Forces and Structures Vocabulary

Question 1

Frame

Answer 1

A rigid structure that surrounds or encloses something such as a door or window

Question 2

Shell

Answer 2

A thin, curved plate structure shaped to transmit applied forces by compressive, tensile, and shear stresses that act in the plane of the surface

Question 3

Centre of gravity

Answer 3

A point from which the weight of a body or system may be considered to act

Question 4

Stability

Answer 4

The ability of a structure to maintain, or regain, a stable (balanced) position when external forces act on it

Question 5

Compression

Answer 5

The force generated from compressing an object or substance

Question 6

Tension

Answer 6

A state of stress in which a material is being pulled apart

Question 7

Shear

Answer 7

A force which push parts which are in contact with each other in opposite directions

Question 8

Torsion

Answer 8

A force that acts on a material by twisting its ends in opposite directions

Question 9

Internal forces

Answer 9

The forces present inside the material of the structure

Question 10

External forces

Answer 10

The force which is applied on a structure by something else

Question 11

Stress

Answer 11

Results when internal and external force are applied to a structure which can weaken it

Question 12

Structural fatigue

Answer 12

Results in weakness to a structure when it is repeatedly used out of it’s original function

Question 13

Structural failure

Answer 13

Results when a structure can no longer stand up to forces acting on it

Question 14

Load

Answer 14

The external force on a structure

Question 15

Magnitude

Answer 15

The amount of force applied

Question 16

Point of application

Answer 16

The exact location at which a force is applied to a structure

Question 17

Plane of application

Answer 17

The side of the structure affected by the force

Question 18

Efficiency

Answer 18

The ability to accomplish a job with a minimum use of time and effort