Engineering TSA Tech Bowl Study Guide

Sections: Structural, Mechanical, Robotics

Compression

Application of balanced inward forces to different points on a material or structure.

Tension

Pulling or stretching force transmitted axially along an object, opposite of compression.

Shear

Deformation caused by parallel planes sliding past one another, transforming shapes like rectangles.

Torsion

Twisting of a structural member caused by equal and opposite torques applied at its ends.

Bending

Deformation of a structural element due to an applied moment or force, causing it to curve.

Friction

Resistance force occurring when two surfaces are in contact and attempt to move relative to each other.

Drag

Aerodynamic resistance experienced by an object moving through a fluid, like air or water.

Lift

Force acting perpendicular to the direction of motion, usually associated with aerodynamics of wings.

Spring Force

Force exerted by a compressed or stretched spring, based on displacement according to Hooke's law.

Applied Force

Force exerted on an object by a person or another object.

Normal Force

Support force exerted upon an object in contact with another stable object, perpendicular to the surface.

Air Resistance

Frictional force that opposes the motion of an object through air.

Simple Machines

Devices that change the direction or magnitude of a force, making work easier (e.g., levers, pulleys).

Compound Machines

Machines made of two or more simple machines working together to perform a task.

Effort

Force applied to a machine to move a load.

Load

Weight or force being moved or lifted by a machine.

Fulcrum

Pivot point about which a lever rotates.

Lever

Rigid bar that pivots around a fulcrum to lift or move loads.

Pulley

Simple machine using a wheel and rope to lift or lower loads.

Inclined Plane

Flat surface tilted at an angle to help lift objects with less effort.

Screw

Simple machine that converts rotational motion into linear motion, consisting of a cylindrical shaft with a helical ridge.