AQA GCSE Product Design: 2.2 - Forces and Stresses

Forces Acting on Materials and Objects:

• Tension - Forces causing an object to be stretched or pulled apart   * e.g. tug of war
• Compression - Pushing forces that squeeze an object   * e.g. drink can, table, chair
• Shear - Cutting by moving an object sideways and in opposite directions   * e.g. scissors
• Bending - Forces causing an object to bend   * e.g. ruler
• Torsion - Twisting forces on an object   * e.g. cars

Enhancing Materials

• In order to resist forces and stresses.
• Rope -   * Stretchy twisted strands   * Resistant against tension
• Concrete -   * Steel bars   * High compressive strength and tension resistance
• Fabrics -   * Contain strips of another material
• Timbers -   * Laminating 2 pieces together   * Resistant against tension, bending, and compression.

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