NSW Education Standards Authority

2018 HSC Engineering Studies

Marking Guidelines

Section I

Multiple-choice Answer Key

Question Answer
1 B
2 D
3 C
4 B
5 C
6 B
7 C
8 D
9 A
10 A
11 C
12 A
13 A
14 A
15 D
16 C
17 D
18 B
19 C
20 D

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NESA 2018 HSC Engineering Studies Marking Guidelines

Section II

Question 21 (a)
Criteria Marks
• Describes in detail how both innovations are used to control the
3
movement of the vehicle
• Describes in detail how one innovation is used to control the movement of
the vehicle
2
OR
• Describes the two innovations with limited detail
• Provides some relevant information 1

Sample answer:
GPS use triangulation to determine the vehicle’s position on the surface of the earth.
Sensors are used to detect objects in the vehicle’s path or its immediate environment in
order to avoid collision.

Question 21 (b)
Criteria Marks
• Outlines the benefits of using electric motors to power self-driving
3
vehicles
• Identifies the benefits of using electric motors to power self-driving
2
vehicles
• Provides some relevant information 1

Sample answer:
Electric motors allow increased use of renewable energy, reducing atmospheric particulate
matter. Furthermore, vehicles with electric motors have improved power to weight ratio,
decreased noise pollution and are easier to integrate into an automated vehicle control
system.

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Question 21 (c)
Criteria Marks
• Calculates the correct value of kinetic energy with relevant working 3
• Calculates the kinetic energy using a correct method but with minor errors 2
• Applies an appropriate formula OR converts relevant values 1

Sample answer:
v = 60 km/hr
m = 1.5 t

Convert km/h to m/sec

v = 60 km/hr
= 60 000 m/hr
60 000/
= m/sec
3600
= 16.67 m/s

mass = 1.5 t = 1500 kg

1 2
KE = mv
2

1
= × 1500 × 16.67 2
2

= 750 × 277.88

= 208.416 J

Answer = 208.4 kJ

Question 21 (d)
Criteria Marks
• Explains how the three logic gates act together to control the brakes of
3
the vehicle
• Explains how the logic gates act together to control the brakes of the
2
vehicle but with minor error/s
• Provides some relevant information 1

Sample answer:
1. AND gate 1 – both inputs ON to produce ON output
2. OR gate – either input ON to produce ON output
3. AND gate 2 – both inputs ON to produce ON output (therefore brakes applied).

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Question 22 (a)
Criteria Marks
• Provides a reason for each material being included in the central wire 2
• Provides some relevant information 1

Sample answer:
Copper provides the electrical conductivity while the steel provides the tensile strength.

Question 22 (b)
Criteria Marks
• Provides reasons why optical fibre is used in preference to copper cable 2
• Provides some relevant information 1

Sample answer:
Since optical fibres have lower signal attenuation and allow greater bandwidth to be
transmitted, they can be used to transmit data across longer distances at the speed of light.

Question 22 (c)
Criteria Marks
• Describes in detail how the three types of diodes function in
4
telecommunication circuits
• Describes in detail how two of the diodes function in telecommunication
circuits
3
OR
• Outlines how the three diodes are used in telecommunication circuits
• Describes in detail how one diode functions in telecommunication circuits
OR 2
• Outlines how two of the diodes function in telecommunication circuits
• Provides some relevant information 1

Sample answer:
Zener diodes act as a voltage regulator, by allowing current to flow above a designated
(zener) voltage. They provide a stable reference voltage across a wide range of current
values. Laser diodes emit a focused light beam when current flows through the circuit and
are used to transmit pulses of light down an optical fibre to allow digital data transmission.
Light emitting diodes emit a wide beam of light when current flows through the circuit. They
are commonly used to indicate if power is on.

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NESA 2018 HSC Engineering Studies Marking Guidelines

Question 22 (d)
Criteria Marks
• Calculates the required resistance value with relevant working 3
• Demonstrates some understanding of the steps required to calculate the
2
required resistance value
• Applies an appropriate method 1

Sample answer:
V = VTOT – VLED
= 9 – 2.3
= 6.7 Volts

R = V/I
= 6.7/(25 × 10–3)
= 268 Ohms

Question 23 (a)
Criteria Marks
• Completes the table with appropriate entries 3
• Substantially completes table with appropriate entries 2
• Provides some relevant information 1

Sample answer:
• Tyre – rubber
• Axle – hardness, toughness
• Light cover – injection moulded
• Chassis – stiffness/rigidity
• Body panels – GRP (Glass reinforced polymer)
• Electrical wire – drawing.

