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Materials and their applications
Official AQA section 3.1.1.
7
Objectives
10
Flashcards
10
Questions
90 min
Study time
AqaA LevelDesign And Technology Product DesignTechnical principles
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Syllabus checklist
What you need to know
7 objective pages available
Materials and their applications7 objectives
- Students are expected to be able to name specific materials for a wide range of applications.
- They must also be able to provide detailed and justified explanations of why specific materials and combinations of materials are suitable for given applications, with reference to: • physical and mechanical properties (working characteristics) • product function • aesthetics • cost • manufacture and disposal.
- Understand the appropriate use of materials including polymers, composites, woods and metals based on their physical and working characteristics such as: • malleability • toughness • hardness • resistance to corrosion and degradation • thermal conductivity • electrical conductivity.
- Calculation of quantities of materials sizes and costs.
- Classification of materials.
- Students should know and understand the classifications of the following materials and be able to name examples that belong to each category: • metals (ferrous, non-ferrous, alloys) • woods (hardwoods, softwoods, manufactured boards) • polymers (thermoplastics, thermoset polymers, elastomers) • papers and boards • composites • smart materials • modern materials. Methods for investigating and testing materials.
- Students should be able to describe how workshop and industrial tests are set up and what will be tested, measured and compared, including: • tensile strength • toughness • hardness • malleability • corrosion • conductivity. Analysis of data obtained from testing.
Key terms
Composite materialsBiodegradable plasticsTensile StrengthThermal ConductivityCorrosion ResistanceStrength-to-Weight RatioCost AnalysisThermoplasticCompositeAlloyManufactured boardsToughness
Exam tips
- Use specific examples in your answers.: When discussing materials, always provide specific examples and their applications.
- Use specific examples in your answers: When discussing materials, always provide specific examples and justify your choices based on their properties and applications.
Common mistakes
- Confusing thermoplastics with thermosetting plastics: Remember that thermoplastics can be remolded upon heating, while thermosetting plastics cannot.
- Confusing hardness with toughness: Clarify that hardness measures surface resistance, while toughness measures a material's ability to withstand impact without breaking.
Practice preview
- Which of the following materials is best suited for making lightweight structures that require high strength-to-weight ratios?
- Name a thermoplastic material commonly used in packaging and describe its properties.
- Evaluate the suitability of using plywood for furniture production.
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