PLTW Mechanical Engineering Terms

Mechanical Engineering Terms

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compressibility

The property of a material to get smaller when force or pressure is applied.

force

A push or pull that can make an object move, stop moving, change shape, or change directions.

hardness

The property of a material to be firm and solid, or not easy to bend, cut, or break.

impact

The action of one object coming forcibly into contact with another.

material

The matter from which a thing can be made.

mechanical engineer

A person who designs, constructs, and uses machines.

mechanical property

A physical property of a material when force is applied.

recall

A request from a manufacturer to return a product after the discovery of safety issues or product defects that might harm the consumer.

softness or firmness

The property of a material to support or resist a weight or a force.

tensile strength

The property of a material to be stretched or pulled without breaking.

testing procedure

A standardized and documented process for performing an experiment or conducting an evaluation.