topic 3: Modelling

Which type of analysis would you use to simulate unknown factors, such as stresses within a joint, in products?

• A. Market analysis

• B. Finite element analysis (FEA)

• C. Life cycle analysis (LCA)

• D. Work flow analysis

Answer explanation

Finite element analysis (FEA) is used to simulate and analyze stresses and other unknown factors within structures, making it the correct choice for assessing stresses in joints of products.

What type of model exists in the mind and is used to help us know and understand ideas?

• A. Concept model

• B. Data model

• C. Aesthetic model

• D. Physical model

Answer explanation

A concept model exists in our minds to help us understand and organize ideas. It represents our mental frameworks for interpreting information, making it the correct choice over data, aesthetic, or physical models.

Virtual reality is increasingly being used in design and development to simulate product interaction. Sometimes this is used in relation to tools that allow designers and testers to 'feel' the virtual environment. Which of the following best describes a technology that simulates the sense of touch?

• A. Accelerometer

• B. Movement sensor

• C. Haptic

• D. Vibration motors

Answer explanation

The correct choice is C. Haptic technology simulates the sense of touch, allowing users to 'feel' virtual environments. Accelerometers and movement sensors detect motion, while vibration motors provide feedback but do not fully simulate touch.

In computer-aided design (CAD), when a model is created that has no interior material and is just a visual representation of the final product, this is considered as a…

• A. Bottom up model

• B. Surface model

• C. Solid model

• D. Top down model

Answer explanation

In CAD, a surface model represents only the outer shell of an object without any interior material. This makes option B, surface model, the correct choice, as it focuses solely on the visual aspects of the design.

What rapid prototyping process uses lasers to solidify layers from a liquid resin?

• A. Stereolithography (SLA)

• B. Fused deposition modelling (FDM)

• C. Selective laser sintering (SLS)

• D. Laminated object manufacturing (LOM)

Answer explanation

Stereolithography (SLA) is a rapid prototyping process that uses lasers to cure and solidify liquid resin layer by layer, making it the correct choice for this question.

Prototyping objects using plastic powder deposition is known as…

• A. laminated object manufacturing (LOM)

• B. fused deposition modelling (FDM)

• C. stereolithography

• D. selective laser sintering (SLS)

Answer explanation

Selective laser sintering (SLS) is a 3D printing process that uses a laser to fuse powdered plastic into solid objects, making it the correct choice for prototyping with plastic powder deposition.

Which of the following processes, commonly used in video games and animated movies, uses magnetic markers or LEDs to create a digital image of a person?

• A. Data modelling

• B. Statistical modelling

• C. Motion capture

• D. Virtual prototyping

Answer explanation

C. Motion capture is the correct answer as it involves using magnetic markers or LEDs to track a person's movements and create a digital representation, commonly used in video games and animated films.

Clay models, scale models and prototypes are all examples of which type of modelling?

• A. Physical modelling

• B. Graphical modelling

• C. Functional modelling

• D. Conceptual modelling

Answer explanation

Clay models, scale models, and prototypes are tangible representations used to visualize and test ideas, making them examples of physical modelling. Thus, the correct answer is A. Physical modelling.

Selective laser sintering can use a range of powdered materials to create products. These materials include…

• A. Plastic, metal and glass

• B. Ceramics, textiles and wood

• C. Plastic, wood and composites

• D. Metal, textiles and ceramics

Answer explanation

Selective laser sintering primarily uses powdered materials like plastic, metal, and glass to create products, making option A the correct choice. Other materials listed in the other options are not typically used in this process.

The Simodont® Dental Trainer is a device used by university students to practice surgery skills during their dentistry training, see Figure 3. The device uses sensors that measure forces exerted by the user on the interface and recreates a sense of touch. What name is given to this type of technology?

• A. Motion capture

• B. Virtual reality

• C. Haptic technology

• D. Augmented reality

Answer explanation

The Simodont® Dental Trainer uses sensors to recreate a sense of touch, which is characteristic of haptic technology. This technology allows users to feel interactions in a virtual environment, making option C the correct choice.