Forces Acting on Structures & Mechanisms

What is a force?

• A pulling force that stretches a material

• A squishing force that squeezes material together

• A non-moving load

• a push or a pull that causes an object to change its movement or shape

What is a dynamic load?

• a twisting force

• a moving load

• A non-moving load

• a sliding force

What is a static load?

• a twisting force

• a moving load

• A non-moving load

• a sliding force

Twisting a material is an example of...

• Compression

• Tension

• Torsion

• Shear

Pressing or squishing a material is an example of...

• Compression

• Tension

• Torsion

• Shear

Scissors are an example of shear force.

• True

• False

The two main types of forces are static and dynamic forces.

• True

• False

External forces such as extreme weather pose a constant threat to the structural reliability of structures.

• True

• False

Choosing the correct material to suit the needs that the structure will be in is an important method builders and engineers think about.

• True

• False

Choosing to build a chair out of wood instead of plastic is an example of which of the four key methods?

• Distributing the load so that no ONE part of the structure carries most of the load.

• Directing the forces along angled components so that forces hold pieces together instead of pulling them apart.

• Shape the parts to withstand the specific type of force acting on them.

• Choosing the correct material to suit the scenario that the structure will be in.