Materials Science Quiz for Architecture Class

Hardwood vs Softwood

• Hardwoods come from deciduous trees, losing their leaves in autumn.
• They are typically denser and stronger than softwoods.
• Examples include oak, mahogany, and teak.
• Softwoods come from conifers, retaining their needles.
• Examples include pine, spruce, and cedar.
• Softwoods are generally easier to work with.
• Softwoods are less dense and strong compared to hardwoods.

Timber - Good or Bad?

Advantages of Timber

• Aesthetic appeal: Adds warmth and character to designs.
• Renewable resource: Sustainable when harvested responsibly.
• Strength-to-weight ratio: Strong but lightweight.
• Insulating: Provides natural insulation.
• Biodegradable: Breaks down naturally.

Disadvantages of Timber

• Susceptible to moisture and rot.
• Vulnerable to pests (e.g., termites).
• High cost and maintenance: Needs regular treatment
• Flammability: Can catch fire unless treated.
• Environmental impact: Unsustainable logging harms ecosystems.

Properties of Metals

Aluminium

• Lightweight and corrosion-resistant.
• Ideal for aircraft, packaging, and outdoor structures.
• Malleable (easily shaped).
• Good conductor of electricity (though not as efficient as copper).
• Non-magnetic.
• 100% recyclable, environmentally friendly.

Steel

• Strong and durable.
• Widely used in construction and manufacturing.
• Available as mild steel (flexible) or high-carbon steel (stronger).
• Stainless steel resists rust.
• Magnetic.
• High melting point.

Copper

• Excellent conductor of electricity and heat.
• Perfect for wiring, electrical circuits, and heat exchangers.
• Malleable and ductile (easily shaped).
• Good corrosion resistance (develops a protective patina).
• Non-magnetic.
• Highly recyclable.
• Aesthetic appeal (reddish-brown color).

Properties of Polymers

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

• Strong, lightweight and recyclable plastic.
• Used in plastic bottles, containers and packaging.
• Good impact resistance.
• Transparent.
• Chemical resistant and non-toxic.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

• Durable and versatile plastic.
• Used in pipes, flooring, and electrical insulation.
• Available in rigid and flexible forms.
• Resistant to chemicals, weathering, and abrasion.
• Can be difficult to recycle.

Polypropylene (PP)

• Strong, lightweight plastic.
• Highly chemical resistant and has a high melting point.
• Used in packaging, automotive parts and various household products.
• Flexible and fatigue resistant.
• Recyclable.

Thermoset vs Thermoplastic

Thermoplastics

• Soften and become malleable when heated.
• Can be reshaped multiple times without undergoing a chemical change.
• Generally recyclable.
• Less durable than thermosets.

Thermosets

• Harden permanently when heated.
• Cannot be reshaped once set.
• Not recyclable.
• High heat resistance, durability, and strength.

Sources and Origins

Timber

• Softwoods mature faster than hardwoods.
• Hardwoods are more expensive and take longer to grow and replace

Metals

• Metal ores are extracted from the earth's crust.
• Methods for extracting include electrolysis, liquation and distillation.
• Refining purifies impure metals.

Polymers

• Man-made or synthetic polymers come from coal, gas, or cellulose and are processed from crude oil.
• Monomers are joined to form a longer polymer chain.

Stock Forms - Timber

• Planks: Thick, flat pieces of timber, used in construction and furniture.
• Beams: Long, solid pieces of wood for structural applications (e.g., buildings, bridges).
• Boards: Thin, flat sheets of sawn wood for various uses. (e.g. flooring, paneling).
• Timber Sheets (Veneers): Thin slices of wood used in plywood and other products.

Stock Forms - Polymers

• Sheets: Flat, thin pieces of plastic (e.g., signs, packaging, construction).
• Films: Extremely thin sheets used for flexibility and transparency (e.g., plastic wraps).
• Rods: Long, cylindrical plastic pieces (e.g., pipes, tubing, supports).
• Granules/Pellets: Small, bead-like plastic pieces used as raw material (e.g., injection molding).
• Foams: Lightweight, porous plastic used in insulation, cushions, and packaging.

Stock Forms - Metals

• Sheets: Flat, thin pieces of metal widely used (e.g. roofing, car bodies).
• Bars: Long, solid, rectangular pieces of metal (e.g., construction, machinery).
• Plates: Thicker than sheets, for structural applications (e.g., bridges, heavy machinery).
• Rods: Long, cylindrical pieces for construction and manufacturing (e.g., reinforcement).
• Pipes: Metal tubes for fluid transportation.
• Wire: Long, thin metal strands used in cables and fencing.
• Ingots: Large, solid blocks of metal.

Tolerances

• Tolerances are the allowable limits of variation during manufacturing.
• They're necessary because no manufacturing process is perfect.
• Factors like machine precision, material properties, and environmental conditions cause slight variations.
• Tight tolerances are needed for high precision items (e.g., aerospace).
• Looser tolerances are acceptable for larger parts.

Orthographic Drawing

• A 2D method of representing a 3D object showing front, top and side views.
• Views are at 90° angles.
• Crucial in construction, manufacturing and design.

Isometric Drawing

• 3D representation where all three axes are shown at equal angles (30°) to the horizontal plane.
• Maintains accuracy and proportion.
• Useful in technical and engineering fields.

Perspective Drawing

• A method to represent 3D objects on a 2D plane, with a sense of depth and realism.
• Objects appear smaller as they get farther away, converging towards vanishing points.
• Different types (one-, two- and three-point perspective).
• Frequently used in art, architecture and design.

CAD (Computer Aided Design)

Advantages

• Precision and accuracy: Reduces errors in measurements (via accurate measurements).
• Efficiency and speed: Faster design process.
• 3D visualization: Easier visualization and testing of designs before physical prototyping.
• Easy modifications: Easier to make changes to designs.

Disadvantages

• High initial cost: Software and hardware can be expensive.
• Requires technical skills: Expertise in CAD software.
• Software compatibility issues: Problems in sharing files and interoperability.
• Limited creativity: Can sometimes restrict artistic expression.
• Dependence on technology: Reliance on computer systems can cause delays when technical problems occur.

Ferrous vs Non-Ferrous Metals

Ferrous Metals

• Contain iron as their primary element.
• Typically magnetic.
• Often susceptible to rust and corrosion.
• Examples include steel, cast iron, and wrought iron.

Non-Ferrous Metals

• Do not contain significant amounts of iron.
• Usually corrosion-resistant.
• Lightweight and often non-magnetic.
• Examples include aluminium, copper, lead, zinc and titanium.

Ergonomics

• Designing products and environments for comfortable, safe and efficient human use.
• Focuses on comfort, safety and efficiency (e.g., ergonomically designed chairs).

Rapid Prototyping

• A method for quickly creating physical models/prototypes of products using CAD data.
• Reduces development costs and time to market.
• Techniques: 3D printing, CNC machining, stereolithography, laser cutting.
• Benefits: Faster design iterations, cost-effectiveness and improved communication.