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Question 23 (b) (i)

Criteria Marks
• Calculates the correct value of Young’s modulus, with relevant working 4
• Attempts to calculate a value for Young’s modulus, with a minor error 3
• Attempts to calculate a value for Young’s modulus, with some errors 2
• Applies an appropriate method 1

Sample answer:
F
F = 20 × 103 N
E=
eA

= 1020 mm
20 × 103 × 1020
=
1× 100 e = 1 mm

= 204 × 103 A = 100 mm2

= 204 GPa

Question 23 (b) (ii)

Criteria Marks
• Describes the physical changes for each load 2
• Provides some relevant information 1

Sample answer:
The 20 kN load produces elastic deformation which means the specimen stretches then
returns to its original length. When the 30 kN load is applied, the specimen undergoes plastic
deformation and it remains deformed upon release.

Question 23 (c)
Criteria Marks
• Justifies the use of the hollow tube, including reference to second
3
moment of inertia and other relevant engineering or design features
• Provides an engineering or design reason that supports the use of the
2
hollow tube
• Provides some relevant information 1

Sample answer:
The hollow steel tube is more rigid because it has a greater second moment of area than the
solid steel bar. This rigidity is important in the chassis as it is subjected to continual flexural
forces and moments when in use. Therefore stiffness is an important design requirement.
Additionally, cables for the electrics can be fed along the axis of the hollow tube and be
protected from damage.

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Question 24 (a)
Criteria Marks
• Outlines an in-service advantage of each plank material 3
• Identifies a feature of each plank
OR 2
• Outlines an in-service advantage of two plank materials
• Provides some relevant information 1

Sample answer:
Laminated timber planks are non-conductive and can be cut to length easily onsite to fit a
non-standard opening. Aluminium scaffold planks have low density and can be easily
handled onsite due to their light weight. Galvanised steel planks have high impact resistance
and are suited to applications such as bricklaying where they are likely to be subjected to
falling loads.

Question 24 (b)
Criteria Marks
• Sketches in general terms the steps involved in extruding an aluminium
2
alloy plank
• Provides some relevant information 1

Sample answer:
The extrusion process involves an aluminium billet being heated to above its recrystallisation
temperature, and then forced through a heated die to produce the desired cross-sectional
shape.

Question 24 (c)
Criteria Marks
• Provides a completed half-sectioned front view using AS 1100
6
conventions
• Provides a substantially completed half-sectioned front view using AS
4–5
1100 conventions, may have minor errors or omissions
• Provides some correct projection with a component drawn to standard 2–3
• Provides some aspects of a correct projection 1

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Sample answer:

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NESA 2018 HSC Engineering Studies Marking Guidelines

Question 25 (a)
Criteria Marks
• Describes in detail the basic operational principles of jet propulsion,
3
supported by a relevant labelled sketch
• Describes in some detail the basic operational principles of jet propulsion
OR
2
• Provides a suitably annotated sketch that demonstrates the basic
operational principles of jet propulsion
• Provides some relevant information 1

Sample answer:
Jet propulsion occurs by compressing intake air to a point where it heats to a temperature
above the ignition point of the fuel. Atomised fuel is then injected into the combustion
chamber which generates higher velocity gas through expansion. This high velocity gas is
expelled from the exhaust, generating thrust.

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Question 25 (b)
Criteria Marks
• Explains how the angle of attack influences the lift generated by the wings
3
in flight, supported by a relevant labelled sketch
• Describes how the angle of attack influences the lift generated by the
wings in flight
OR 2
• Provides a suitably annotated sketch that demonstrates how the angle of
attack influences the lift generated by the wings in flight
• Provides some relevant information 1

Sample answer:
As the angle of attack increases, the upper surface separation point of the flow of air moves
from the trailing edge towards the leading edge. At the critical angle of attack, upper surface
flow is increasingly disconnected, with the wing producing its maximum coefficient of lift. If
the angle of attack increases beyond the critical angle of attack lift begins to decrease and an
aircraft will stall.

