title : ENGINEERING MEASUREMENTS
Nature of Exam : Open Book
Weightage : 60% No. of Pages =2
Duration : 3 Hours No. of Questions = 6
Date of Exam : 03/04/2010 (AN)
Note:
1. Please follow all the Instructions to Candidates given on the cover page of the answer book.
2. All parts of a question should be answered consecutively. Each answer should start from a fresh page.
3. Mobile phones and computers of any kind should not be used inside the examination hall.
4. Use of any unfair means will result in severe disciplinary action.

Q.1. A first order measurement system with a time constant of τ = 0.1 sec is used to measure a
harmonically varying voltage. The voltage has a peak-to-peak amplitude of 6 volts and a
frequency of 5 Hz. Calculate the following (i) Frequency of the observed signal, (ii) The
steady state mean-to-peak amplitude value (iii) Phase of the observed signal in rad/sec
unit (iv) Time delay of the observed signal. [2 + 4 + 2 + 2 = 10]

Q.2. The radiation from a metal part is measured with a pyrometer which indicates a
temperature of 300°C. The actual part temperature is measured with a thermocouple
which indicates 315°C. Both measurements have an uncertainty of ± 1°C. From these
measurements, determine the emissivity of the metal part and its uncertainty. Also
determine the error in temperature. [4 + 4 + 2 = 10]

Q.3. The figure below shows a capacitor consisting of 2 metal plates each 400mm x 400mm,
spaced 6 mm apart. The space between the metal plates is filled with a glass plate 5 mm
thick and a layer of paper 1mm thick. Relative permittivities of glass and paper are 8 and
2 respectively. Find (i) Equivalent capacitance (ii) Electrical field strength in each
dielectric due to potential difference of 10 kV between the metal plates. The value of free
space permittivity is given as ε0 = 8.85x10-12 F/m) [5 + 5 = 10]

10 kV

1mm 5mm
Paper Glass

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Q.4. An air-pressure signal at 5 atm and 50°C is fed through a 1 mm-diameter line having a
length of 0.8m and is connected to a transducer volume of 3 cm3. Calculate the natural
frequency and damping ratio of this system. By how much will a pressure signal having a
frequency one-half the natural frequency be attenuated? [10]

Q.5. Under zero-strain conditions the gage resistance of a bridge circuit is 120 Ω. Calculate the
galvanometer current when Є = 350 µm/m for a power supply voltage of 4 volt. Also
calculate the voltage output for the bridge when used with high impedance detector. Given
that R2 = R3 = 110 Ω and the galvanometer resistance is 70 Ω. The gage factor is 1.8. The
bridge circuit is used to measure a strain-gage output. [10]

Q.6. Write the governing equation of a slug type heat-flux sensor. Use the same formula to find
the necessary heat flux to produce a rise in temperature of the sensor of 50°C in 20sec.
Given that the slug is a copper cube 2.5mm on a side, U=0.1W/m2°C, Sp. Heat of copper
is 398 J / kg °C and density of copper is 8890 kg/m3. [1 + 9 = 10]

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