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Northern IrelandEngineering & Manufacturing

Engineering and Manufacturing Materials

6 dot points across 6 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What are composites, ceramics and modern materials, and what do they offer engineers?

Composites, ceramics and modern/smart materials: their structure, properties and engineering applications.
A CCEA GCSE Engineering and Manufacturing answer on composites, ceramics and modern or smart materials, how a composite combines two materials, their properties, and engineering applications such as carbon fibre and shape memory alloys.
11 min answer →

What are ferrous metals, and why are their properties and applications central to engineering?

Ferrous metals (low, medium and high carbon steel, cast iron) and their composition, properties and engineering applications.
A CCEA GCSE Engineering and Manufacturing answer on ferrous metals, the carbon steels and cast iron, their composition and properties, why they rust, and where each is used in engineered products.
11 min answer →

How do engineers test materials, and how are stress, strain and Young's modulus calculated?

Material testing and the calculations of stress, strain and Young's modulus of elasticity.
A CCEA GCSE Engineering and Manufacturing answer on testing materials and calculating stress, strain and Young's modulus, including the equations, units and a worked tensile-test calculation.
12 min answer →

What mechanical properties describe how a material behaves under load, and why do they matter?

Mechanical properties of materials: strength, hardness, toughness, ductility, malleability, elasticity, plasticity and durability.
A CCEA GCSE Engineering and Manufacturing answer on the mechanical properties of materials, including strength, hardness, toughness, ductility, malleability, elasticity and plasticity, with definitions and examples for selecting materials.
11 min answer →

What are non-ferrous metals and alloys, and how do their properties decide their uses?

Non-ferrous metals and alloys (aluminium, copper, brass) and their composition, properties and engineering applications.
A CCEA GCSE Engineering and Manufacturing answer on non-ferrous metals and alloys, including aluminium, copper and brass, their properties such as corrosion resistance and conductivity, and their engineering applications.
11 min answer →

What are polymers, and what is the difference between thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics?

Polymers: thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics, their properties and engineering applications.
A CCEA GCSE Engineering and Manufacturing answer on polymers, the difference between thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics, named examples and their properties, and where polymers are used in engineered products.
11 min answer →