core technical principles

These flashcards summarize key concepts and details regarding modern materials, their applications, production techniques, and their environmental impacts.

What defines a modern material?

A modern material is engineered to have improved properties compared to traditional materials.

Examples of commonly used modern materials?

Concrete, aluminum, and steel.

What is graphene theorized to be?

Graphene is anticipated to be 100 times stronger than steel and could provide bulletproof, weightless body armor.

Why is graphene considered hypothetical?

It has not yet been manufactured in large enough quantities to verify its properties.

What applications use titanium?

Titanium is used in sporting and medical applications, such as hip joints and high-performance bicycles.

What is a key property of titanium?

High strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance.

What are metal foams?

Metal foams are lightweight materials produced by injecting gas into molten metal, retaining strength while reducing weight.

What is the primary use of metal foams?

They absorb shock effectively in vehicles during crashes.

What technology do liquid crystal displays (LCDs) rely on?

LCDs use the light-modulating properties of liquid crystals between liquid and solid states.

How do organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) differ from LCDs?

OLEDs allow devices to be thinner and lighter as each pixel generates its own light.

What are nanomaterials?

Tiny particles between 1 and 100 nanometers used in coatings that repel substances like water and grease.

What characterizes smart materials?

Smart materials exhibit a physical change in response to external stimuli.

What is an example of a smart material?

Shape-memory alloys that can return to their original shape upon heating.

How do thermochromic pigments work?

They change color in response to temperature changes.

What are photochromic pigments?

Pigments that change their properties in response to UV light.

What unique property does quantum-tunneling composite (QTC) possess?

It acts as an insulator when at rest and a conductor when pressure is applied.

What are self-healing materials?

Materials that can repair themselves, extending their lifespan.

How do ferrofluids function?

Ferrofluids become more solid under a strong magnetic field, allowing for friction reduction.

What is polymorph?

A polymer that becomes malleable when heated and can be shaped into various forms.

What are composite materials?

Composite materials are combinations of different materials designed to improve certain properties.

What are the three main categories of composite materials?

Fiber-based composites, particle-based composites, and sheet-based composites.

What is glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) used for?

GRP combines glass fibers with resin for applications in boats and instrument cases.

Give an example of a particle-based composite.

Concrete, which is made from cement, sand, and aggregate.

What is the use of medium-density fibreboard (MDF)?

MDF is used for furniture and interior cladding.

What characterizes technical textiles?

Technical textiles have advanced properties for specific applications, often beyond standard textiles.

What is nylon commonly used for?

Nylon, a polyamide, is widely used as a fabric in clothing.

What property do fire-retardant fabrics possess?

Fire-retardant fabrics resist burning and are used in furniture and furnishings for safety.

Why is Kevlar used in bulletproof vests?

Kevlar has high impact resistance, making it effective for protection.

What are microfibres used for?

They are utilized in products like winter clothing and cleaning cloths for their absorbency.

Define automation in manufacturing.

Automation is the use of machinery to perform tasks that were previously done by humans.

What is robotics in relation to automation?

Robotics refers to machines that use AI to improve procedure performance.

What is modular building?

Modular buildings can be erected quickly and cost-effectively through standardized components.

What is crowdfunding?

Crowdfunding involves using websites to secure investments for projects from multiple backers.

What is the purpose of virtual marketing?

Virtual marketing promotes products online and uses algorithms for personalized advertising.

Define fair trade practices.

Fair trade practices ensure that workers in developing countries receive fair wages and working conditions.

What are finite resources?

Finite resources are non-renewable and will eventually deplete, such as metals and fossil fuels.

What is the focus of sustainable material usage?

Consideration for sourcing materials responsibly and minimizing environmental impact.

What is continuous improvement known as in industry?

It is often called 'Kaizen' and focuses on making small regular adjustments for improved quality.

What does pollution refer to?

Pollution refers to harmful substances released into the environment.

How does global warming relate to manufacturing?

Manufacturing processes can release harmful gases that contribute to global warming.

What is technology push in product development?

Technology push occurs when products are developed based on new research and development with no prior demand.

What is market pull?

Market pull is when product ideas are created as a response to consumer demand or needs.

What happens to job roles in the face of new technology?

Workers may need to be retrained or up-skilled to manage new technologies.

Define planned obsolescence.

Planned obsolescence is designing products with a limited lifespan to encourage repeat purchases.