Question 25 (c) (i)

Criteria Marks
• Completes the diagram indicating the four key forces of flight 2
• Indicates some correct forces of flight 1

Sample answer:

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NESA 2018 HSC Engineering Studies Marking Guidelines

Question 25 (c) (ii)

Criteria Marks
• Calculates the correct induced drag force with relevant working 3
• Calculates the induced drag force using a correct method but with minor
2
errors
• Applies an appropriate method 1

Answers could include:

Weight = mg Graphical solution
= 330 × 103 × 10
= 33 × 105 N
Thrust = 510 × 103 × 2
= 102 × 104 N
T = D + W sin γ
D = T – W sin γ
= 102 × 10 – 33 × 105 sin 15°
4

= 102 × 104 – 33 × 105 × 0.2588

= 102 × 104 – 8.54 × 105
= 166 × 103
= 166 kN

Question 25 (d)
Criteria Marks
• Identifies factors that contribute to stress corrosion cracking in aluminium
2
alloy aircraft components
• Provides some relevant information 1

Sample answer:
Stress corrosion cracking occurs in the presence of moisture (corrosive environment) as well
as a sustained tensile stress, which can be either externally applied or more commonly,
residual (internal) tensile stress.

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Question 26 (a)
Criteria Marks
• Correctly calculates the compressive stress with relevant working 2
• Applies an appropriate method 1

Sample answer:
σ = F/a

F = 17.3 N
a = π × 212/4
= 346 mm2
= 0.000346 m2

σ = F/a
= 17.3/.000346
= 50 000 Pa

Question 26 (b)
Criteria Marks
• Correctly calculates the normal force with relevant working 2
• Applies an appropriate method 1

Sample answer:
F = μN
N = F/μ

F = 16 N
µ = 0.2

N = F/μ
= 16/0.2
= 80 N

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NESA 2018 HSC Engineering Studies Marking Guidelines

Question 26 (c)
Criteria Marks
• Calculates the force Q accurately using a correct method 3
• Calculates the force Q using a correct method but with minor error/s 2
• Applies an appropriate method 1

Sample answer:

∑M = 0
d = 35 (from scale drawing)
20 × 5 = P × d
20 × 5 = P × 35
Q = 2.86 N

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Question 26 (d)
Criteria Marks
• Provides a detailed comparison of the suitability of both materials for use
4
as a bearing retainer
• Describes the suitability of each material for use as a bearing retainer 3
• Outlines at least one of the materials 2
• Provides some relevant information 1

Sample answer:
Both GFRN and stainless steel have excellent corrosion resistance, and are resistant to a
wide range of organic solvents and greases used in bearings.

Nylon on steel has a much lower coefficient of friction than steel-on-steel, so GFRN bearings
produce far less heat in operation from friction, run at higher speeds and produce lower noise
levels. Stainless steel has a far wider range of operating temperatures than GFRN (which
softens at high temperature and also turns brittle at low temperatures) so it will better resist
shock loading or vibration.

Question 27 (a)
Criteria Marks
• Produces correct shear force and bending moment diagrams supported
6
by appropriate calculations
• Produces shear force and bending moment diagrams with minor errors or
4–5
omissions in calculations or diagrams
• Produces shear force and/or bending moment diagrams with major errors
2–3
or omissions
• Produces some aspects of a shear force or bending moment diagram 1

Sample answer:
Reactions: RA and RB

+↑ ∑ F = 0
∴ RA – 15 – 12 + RB = 0
∴ RA + RB = 27

+↓ ∑ MA = 0
∴ 15 × 2 + 12 × 3 – RB × 6 = 0
∴ 30 + 36 = 6 RB
RB = 66/6
= 11 kN
∴ RA = 27 – 11
= 16 kN

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NESA 2018 HSC Engineering Studies Marking Guidelines

Shear force Bending moment

SF1 = +↑ ∑ F BM1 = +↓ ∑ M
= 16 kN = 16 × 2
= 32 kNM
SF2 = +↑ ∑ F
= 16 – 15 BM2 = +↓ ∑ M
= 1 kN = 16 × 3 – 15 × 1
= 48 – 15
SF3 = +↑ ∑ F = 33 kNM
= 16 – 15 – 12
= –11 kN BM3 = +↓ ∑ M
= 16 × 6 – 15 × 4 – 12 × 3
= 96 – 60 – 36
=0

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Question 27 (b)
Criteria Marks
• Clearly provides reasons why an engineer would refer to shear force and
bending moment diagrams when determining the effects of loads on a 4
beam
• Provides some reason(s) for an engineer to refer to shear force and
bending moment diagrams when determining the effects of loads on a 3
beam
• Outlines the use of shear force diagrams and/or bending moment
2
diagrams and/or the effects of loads on beams
• Provides some relevant information 1

Answers could include:

Shear force and bending moment diagrams are graphical tools used in conjunction with
structural analysis to help perform structural design by determining the value of shear forces
and bending moments at a given point of a structural element such as a beam. These
diagrams provide a graphical representation of load systems which can then be used to
assist in determining the type, size and material of a member in a structure so that a given
set of loads can be supported without structural failure. For example, in steel beam design,
bending moment diagrams can assist a structural engineer in deciding the lightest cross-
section shape that can be used to carry a bending moment.

