DT (Engineering)

Question 1

What does “tensile strength” mean?

Answer 1

The resistance of a material to being stretched or pulled apart.

Question 2

What is “compressive strength”?

Answer 2

The ability of a material to resist being squashed or crushed.

Question 3

What is the “elastic limit”?

Answer 3

The maximum stretch a material can undergo and still return to its original shape.

Question 4

What’s the difference between hardness and toughness?

Answer 4

Hardness = resistance to scratching or denting.
Toughness = ability to absorb energy without breaking.

Question 5

What’s the best material for a beam that supports weight: wood, plastic, or steel? Why?

Answer 5

Steel, because it has high tensile and compressive strength.

Question 6

What is malleability?

Answer 6

Malleability is the ability of a material to be hammered or pressed into thin sheets without breaking. Metals like gold and aluminum are very malleable.

Question 7

What is ductility?

Answer 7

Ductility is the ability of a material to be stretched into a wire without breaking. Copper and steel are examples of ductile materials.

Question 8

What is brittleness?

Answer 8

When a material breaks easily without much deformation.

Question 9

What is a composite material?

Answer 9

A material made by combining two or more different materials to make something stronger or better (e.g., fiberglass, plywood).

Question 10

Give an example of a composite material.

Answer 10

Fibreglass (glass fibres + resin), or carbon fibre.

Question 11

What is a thermoplastic?

Answer 11

A plastic that can be melted and reshaped multiple times.

Question 12

What is a thermosetting plastic?

Answer 12

A plastic that can only be shaped once — it sets permanently when heated.

Question 13

Why is aluminium good for aircraft parts?

Answer 13

It’s lightweight, strong, and resistant to corrosion.

Question 14

What is ergonomics in DT?

Answer 14

Designing products to be comfortable and efficient for humans to use.

Question 15

What is aesthetics in design?

Answer 15

How a product looks and appeals to people visually.

Question 16

What is CAD used for in DT?

Answer 16

Computer-Aided Design — used to create and test product designs digitally.

Question 17

What is CAM used for in DT?

Answer 17

Computer-Aided Manufacturing — used to control machinery like CNC machines.

Question 18

Why are prototypes made?

Answer 18

To test a design’s function, appearance, and safety before mass production.

Question 19

What is a sustainable material?

Answer 19

A material that can be replaced naturally and doesn’t harm the environment.

Question 20

What is the purpose of quality control in manufacturing?

Answer 20

To make sure products meet set standards and are safe and reliable.