FE Exam

What’s the SECRET to Mastering MOMENT of INERTIA on the FE Exam?

January 28, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), we reveal the SECRET to overcoming the challenging topic of moment of inertia and help you achieve success on your engineering licensing exam.

We’ll start by revisiting the basics of inertia and then dive deeper into essential topics like centroidal area and the parallel axis theorem. These concepts are critical for understanding how the moment of inertia works and will prepare you to handle the different scenarios you’re likely to encounter on the exam.

Question:

In this question, we are presented with an I-beam, and we’re asked to calculate its moment of inertia about its centroidal x-axis. We’re also given a list of possible answers, all presented in mm – so straight off the bat, we know that we’ll be sticking to this unit in our calculations to keep things simple and prevent possible conversion mistakes. Now – before we jump into the solution to this problem, let’s review some key concepts so you have a better understanding of the theory behind this question.

Problem Context: Area Moment of Inertia

The area moment of inertia is a parameter that defines how much resistance a shape – like that of the cross-section of a beam – has to bending due to its geometry. For example – when we apply a concentrated load to the center of three simply supported beams like we have here – we get an intuitive feel for how the beams would react under this stress. In this case, the beams are bending about their own central axis referred to as their centroidal axis. The beam to the left would deform easily under this stress due to its cross section having a small inertia or ‘resistance to bending’ about its central axis. But when you look at the second or third beam, they have larger inertias making them more resistant to bending in this plane. This resistance to bending is influenced by the distribution of area about the bending axis, meaning when a shape has more of its area distributed further away from the bending line, like with our I-beam, it’s also less likely to bend.

Strategies to Overcome Procrastination and PASS THE FE EXAM

January 14, 2025 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I share some simple yet powerful strategies to help you overcome procrastination, build productivity, and get on track with your exam prep. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a working professional, these tips will help you stay on track and pass your FE exam with confidence.

1: Understanding Why We Procrastinate

Before we get into strategies, let’s talk about why we procrastinate in the first place. Procrastination often stems from feeling overwhelmed – maybe it’s the sheer amount of material to cover, or maybe you’re worried about not doing well. If you’re feeling like this, know it’s totally normal. The FE Exam is a big deal, but breaking down why you’re avoiding study sessions can help you turn things around.

2: Set Clear and Achievable Goals

Step one to overcome procrastination? Setting clear, achievable goals. For example, instead of saying, ‘I’ll study thermodynamics this week,’ try ‘I’ll review thermodynamic cycles and solve five practice problems by Wednesday.’ Smaller goals create quick wins and give you that dopamine hit, which can make you feel accomplished and motivated to keep going.

3: Use a Study Schedule

5 FE Exam HACKS You Need to Know to Pass in 2025!

December 31, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I share must-know FE Exam hacks to help you manage stress, master time, and tackle the overwhelming prep. Feeling stuck or doubting yourself? These proven tips will help you overcome every challenge and succeed!

Here’s how to set yourself up for real progress:

Hack #1: Set SMART Goals

Setting SMART goals is essential to effective FE exam prep. Let’s break down what that means. A smart goal is one that is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. Let’s explore how you can be smart with your goals for FE exam prep.

Specific: Focus on the FE exam that’s right for you, like FE Mechanical or FE Civil, and define a clear goal for the score you’re aiming for. Look up the average passing score, and set a target that challenges but doesn’t overwhelm you.

Measurable: Track your progress consistently. For example, try solving 20 practice problems from different sections each week, attend review sessions, and analyze your mistakes on mock exams to get better insight into your weak areas.

Attainable: Be realistic. Consider how much time you have each week to study, and avoid setting goals that feel impossible to reach. Aim to challenge yourself but stay within your limits.

Relevant: Make sure your study goals align with your career aspirations and the expectations of future employers. Knowing that your efforts support your career path can make studying feel even more worthwhile.

Time-bound: Set deadlines to keep yourself on track. For example, set specific dates to complete practice problems for each topic. These small milestones build momentum and keep you moving forward.

Hack #2: Build a Positive Structured Study Routine

Mastering Conic Sections Made EASY for the FE Exam!

December 17, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), we tackle a conic sections problem step by step, helping you determine the center of the curve and identify its type. By the end of this article, you’ll have the tools and confidence to handle similar questions with ease.

Question:

In this question, we are presented with the general equation of a conic section, and our job can be split up into two objectives: First, we need to determine the center of the conic section and secondly, we must identify the type of conic section it represents. Before diving into the solution, let’s take a moment to review some essential concepts that will help us approach this problem effectively.

Determine the center of the conic section described by the following general equation, and identify the type of conic section it represents:

9𝑥² + 16𝑦² − 54𝑥 + 64𝑦 = 311

Problem Context: Conic Sections

We start off by looking at what ‘conic sections’ refers to. This can be defined as any curve formed by the intersection of a plane with a right circular cone, as illustrated here. The type of curve—whether it’s an ellipse, parabola, circle, or hyperbola—depends on the angle at which the plane intersects the cone. Mathematically, we can distinguish between the different curves created by this intersecting plane using two key angles.

The first angle, denoted as θ (theta) in the FE Handbook, represents the angle between the intersecting plane and the vertical axis of the cone. The second angle, φ (phi), is the vertex angle, measured between the vertical axis of the cone, and its slanted outer surface. If these two angles are known, we can calculate what is referred to as the eccentricity of the conic sections using the formula:

Master Your FE Exam with Powerful Practice Testing Strategies!

