A | B |
Structures | an object with a definite size and shape, which serves a pur¬pose or function. The parts of a structure have a specific arrange¬ment that remains the same |
Function | main purpose or job of a structure |
Forces | a push or pull, or anything that causes a change in the motion of an object |
Load | the weight carried or supported by a structure |
Natural Structure | an object or structure not made by people |
Manufactured Structure | an object or a structure that is made by humans |
Mass Structure | a structure, natural or manufactured, that is made by the piling up of materials; examples of a mass structure include a pyramid and a snow fort |
Shell Structure | a structure consisting of a thin outer covering that contains a large amount of space inside |
Aesthetics | a branch of philosophy that studies the prin¬ciples of beauty; the properties of an object that make it pleasing to the senses |
Margin of Safety | the need for something built or manufactured to perform as expected for a long time, so that people's safety and health are not at risk. In a structure, a margin of safety would ensure that the structure has extra strength to sup¬port more load than normal |
Properties | the characteristics of materials; every material has its own unique set of properties; examples of properties include colour, odour, and density |
Composite Materials | made up of several different materials, with different properties, to fulfil a specific purpose |
Laminations | a process in which a layer of material is pressed or glued onto other layers |
Mobile Joints | a joint that is designed to allow movement; examples of a mobile joint include a door hinge and an elbow |
Rigid Joints | joints that don't allow movement |
Adhesives | a sticky substance, such as glue or epoxy cement, that is used to hold objects or materials together |
Welding | a process in which pieces of metal or plastic are fused together by the application of heat |
Soldering | a process in which melted material is applied to a different material and as it hardens it forms a rigid joint that holds the other material together |