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(a) Identify the main processes used to manufacture the metal face guard of the hurling helmet shown - Leaving Cert Engineering - Question Question 1 - 2012
Question Question 1
(a) Identify the main processes used to manufacture the metal face guard of the hurling helmet shown. (b) Explain the term allotropy with reference to carbon steel.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:(a) Identify the main processes used to manufacture the metal face guard of the hurling helmet shown - Leaving Cert Engineering - Question Question 1 - 2012
Step 1
Identify the main processes used to manufacture the metal face guard of the hurling helmet shown.
Answer
The main processes used to manufacture the metal face guard of the hurling helmet include:
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Bending: In this initial step, metal bars are shaped to meet the desired design specifications of the face guard by applying force to create curves and angles.
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Welding: Following the bending process, the shaped metal bars are joined together through welding to ensure structural integrity and support. This process involves melting the base materials and allowing them to cool to form a strong bond.
Step 2
Explain the term allotropy with reference to carbon steel.
Answer
Allotropy refers to the ability of a material to exist in different structural forms. In the case of iron, which is a primary component of carbon steel, allotropy significantly affects the properties of the metal.
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Alpha Iron (Ferrite): This is the body-centered cubic structure of iron that is stable at lower temperatures and can accommodate very little carbon, generally up to around 0.02%.
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Gamma Iron (Austenite): This face-centered cubic structure is stable at higher temperatures, allowing for a higher solubility of carbon, typically up to 1.7%. When carbon steel is cooled from the austenite state, some carbon must exit the solution, transforming the structure into ferrite.
Furthermore, the compound known as cementite (iron carbide) forms during this transformation, contributing to the hardness of carbon steel. Therefore, the understanding of allotropy is crucial for manipulating the properties of carbon steel in various applications.