Selecting materials

• What is the study of design engineering focused on?

  Problem solving through engineering and design
• What factors do design engineers consider when selecting materials?

  Functional aspects and material properties
• Why must the blade of a lawnmower be made from tough materials?

  To withstand impacts and resist corrosion
• What are physical properties of materials?

  Traits a material has before use
• What is density in terms of material properties?

  Amount of matter per volume
• How is low-density polyethylene (LDPE) used?

  As shock-absorbing packaging materials
• What does absorbency refer to in materials?

  Ability to retain heat, light, or water
• Why are wooden handles used on saucepans?

  They are poor thermal conductors
• What is corrosive resistance in materials?

  Ability to withstand chemicals and weather
• What is flammability in terms of material properties?

  Ability to ignite or combust
• Why are specially engineered ceramics used in brake pads?

  They have low flammability and high friction
• What does strength refer to in working properties?

  How a material behaves under stress
• Why is steel used for cables in suspension bridges?

  It has high tensile strength
• What is hardness in terms of material properties?

  Ability to withstand dents or scratches
• How are synthetic diamonds used in tunneling drills?

  To ensure they stay sharp while drilling
• What does durability refer to in materials?

  Ability to maintain functionality over time
• What is the strength-to-weight ratio?

  Strength divided by density
• Why is carbon fiber used in racing car bodies?

  It is lightweight and strong
• What does stiffness refer to in materials?

  Ability to withstand deformation under force
• Why is steel used in building frames?

  For its stiffness and load-bearing capacity
• What is elasticity in terms of material properties?

  Ability to return to original shape
• Why is silicone rubber used in swimming caps?

  It is extremely flexible
• What does impact resistance refer to in materials?

  Ability to withstand sudden high force
• Why is polycarbonate used in motorcycle visors?

  For its impact resistance and durability
• What is plasticity in terms of material properties?

  Ability to be shaped or molded
• How are thermoplastics like ABS used?

  They can be injection molded into products
• What factors do design engineers consider when choosing materials?

  • Ease of working with the material
  • Functionality in different contexts
  • Environmental impact during extraction and processing
  • Availability of stock forms
  • Social, cultural, and ethical considerations
• What is functionality in material selection?

  Does the material perform as required?
• What are aesthetics in material selection?

  What the material looks and feels like
• What are environmental considerations in material selection?

  Impact during extraction and processing
• What does availability refer to in material selection?

  Stock forms and their fitness for purpose
• What are social, cultural, and ethical considerations in material selection?

  Value, source, and working conditions of materials
• How does the choice of material affect product design?

  It influences functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability
• What is the role of a design engineer?

  To develop concept ideas into functioning products
• What is the importance of selecting the right materials?

  Ensures product functionality and longevity
• How do physical and working properties differ?

  Physical properties are traits before use; working properties are behaviors during use
• Why is it important to consider environmental impact in material selection?

  To minimize harm during extraction and processing
• How can social trends influence material selection?

  They can dictate the use of sustainable materials
• What is the significance of stock forms in material selection?

  They determine the material's fitness for purpose
• What does it mean for a material to have cultural value?

  It may come from a special or ethical source