Physics - Structures, Mechanisms, Electricity Flashcards
To enhance knowledge on physics.
If an object is symmetrical it means that it …
Can be divided into TWO EQUAL AND IDENTICAL PARTS
Symmetrical objects have…
More stability, because they can spread weight evenly across them.
For example, a bridge.
A structural failure can be caused by…
Either a manufactured flaw or a natural disaster.
Manufactured flaws include…
Poor design, foundation failure, faulty construction, or a combination of causes.
Natural disasters include…
Hurricanes, cyclones, floods, earthquakes, or fires.
What type of fail is the most common?
Primarily manufactured forces.
What are other reasons that a structure might fail?
Poor worker communication, bad workmanship, building material degradation, logistics not properly communicated, lack of experience of either the designer or the builder.
What happens if a too-heavy load is placed on a structure?
The structure will weaken and fail. An example is snow on a roof, or books on a shelf.
What needs to be considered when choosing materials to build a structure?
Cost, aesthetics, climate, availability, life of the material, and handling/storage.
What is the total load?
The sum of the dynamic (a force which changes, like water or winds) and static (dead load - the object’s weight, and live load - the overall weight on the structure) loads.
What are the most common 3D shapes?
Arches, beams, and columns.
Which methods are used by builders and engineers and what do they do?
Performance testing - the evaluation process which makes sure that the product is at a certain level of quality to be sold
Risk management - controlling the situation so there is little to no risk involved
What are different types of risk management?
Design for loads - designing a product to specifically bear weight, or, a load
Design for safety - designing an object to meet requirements to be deemed safe (the building codes)
Design for efficiency - designing something which can be built with limited resources and time
Which factors must be considered when designing and building a structure?
How the function stays the same, though the form changes based off of climate, weather, and elevation
Determing consumer need, and what the buyer will purchase, aesthetics
Economy and the Environment, making sure a product is cost effective, and having a lifespan in mind for the product, planned obsolence which allows producers to make more p=money when products need to be continuosly replaced
Environmental impact, using resources which are better for the environment, as more people appreciate those
If a product is not ergonomically designed it can lead to… for example…
Repetitive stress injuries, wrist pain, neck or back strains, and office workers are more at risk to these types of injuries, if a product is not ergonomically designed even the computer mouse could hurt them.
