MEC119

Question 1

Define constraints

Answer 1

What must be satisfied

E.g. must be able to support a certain load

Question 2

Define objectives

Answer 2

The optimisation

E.g. cheapest, minimise embodied energy

Question 3

Define free variables

Answer 3

What you can change to meet your objective

E.g. changing material

Question 4

What are hybrid materials?

Answer 4

Two or more materials with very different properties combined together to form a hybrid material

Question 5

What are the types of hybrids?

Answer 5

Composites
Sandwich structures
Lattices
Segmented

Question 6

Describe a composite material

Answer 6

Particles or fibres of one material are embedded in another

Question 7

Describe the sandwich structure

Answer 7

Skins of high-performance material on a lower-grade core

Question 8

Which materials have a lattice structure?

Answer 8

Foams and other highly porous materials

Question 9

Describe the segmented hybrid structure

Answer 9

Materials are made of interlocking strands or layers of materials

Question 10

What’s the equation for the density of a composite?

Answer 10

P_c = f*P_r + (1-f)P_m

f = volume fraction of reinforcement
P_r = density of reinforcement
P_m = density of matrix