December 3, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I dive into a topic that can seriously help you out: mastering the FE exam with powerful practice testing strategies. Trust me, if you’re an engineering student, you don’t want to miss this. Getting this right can make all the difference in your exam success!

Preparing for the FE Exam can feel overwhelming – from finding the right resources to managing time effectively and overcoming exam anxiety. Many students experience a surge of stress as the exam date nears, and it’s easy to get lost in a maze of resources that may not even align with your goals. Ineffective study habits can add to the frustration, leaving you feeling less confident and even more stressed. Sound familiar? If you’ve felt this way, know that you’re not alone.

But here’s the good news: with the right practice testing strategies, you can tackle these challenges head-on and transform your study sessions into highly productive experiences. Let’s break down a few methods that can sharpen your preparation and boost your confidence on test day.

Timed Quizzes

Are You Truly READY for the FE Exam? Find out Here!

November 19, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I take a deep dive into tips to pass your PE exam while also assessing your FE exam prep to make sure you’re ready to crush it on your first try. For those who might not be familiar, the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is a big deal for engineering students—it’s the stepping stone towards becoming a licensed engineer. If you’re planning to take the FE exam, it’s super important to assess your readiness.

Now, let’s break down some of the common challenges that candidates face when prepping for the FE exam. First off, many students struggle with time management. Between classes, internships, and maybe even a social life, finding time to study can feel impossible. Not to mention, understanding the exam format can be tricky too! You’ve got multiple-choice questions, and they can cover a wide range of topics. It can be overwhelming if you’re not prepared. So, what do you do when you hit these roadblocks, and how do you know when you are ready to take the exam?

Here are some key things to consider:

1. Understanding the FE Exam

Conquer the Civil PE Exam with These Strategies!

November 13, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk with Zachary Lenz, PE, a transportation engineer at Burns & McDonnell, who recently conquered the revamped, tougher Civil PE exam and shares how the right approach can make all the difference.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Zachary:

Can you start by sharing your overall approach to studying for the civil PE exam?
What was the most challenging part of the new civil PE exam, and how did you overcome it?
How did Burns and McDonald support you in preparing for the PE exam?
How did your practical experience as a transportation engineer help you prepare for the PE exam?
Can you explain the CBT format and how it affects exam preparation?
What study materials or resources were most helpful during your preparation?
What final piece of advice would you give to engineers preparing for the PE exam?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Why the Combined Stress Formula is the BEST Way to Ace Your FE Exam!

November 5, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), we guide you through the Combined Stress Formula for a cantilevered beam, a valuable skill that will enhance your FE Exam prep and strengthen your understanding of essential engineering concepts.

Question:

In this scenario, we have a 300 mm cantilevered beam with a 20 mm x 20 mm square cross-section. One end of the beam is securely fixed, while the other end carries two applied loads: an axial force F_x = 200 N and a perpendicular force F_y = 150 N. Our goal is to determine the maximum combined stress produced by these forces at the base of the beam, focusing specifically on point A.

Problem Context: Combined Stresses

Before we jump into the question, let’s set the stage by exploring the concept of combined stress. This combined stress state occurs when an object experiences different kinds of loads at the same time. For instance, a beam subject to both axial and bending forces will develop a combination of these induced stresses throughout its structure. In general, there are five key stress types you should be familiar with to be able to solve these kinds of problems, and they are listed here as:

Axial stress
Bending stress
Shear stress
Torsional stress
Thermal stress

We’ll start off with a quick explanation of each stress case, starting off with axial stress.

Axial Stress

Mastering the FE Exam Through Reflective Studying

October 22, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I dive into the transformative practice of reflective studying for engineering exams. Join us as we explore how adopting a reflective approach can elevate your preparation for the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam, leading you towards achieving your professional engineering license.

Preparing for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is a significant step toward obtaining your professional engineering license. However, the journey to success in this crucial examination often demands more than mere rote memorization of equations and concepts. To truly excel, aspiring engineers must adopt a reflective and strategic approach to their study regimen. Reflective studying is a powerful tool for boosting your FE exam preparation and can be particularly effective.

But first, what exactly is reflective studying or learning?

Reflective learning typically involves looking back at something, a past experience or idea and critically analyzing the event. By looking at successful and unsuccessful aspects of an experience, reflection will help students learn from their past experiences and turn surface learning into deeper learning.

It’s not just passive absorption of information. It involves actively engaging with the material, asking yourself questions, and analyzing your understanding. This helps you identify areas of weakness, solidify your knowledge, and develop better problem-solving strategies.

Here Are Some Benefits of Reflective Studying for FE Exam Preparation:

Solving a Two-Block System Using Work-Energy Principles

October 8, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), we take a deep dive into how to solve a two-block system problem using the work-energy principle, straight from the Dynamics section of the FE Exam. We explore how forces like friction, gravity, and motion all interact in a real-world scenario involving an inclined plane and a pulley. By breaking down the steps and applying core principles, you’ll learn how to calculate the velocity of a block after it descends a given distance helping you confidently prepare for the FE Exam.

Question:

In this problem, we have two blocks connected by a massless rope over a frictionless pulley. Block A, weighing 25 kg, rests on a rough 30° inclined plane with a kinetic friction coefficient of 0.15, while Block B, weighing 35 kg, hangs vertically. The system is released from rest and our goal is to determine the velocity of Block B after it descends 8 meters.