What is design for maintenance?

Design for maintenance focuses on creating products that are durable and can be easily repaired.

What is design for disassembly?

Design for disassembly means products can be taken apart for reuse or recycling once they reach the end of life.

What is the goal of environmental design?

To reduce waste and improve sustainability in product design.

What is the significance of fossil fuels in energy consumption?

Fossil fuels account for a significant portion of the world's energy supply but are limited resources.

How is coal used in energy production?

Coal is burned to generate steam which spins turbines connected to generators creating electricity.

What are the advantages of natural gas?

Natural gas emits less carbon dioxide than coal when burned and is commonly used for heating.

How is electricity generated through nuclear power?

Nuclear power generates electricity by splitting atoms to produce heat, which creates steam for turbines.

What is a key benefit of renewable energy?

Renewable energy sources are non-finite; they harness natural processes to produce energy.

What is wind energy harnessed by?

Wind energy is captured using wind turbines that convert wind movement into electricity.

How do solar panels produce electricity?

Solar panels convert the Sun’s light energy into electricity through photovoltaic cells.

What is tidal energy?

Tidal energy is produced by the gravitational pull of the moon causing water level changes.

What is the main disadvantage of hydroelectric power?

The construction of dams for hydroelectric power can be expensive and may impact local wildlife.

What characterizes biomass energy?

Biomass energy involves burning plant materials to produce heat, utilizing renewable resources.

Differentiate between single-use and rechargeable batteries.

Single-use batteries are disposable, while rechargeable batteries can be reused multiple times.

What is a kinetic-pumped storage system?

A system that stores energy by pumping water to a higher reservoir during low demand and releasing it during peak times.

What is the function of input devices in a system?

Input devices take real-world signals and convert them into electronic signals that can be processed.

What is the purpose of sensors in technology?

Sensors detect changes in the environment, such as temperature, light, and pressure.

What defines a microcontroller?

A microcontroller is a small computer on a single integrated circuit that controls various devices.

What is the function of output devices?

Output devices convert processed signals back into physical signals, such as sound or light.

What type of motion do gears primarily transfer?

Gears primarily transfer rotary motion.

What is the purpose of pulleys in mechanical systems?

Pulleys utilize mechanical advantage to lift loads by changing the direction of force.

How does a block and tackle system create mechanical advantage?

It reduces the effort needed to lift a load by utilizing multiple pulleys.

What characterizes thermoplastics?

Thermoplastics can be heated and molded multiple times without losing their properties.

Differentiate between thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics.

Thermoplastics can be reshaped when heated; thermosetting plastics can only be formed once.

What are the physical properties of metals typically characterized by?

Physical properties of metals include conductivity, melting point, and corrosion resistance.

What is the significance of alloying in metallurgy?

Alloying improves the properties of metals, such as hardness and resistance to corrosion.

What type of textile is polyester?

Polyester is a synthetic fibre known for strength and versatility.

What is the main use of wool in textiles?

Wool is used for clothing and carpets due to its softness and warmth.

What do blended textiles combine?

Blended textiles combine properties of different fibres to enhance performance.

What is the use of felting in textiles?

Felting involves matting fibres together to create a non-woven fabric.

What happens during the process of weaving?

In weaving, two sets of yarns are interlaced at right angles to create fabric.

Define a mechanical advantage in the context of levers.

Mechanical advantage is a measure of the force amplification achieved by using a lever.

What are the three classes of levers?

First order, second order, and third order levers, characterized by the positions of effort, load, and fulcrum.

What is a common example of a first order lever?

A seesaw is a common example of a first order lever.

What distinguishes a second order lever?

In a second order lever, the load is located between the effort and the fulcrum.

Describe the motion transformation in crank and slider linkages.

They transform rotary motion into reciprocating motion.

What is the primary function of gear trains?

Gear trains transmit power and motion between interlocking gears.

How do you calculate the gear ratio?

Gear ratio is calculated by dividing the number of teeth on the driven gear by the number on the drive gear.

What are the components of a cam mechanism?

A cam and a follower.

What is a roller follower designed to do?

A roller follower reduces friction while following the contour of a cam.

What is the function of a bell crank linkage?

A bell crank linkage changes the direction of force by 90 degrees.

What does a point follower typically provide?

A point follower provides high accuracy but is prone to wear.