Topic 1
What is the definition of a structure?
Something that has a definite shape and size and performs a function.
What is the term for "the beauty in art and nature"?
Aesthetics
What is the term for "the amount of matter in an object"?
Mass
What is the difference between a live and dead load.
A live load puts force on the structure, while a dead load is the forces of structure on itself.
Are triangles or rectangles then stronger shape?
Triangles
What is the difference between a manufactured and natural structure? Give an example of each.
Something that is man made and something found in nature. A home and a tree.
What are specifications?
Precise and measurable standards a structure must meet.
What unit is used to measure force?
Newtons
What is metal fatigue?
When metal weakens after being bent and twisted over and over again.
What will happen to a structure if its foundation is uneven or unstable?
It may collapse or break.
What are the three types of design for structures?
Mass, Shell and Frame.
What is a composite material?
A material made with more than one material.
What is the difference between mass and weight?
Mass is constant no matter where you are, weight is gravity dependent.
What are the four types of internal forces?
Tension, Compression, Shear and Torsion.
The keystone uses friction by pushing the stones next to it closer together.
What are two useful features of shell structures?
The make great containers, as they are completely empty and they use very little building material.
How do you balance safety with cost?
By having a reasonable margin of safety and a reasonable cost.
What does a spring scale and balance measure?
Force (spring scale) and Mass (balance)
What kind of force is causing a structures to fail if the material bends or buckles?
Compressive forces.
What are the three key methods that designers rely on to help structures withstand forces?
Distributing the load, directing the forces and shaping the parts to withstand specific types of force.
What is a complex structure? Give one example and name what types of structures it uses.
Football Helmet (shell and frame), Airplanes (frame and shell)...
Fasteners, Ties, Interlocking Shapes, Adhesives and Melted Joints.
What two factors influence the gravitational force between 2 objects?
The size of the objects and the distance between them.
What is the particle arrangement of rubber that allows it to have high torsion strength?
Each rubber particle attracts many other particles in all directions.
What are the three strategies used to create a firm foundation?
Find somethings solid, make a solid layer and spread the load.