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NESA 2018 HSC Engineering Studies Marking Guidelines

2018 HSC Engineering Studies

Mapping Grid
Section I

Question Marks Content Syllabus

outcomes
Civil structures, Personal and public transport,
1 1 Aeronautical engineering, Telecommunications H3.2
engineering – communication p26

2 1 Civil structures – mechanics p25 H2.1

3 1 Personal and public transport – mechanics p28 H3.1

Personal and public transport – communication p29

4 1 H3.3
Civil structures – communication p26

5 1 Civil structures – history p24 H4.2

6 1 Aeronautical engineering – mechanics p32 H1.1, H4.1

7 1 Personal and public transport – electronics p29 H3.1

8 1 Personal and public transport – materials p28 H1.2, H2.1

9 1 Personal and public transport – mechanics p28 H3.1

10 1 Civil structure – materials p25 H3.1

11 1 Aeronautical engineering – mechanics p32 H4.1

12 1 Aeronautical engineering – communication p33 H3.3

13 1 Telecommunications engineering – electronics p37 H1.1, H2.2, H4.1

14 1 Personal and public transport – materials p28 H1.2, H2.1

Telecommunications engineering – electronics, logic

15 1 H3.1, H3.3
p37
Telecommunications engineering – materials,
16 1 H3.1, H3.3
electronics p36

17 1 Aeronautical engineering – materials p33 H1.2, H4.1

18 1 Civil structures – mechanics p25 H3.1

19 1 Telecommunications engineering – materials p36 H1.2

20 1 Personal and public transport – mechanics p28 H3.1

Section II

Question Marks Content Syllabus

outcomes

21 (a) 3 Personal and public transport – electricity p29 H4.1, H4.2, H4.3

21 (b) 3 Personal and public transport – electricity p29 H4.1, H4.2, H4.3

21 (c) 3 Personal and public transport – mechanics p28 H3.1

21 (d) 3 Personal and public transport – electronics, logic p29 H3.1

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NESA 2018 HSC Engineering Studies Marking Guidelines

Question Marks Content Syllabus

outcomes
Telecommunications engineering – materials p36,
22 (a) 2 H1.2, H4.1
p37
Telecommunications engineering – materials p36,
22 (b) 2 H1.2, H4.1
p37
Telecommunications engineering – materials,
22 (c) 4 H1.2
electronics p37

22 (d) 3 Personal and public transport – electronics p29 H3.1

23 (a) 3 Personal and public transport – materials p28, p29, H1.2, H2.1, H4.1

23 (b) (i) 4 Civil structures – mechanics p25 H3.1

23 (b) (ii) 2 Civil structures – mechanics p25 H1.2, H2.1

23 (c) 3 Civil structures – mechanics p25 H1.2, H2.1

Civil structures – materials p25, 26

24 (a) 3 H1.2, H2.1
Personal and public transport – materials p28, 29

24 (b) 2 Personal and public transport – materials p29 H2.1

24 (c) 6 Personal and public transport – communication p29 H3.3

25 (a) 3 Aeronautical engineering – mechanics p32 H1.1, H4.1

25 (b) 3 Aeronautical engineering – mechanics p32 H1.1, H2.2

25 (c) (i) 2 Aeronautical engineering – mechanics p32 H3.1

25 (c) (ii) 3 Aeronautical engineering – mechanics p32 H3.1

25 (d) 2 Aeronautical engineering – materials p33 H1.2

26 (a) 2 Civil structures – mechanics p25 H3.1

26 (b) 2 Personal and public transport – mechanics p28 H3.1

26 (c) 3 Personal and public transport – mechanics p28 H3.1

Personal and public transport – materials p28

26 (d) 4 H1.2, H2.2
Aeronautical engineering – materials p33

27 (a) 6 Civil structures – mechanics p25 H3.1

27 (b) 4 Civil structures – mechanics p25 H1.2, H3.1, H3.3

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