POE Pre-Engineering/Robotics Certification - Fundamentals

Flashcards covering the fundamentals of POE Pre-Engineering and Robotics, focusing on key concepts in engineering, space exploration, material science, and safety procedures.

What was Sputnik and why is it significant?

The first satellite to orbit the Earth and send back signals (1957). It marked the start of the space age.

Who was the first human to cross into outer space?

Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin on Vostok-1 (April 1961).

Who was Alan Shepard?

The first American astronaut to fly into space (May 1961).

What was the Apollo program?

A program designed to land humans on the Moon and return them safely to Earth (1963-1972).

Who was the first man on the moon?

Neil Armstrong in 1969.

What was the primary function of the space shuttle program?

To transport astronauts to space and help construct the International Space Station (1981-2011).

What was SpaceShipOne?

The first private company to put a man into space, winning the X Prize (2004).

What does STEAM stand for?

Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics.

What do electrical engineers do?

Design electrical power systems.

What do computer engineers do?

Use electrical engineering and coding to design computer hardware and software.

What do mechanical engineers do?

Design power-producing machines that manipulate torque, speed, energy, and fluids.

What do aerospace engineers do?

Design systems for aircraft.

What do civil engineers do?

Design bridges, roadways, and dams.

What do chemical engineers do?

Design large-scale processes that convert chemicals and raw materials into useful products.

What do manufacturing engineers do?

Refine raw materials to create products using automated machines.

What is the engineering design process?

Define the problem, identify criteria and constraints, research, brainstorm, select solutions, design and build, test, redesign, and implement.

What are the two main types of wood?

Softwood and hardwood.

Compare softwood to hardwood.

Softwoods are lower density, cheaper, and used for plywood and some furniture. Hardwoods are more durable, more expensive, and used for furniture and flooring.

What is density?

A measure of how heavy an object is for a given size; mass per unit volume.

What are some low density metals?

Aluminum and magnesium.

What are some high density metals?

Titanium, gold, steel, tungsten, lead, and platinum.

What is wood veneer?

Thin slices of wood, usually thinner than 3 mm, used to cover cheaper-looking woods.

What is concrete used for in houses?

Foundations.

What is framing lumber used for in houses?

Wall framing.

What is plywood used for in houses?

Covering roofs before shingles are added.

What is specific strength?

A material's strength divided by its density.

What materials have good strength/weight ratios?

Aluminum, titanium, magnesium, carbon fiber, glass fiber, and high strength steel alloys.

What is carbon fiber?

Long thin strands made mostly from carbon atoms; strong and light.

What are the cons of carbon fiber?

It is very expensive.

What is an alloy?

A mixture of two or more metals to create a new metal.

What is brass?

An alloy of copper and zinc.

What is stainless steel made from?

Iron and carbon, with chromium added to prevent rust.

What is rust?

Iron oxide that forms when iron is exposed to oxygen and moisture.

What is hardness according to the metals handbook?

Resistance of metal to plastic deformation, usually by indentation.

What are some examples of hard materials?

Diamond, boron carbide, quartz, tempered steel, ice.

What is sintering?

The process of converting metal powders into solid parts.

What is an example of sintering driven by temperature?

When ice cubes adhere to one another.

What does ferrous mean?

A metal containing a significant amount of iron.

Where do plastics come from?

Crude oil, natural gas, and coal.

What is a thermoplastic?

Plastic that becomes pliable when heated and solidifies upon cooling.

What are some dangerous materials?

Arsenic, mercury, and asbestos.

What does OSHA stand for?

Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

What is red safety color used for?

Danger/emergency and fire equipment.

What is yellow safety color used for?

Caution for walkways and trip hazards.

What is a bench belt sander?

A machine that rotates a coarse belt to sand down rough surfaces.

What is a drill press?

Used to drill holes of certain sizes into materials.

What is an engineering notebook?

A legal document used by engineers to document their work.

What is proper format for an engineering notebook?

All entries must be written in pen, numbered, signed, and dated.

What is a section view?

A drawing that shows a hidden part of an object by cutting away part of that object.

What is a multiview drawing?

Shows the object from multiple perspectives including top, front, and side.

What is the distance equation?

Distance = velocity x time.

What is the velocity equation?

Velocity = distance/time.

What happens when you connect batteries in series?

Their voltages add together.

What happens when you connect batteries in parallel?

Their capacities add together.

What parts make up a robot?

Object manipulator, wrist joint, elbow joint, shoulder joint.

What does the robot's cortex do?

It is a microcontroller that runs the robot and coordinates control signals.

What does airfoil refer to?

The shape of a wing that generates lift by creating different air pressures.

What are absolute coordinates?

Locations defined by their distance from a common origin.

What is the snap grid feature in CAD?

Points that the cursor moves to automatically during sketching.

What is 3D printing?

An additive process used for rapid prototyping where materials are added to create an object.

What is CNC machining?

A subtractive process that cuts material to create an object.

What is Quality Control?

A process to ensure product quality is maintained or improved.