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Irish sailors and rowers have experienced considerable success in recent years culminating in Olympic and World Championship glory for the O'Donovan brothers and for Sanita Puspure - Leaving Cert Engineering - Question 6 - 2019
Question 6
Irish sailors and rowers have experienced considerable success in recent years culminating in Olympic and World Championship glory for the O'Donovan brothers and for... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Irish sailors and rowers have experienced considerable success in recent years culminating in Olympic and World Championship glory for the O'Donovan brothers and for Sanita Puspure - Leaving Cert Engineering - Question 6 - 2019
Step 1
State two key thermoplastic material properties to be considered for the manufacture of the oarlock body shown.
Answer
- Toughness: The material must absorb impacts without breaking, ensuring durability during racing conditions.
- Water Resistance: The oarlock material should not degrade or lose functionality when exposed to water, maintaining performance in various aquatic environments.
Step 2
Name and describe a suitable manufacturing process for the mass production of the oarlock body shown.
Answer
The suitable manufacturing process for the oarlock body is Injection Moulding. This process involves:
- Feeding Plastic Granules: Small plastic granules are fed into a heated cylinder where they are melted into a liquid state.
- Mould Preparation: The molten plastic is injected under pressure into a mould shaped like the oarlock body. The pressure ensures that all cavities and spaces are filled.
- Cooling and Ejection: Once the material cools and solidifies, the mould opens, and the finished oarlock body is ejected.
Step 3
Outline the basic principles of copolymerisation.
Answer
Copolymers are formed when two different monomers are linked together in the same polymer chain. This allows the resulting polymer to have a mixture of properties derived from both monomers, enhancing its overall performance. For instance, combining flexibility from one monomer with strength from another can yield a material that excels in both areas.
Step 4
Describe the difference between elastic memory and elasticity in thermoplastics.
Answer
Elastic Memory refers to a thermoplastic's ability to return to its original shape after deformation if heated again, indicating its temperature-dependent behavior. Elasticity, in contrast, measures a material's ability to deform under tensile stress and return to its original shape once the stress is removed. While elastic memory is specific to reheating, elasticity applies to general mechanical behavior.
Step 5
Discuss the use of lubricants in polymer manufacturing processes.
Answer
Lubricants are employed in polymer manufacturing primarily to reduce friction and wear during processing. They improve the flow of the polymer through machinery, enhance the quality of the finished product, and prolong the lifespan of equipment by minimizing heat generation. Wax and oil-based lubricants are common, used in small amounts to maintain effectiveness.
Step 6
Outline the negative effects on the environment of the continuous use of polymer materials.
Answer
The continuous use of polymer materials can lead to significant environmental issues, such as:
- Pollution: Many plastic products are not biodegradable and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years, contributing to pollution in oceans and landscapes.
- Wildlife Harm: Discarded plastics can be ingested by wildlife, leading to injury or death, and often interfere with natural ecosystems.
Step 7
Describe the terms laminated and carbon fibre.
Answer
Laminated refers to the process of bonding together multiple layers of materials to form a composite structure, enhancing strength and durability. Carbon Fibre is a lightweight and rigid material made from thin strands of carbon atoms woven together to form a strong fabric, commonly used in high-performance applications like racing boats.
Step 8
Outline the importance of the honeycomb structure in the manufacture of racing boats.
Answer
The honeycomb structure adds strength, stiffness, and thickness to the boat structure while minimizing weight. This design allows for better load distribution and improved buoyancy, ensuring that racing boats remain lightweight yet resilient during high-speed performance. It also enhances the efficiency of materials used, providing an excellent strength-to-weight ratio.