GCSE Design and Technology: Core Technical Principles and Mathematics

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering fundamental mathematical formulas, materials, energy systems, mechanisms, and communication techniques from the GCSE D&T syllabus.

Area

The measurement of the amount of 2D surface space covered by a shape, expressed in squared units such as $\text{mm}^2$, $\text{cm}^2$, or $\text{m}^2$.

Volume

The measurement of the 3D space contained inside a solid object, expressed in standard cubed units such as $\text{mm}^3$, $\text{cm}^3$, or $\text{m}^3$.

Density

The measure of how much mass is packed into a specific volume, calculated using the formula $\text{Density} = \text{Mass} \div \text{Volume}$.

Technology

The application of knowledge, materials, tools, and processes to solve practical problems or meet human needs.

Automation

The use of technology to execute manufacturing or operational tasks with minimal human input.

Robotics

Programmable machines designed to perform specific physical tasks continuously and with high precision.

CAD / CAM

Computer-Aided Design linked directly to Computer-Aided Manufacture to transfer digital design data straight to production machinery.

IoT (Internet of Things)

Physical devices connected via internet networks to share real-time data for factory monitoring and predictive maintenance.

Carbon Footprint

The total greenhouse gas emissions ($\text{CO}_2$) caused directly or indirectly by a product, person, or process.

Assistive Technology

Technology providing customized control interfaces that allow individuals with physical disabilities to operate devices independently.

Life-Cycle Analysis (LCA)

A methodology that assesses the total environmental impact of a product across its five life stages: extraction, manufacturing, transportation, use, and disposal.

One-off Production

A production method where a single, unique item is custom-built for one specific client.

Batch Production

A production method where a specified, fixed quantity of identical items is manufactured together before machinery is reconfigured.

Mass Production

A production method involving large volumes of standardized items built on continuous assembly lines.

Continuous Production

A 24/7 non-stop manufacturing method designed to produce massive volumes of bulk raw products such as paper or steel.

Just-in-Time (JIT)

A production system where components and raw materials arrive at the factory floor precisely when needed for assembly.

Renewable Energy

Energy gathered from natural resources that are naturally replenished and will not run out, such as solar PV, wind, and hydroelectric power.

Non-Renewable Energy

Finite fossil fuels (such as coal, oil, and natural gas) that cannot replenish at the rate they are consumed and will eventually be exhausted.

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Panel

A device that converts light energy directly into electrical energy without mechanical movement.

Energy Storage

Systems used to capture excess electrical energy generated during peak production periods to balance supply and demand when generation stops.

Modern Materials

Materials that have been engineered or altered by humans to deliver improved and specific physical properties.

Smart Material

A material that dynamically alters its physical properties in direct response to an external stimulus such as temperature, light, or pressure.

Nomex

A heat and flame-resistant synthetic textile used in firefighter suits and racing driver overalls that does not melt or drip when heated.

Teflon (PTFE)

A synthetic non-stick coating with ultra-low surface friction used to repel liquids, grease, and food on cookware and fabrics.

Nanomaterials

Engineered material structures smaller than $100\,\text{nanometres}$ that offer an exceptionally high surface-area-to-volume ratio.

Shape Memory Alloy (SMA)

A smart metal alloy that returns to its original remembered shape when heated after being deformed.

Thermochromic Pigment

A smart material that changes its visual color in response to changes in temperature.

Photochromic Pigment

A smart material that reversibly darkens when exposed to light or UV radiation and turns clear again indoors.

Hydrochromic Material

A smart material that changes its visual appearance when exposed to water or moisture.

Piezoelectric Material

A smart material that generates a small electrical voltage when subjected to mechanical pressure, stress, or squeezing.

Electrochromic Material

A smart material that changes color or optical transparency instantly in response to an electrical voltage input.

Composite Material

A material created by bonding two or more distinct materials together to obtain enhanced physical properties, consisting of a matrix and reinforcement.

Matrix

The surrounding bonding material in a composite that binds and holds the embedded reinforcement fibers or rods together.

Reinforcement

The embedded strands, fibers, or aggregates within a composite that supply tensile or structural strength.

Compressive Strength

The capacity of a material to withstand being pushed, squeezed, or crushed by inward forces.

Tensile Strength

The resistance of a material to breaking, stretching, or failing when pulled apart by tension forces.

Reinforced Concrete

A composite material combining concrete with embedded steel rebar to achieve both high compressive and high tensile strength.

Fibreglass (GRP)

A lightweight, corrosion-resistant composite consisting of glass fibers embedded within a thermosetting polymer resin matrix.

Carbon Fibre (CFRP)

A high-performance composite of woven carbon strands bound within a polymer resin, featuring an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio.

Technical Textiles

Textile materials manufactured primarily for their technical, performance, and functional properties rather than their aesthetic appearance.

Agrotextiles

Technical textiles used in agriculture and horticulture for shade netting, crop protection, and weed suppression.

Linear Movement

Continuous motion travelling in a single straight line in one direction.

Rotary Movement

Continuous turning motion moving around a central fixed axis or pivot point.

Reciprocating Movement

Repetitive back-and-forth or up-and-down motion travelling in a straight line.

Oscillating Movement

Repetitive swinging motion moving back and forth along a curved circular arc from a central pivot point.

Mechanical Advantage (MA)

The factor by which a mechanism multiplies an applied force, calculated as $\text{MA} = \text{Load force} \div \text{Effort force}$.

Velocity Ratio (VR)

The ratio of the distance moved by the effort compared to the distance moved by the load: $\text{VR} = \text{Distance moved by effort} \div \text{Distance moved by load}$.

Efficiency (Mechanisms)

The percentage of mechanical input effectively converted into output work, expressed as $\text{Efficiency (\%)} = (\text{MA} \div \text{VR}) \times 100$.

Class 1 Lever

A lever system where the fulcrum is located in the middle, between the effort and the load.

Class 2 Lever

A lever system where the load is located in the middle, between the fulcrum and the effort, always yielding an $\text{MA} > 1$.

Class 3 Lever

A lever system where the effort is applied in the middle, between the fulcrum and the load, yielding an $\text{MA} < 1$.

Isometric Drawing

A 3D pictorial drawing technique where vertical edges remain vertical and receding horizontal lines are drawn at $30^\circ$.

Orthographic Projection

A 2D technical working drawing system showing aligned front, plan, and side views with hidden features depicted by dashed lines.

Exploded View

A technical illustration that displays components separated along assembly axes to communicate correct assembly sequence.

Net Development

A flat 2D pattern layout designed with tabs that can be cut, scored, and folded into a 3D package or product.