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Fairgrounds often include thrill rides such as the “Slingshot bungee” - Leaving Cert Engineering - Question c - 2020
Question c
Fairgrounds often include thrill rides such as the “Slingshot bungee”. These bungee cords, which catapult the occupants vertically into the air, are usually made fro... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Fairgrounds often include thrill rides such as the “Slingshot bungee” - Leaving Cert Engineering - Question c - 2020
Step 1
Explain the term elastomer.
Answer
An elastomer is a type of polymer characterized by its ability to stretch and return to its original shape. These materials consist of long chains of molecules that are coiled and entangled. The internal structure of elastomers has minimal cross-linking, resulting in significant flexibility and elasticity at room temperature. This unique structural arrangement allows elastomers to endure repeated stretching and deformation without permanent changes to their form.
Step 2
Name and explain a polymer manufacturing process that could be used to make the bungee cord.
Answer
The extrusion process is commonly used to manufacture elastomeric components like bungee cords.
- Granulation: The process begins with granulated thermoplastic polymer being fed into a barrel from a hopper.
- Melting: A screw mechanism moves the plastic forward as heaters melt the polymer, transforming it from solid into liquid form.
- Extrusion through Die: As the polymer continues to be pushed through the screw, it is extruded through a die to form the desired shape of the bungee cord.
- Cooling: The extruded cord then passes through a cooling zone where it solidifies before being cut to length.
This method is efficient for creating continuous lengths of elastomer cord, which can be utilized in various applications including thrill rides.