Which section of the ASVAB assesses understanding of mechanical principles?

The section that assesses understanding of mechanical principles is Mechanical Comprehension. This part of the ASVAB evaluates a test taker's ability to understand mechanical and physical concepts, including the operation of machines, tools, and engines. It focuses on how forces work on objects, the properties of materials, and basic mechanical principles such as leverage, gears, pulleys, and simple machines.

A strong performance in this section demonstrates an understanding of how different components interact within mechanical systems, which is vital for many technical and engineering roles in the military. The questions may involve visualizing how parts fit together or predicting the movement of objects based on applied forces, thus providing insight into a person's mechanical reasoning capabilities.