Structures

What is a structure?

Made up of parts serving a purpose

What is function?

The purpose of a structure.

What is form?

The shape & arrangement of a structure's components

What are the 3 ways to classify a structure?

Form, Function & Materials

What does using composite materials mean?

To combine various types of materials to take advantage of each other’s properties.

What are layered materials?

Materials placed on top & pressed/glued together

How are materials chosen?

For their properties.

How are woven, knit & pressed materials made?

They are made by twisting, spinning, looping or knotting.

What is a force?

A push or pull.

What is gravity?

The downward pull of the earth’s core.

What is magnitude?

How big the force is compared to the size & weight of the object.

What is direction?

Where the force is coming from or where the force is going.

What are the forces we exert called?

Applied forces

What is the force that pushes up against gravity called?

Normal force

How are forces represented in diagrams? What does the thickness of the arrow indicate, and where it’s pointing?

In diagrams, forces are represented by arrows. The thickness of the arrow indicates the magnitude & the way the arrow points indicates its direction. 

What is mass?

The amount of matter in an object.

Does mass change based off gravity?

No

What is mass measured by?

Grams or kilograms.

What is weight?

The amount of force on an object due to gravity.

What is weight measured in? (Science)

Newtons

How do you convert kilograms into newtons?

You multiply them by 9.8.

What is a load?

a force that acts on a structure

What is a static load?

A force that results from gravity.

What is a live load?

The weight of the object a structure supports.

What is a dead load?

The weight of the structure itself

What is a dynamic load?

A load caused by forces outside of gravity

What is an extraordinary load?

A load that is not within the expected range in a certain region.

What is an internal force?

A force caused by 1 part of a structure acting on other parts of the structure.

What is an external force?

A force that acts on a structure from outside the structure.

What is a point of application?

The location where an external force is applied.

What is a plane of application?

An imaginary flat surface through which an applied force passes.

What are the 3 non-contact forces?

Gravity, Magnetism and Electrostasis.

What is the difference between mass and weight?

Mass is the amount of matter in a substance, while weight is how much the force of gravity pulls on an object.

What is structural stress?

The effect of all the internal and external forces acting on a structure over a long period of time.

What is structural fatigue?

The permanent changes due to the internal and external forces acting on it.

What is structural failure?

The breakdown of a structure due to the internal & external forces acting upon it.

What is a thrust line of a structure? What happens if it passes through the base?

A thrust line of a structure is a vertical line drawn from the center of the ground. If it passes through the base of the structure, the weight will be supported evenly.

What is stability?

The ability of a structure to remain or return to a balanced position when unbalanced forces act on it.

What is symmetry?

An exact reflection on opposite sides of a line dividing an object in half.

What does symmetry help with?

Stability

What is the center of gravity?

The point around which a structure’s mass is equally balanced in all directions.

What does the center of gravity depend on?

On the shape and how its mass is distributed.

What is a beam?

A length of material that is used horizontally to support a load.

What is corrugation?

Placing triangular folds, ridges or grooves in a structure to usually make it stronger.

What is a cantilever?

A beam that is supported on only one end.

What is an arch?

A curved structure used to support loads in spaces where beams aren’t practical or wanted.

What is a dome?

A structure that looks like the top half of a sphere

What is a truss?

A network of beams & triangles.

What is a Geodesic dome?

A dome built from the framework of triangles.

Give me the definition for each of the following:

1. Shell structure

2. Frame structure

3. Solid structure

4. Combination structure

1. A structure with a hollow shape protecting its components.
   

2. A structure with a framework.
   

3. A structure with no hollow shape with strong material.
   

4. A structure with 2 elements of structures.

Give me the definition for each of the following:

1. Magnetic force

2. Electrostatic force

1. Attraction or repulsion that arises between electrically charged particles because of their motion.
   

2. The push or pull between charged objects. Opposite charges attract, while like charges repel.

What is a frost line?

The maximum depth underground that soil will not freeze during the coldest temperatures of the year.