Introduction to Engineering Midterm Review

These flashcards cover key concepts from the Introduction to Engineering lecture notes, focusing on the engineering design process, principles of physics, aircraft control surfaces, circuits, and hydraulic systems.

What is the purpose of the engineering design process?

To solve problems and guide engineers through the design and development of products.

How do you properly use pliers?

They are used to grip and manipulate small objects but are not adjustable for fastening most nuts.

What is the center of gravity?

The point on an object where the weight is evenly distributed, allowing the object to balance.

What is the role of heavy weights in balancing toys?

To have the same amount of weight on each side, ensuring stability and the weights lower the center of gravity

How can you find the center of gravity of a rocket?

Tie a string around it, hold the string, and see where the rocket balances.

What is the center of pressure?

The point where the total pressure force acts on an object.

What does Newton's 1st Law state?

Objects at rest tend to stay at rest, and objects in motion tend to stay in motion.

Which type of rocket has more difficulty launching, a light rocket or a massive rocket?

A massive rocket due to its greater weight requiring more force to launch.

What does Newton's 2nd Law explain?

A net force causes an object to accelerate.

What is the importance of a good center of gravity for stable flight?

It ensures balance and stability, preventing the rocket from tumbling.

What is the optimal air/water mixture for a soda bottle rocket?

2/3 air and 1/3 water, to provide enough propulsion and pressure.

What three components does every circuit need?

Power source, wires, and a device that needs energy.

What is Ohm's Law?

The relationship between voltage (V), current (I), and resistance (R), expressed as V = I x R.

What is the function of the ailerons on a plane?

To control the roll of the plane by manipulating the lift on each wing.

What is the purpose of the elevator on an aircraft?

To control the pitch of the plane, allowing the nose to point up or down.

What is the difference between hydraulics and pneumatics?

Hydraulics use liquids (usually water), while pneumatics use gases.

How does a scissor jack work to lift heavy objects?

It uses leverage through metal arms that expand vertically to increase lifted distance.

What is the load in the buzzer game?

buzzer

What is the complete path in the buzzer game?

electrical circut

What is the source in the buzzer game?

battery

Wing

Generates lift

Aileron

moves oppositely to control roll (tilting the wings). 

Elevator

moves up/down to control pitch (nose up/down).

Fuselage

The main body that holds the structure together and carries the payload (passengers/cargo)

Rudder

controls yaw (left/right movement of the nose).

Cockpit

Contains flight controls and instruments for pilots to operate the aircraft.

Horizontal stabilizer

Fixed tail surface that provides longitudinal stability, preventing unwanted up-and-down pitching of the nose.

Vertical Stabilizer

Fixed tail surface that provides directional stability, preventing the nose from swinging side-to-side.

Cowling

Covers the engine