I passed the MD module in Oct 2010. I spent a lot of my time upfront on the TF and HVAC because I was less familiar with the material. My fluids prof was heavy on the theoretical and light on the practical, so it took me time to learn some of the fluids fundamentals. I do MD type work for my day job, so it took me less time to fully review that material.
My only reference for TF and HVAC was the MERM, the respective practice problems and the NCEES 2008. I did borrow the ASME steam tables from my work library, but I never used it in the exam. While doing TF and HVAC practice problems, I focused on problems and material I thought likely to be on the Breadth portion. For example, I skipped problems that required ammonia tables and nuclear power cycles.
I think the MERM TF and HVAC problems over-prepared me for the Breadth portion in these areas. The only other problems I did were from the NCEES 2008; I didn't do the TF and HVAC Depth problems from this book since it seemed like a waste of time.
In the end, you need to gauge how much time to spend based on your knowledge. I remember a good number of TF and HVAC questions on the exam. Maybe it seemed like more because I am less familiar with the material.
Good luck.
Thanks all for the replies, with kids, wife, chores, (life in general LOL), I am trying to establish a realistic game plan to tackle this feat.
Chris B. So far my plan of attack is similar to yours. I do recall somewhat faintly some TF and and HVAC, but my professors too where somewhat theoretical and as a result, applied practice was limited which is essential for working out exam problems. I am going to have to do the same as you did.
By MERM "respective problems" are you referring to the ones within the MERM or the MERM companion book? Any pointers regarding what MERM/MERM companion problems to select and which ones ignore (nuclear, ammonia, etc...)?
Also, I've been told by some to avoid taking the Mark's Handbook because they've found that the Merm and Shigley's (and Miscke) machine design book (I have the 1989 5th edition) where sufficient. Did you use a dictionary and do your ecommend a specific one? What do you think of the above?
Thanks again!