Structural Systems - HL

equilibrium

a state of balance when a system is subject to equal but opposite forces

translational equilibrium

the sum of all vertical and horizontal forces acting on the structure from every direction must be zero

rotational equilibrium

the sum of all moments any point must be zero

static forces

includes a structures own weight, the load it carries. they are constant, unchanging loads

dynamic forces

moving forces may be produced by external factors. They have frequent changes

torsion

a twisting froce rotates an object around its axis causing it to turn or twist

tensile force

pulling or stretching force that attempts to make the part longer or pull apart

compressive force

squeezes or causes a material to shorten

bending force

load applied to a material a certain distance from one of its fixed positions

shear force

two opposite and equal forces that act on an object but are not aligned

stress

a force on a material divided by the cross sectional area of that material

strain

the response of a material due to stress

Young’s Modulus

a measure of the stiffness of an elastic material defined by stress or strain

yield strength

the maximum amount of stress a material can withstand before undergoing plastic deformation

ultimate tensile strength

the maximum amount of stress a material can withstand before breaking

free body diagram

a visual representation of the forces acting on an object

FEA

digital model calculation and simulation of unknown factors in products using cad

safety factor

a ratio of how much load a structure can bear compared to its normal expected load