North Rhine-Westphalia Abitur Technology - independent engineering foundations cheat sheet
North Rhine-Westphalia Abitur Technology - independent engineering foundations · Keep the key ideas within reach.
Materials, testing and selection
Engineering stress σ = F/S₀ uses original area; E = σ/ε applies to the linear elastic region. Engineering stress itself is not confined to that region.
Toughness = whole curve area; resilience = elastic area
Hardness is not fundamental but correlates with strength
Grain refinement commonly increases yield strength in conventional metallic microstructures, subject to material and scale limits.
Selection needs specific indices (σ/ρ, E/ρ) plus cost and durability
Statics, strength and mechanical transmission
In an ideal planar model: pin has two force components, roller one normal reaction, fixed support two force components and a moment.
I = b·h³/12, W = b·h²/6 for a rectangle
Simply supported beam, central load: M_max = F·L/4
Euler: P_cr = π²EI/L_k², with L_k depending on the end conditions
Planar DOF: G = 3(n−1) − 2j₁ − j₂
For the defined ideal lossless gear pair, speed and torque-magnitude ratios are inverse; losses reduce actual output torque.
Manufacturing, machining models and metrology
v_c = π·D·n/1000, with D in mm and n in rpm
Machining time t = L/(f·n)
Forming conserves mass and produces no chips
Cpk compares both specification distances with three estimated process standard deviations; acceptance requires a stated criterion and a stable suitable model.
Instrument resolution and accuracy depend on the specified device and calibration; they are not fixed by instrument name alone.
Tolerance is a range; fit is the relationship between two tolerances
Measurement, feedback, PLC and automation
Sensitivity = Δoutput/Δinput; resolution = smallest detectable change
Closed-loop error compares reference and measurement; integral action can remove appropriate steady-state error only under suitable stability and operating assumptions.
PLC scan: read inputs → run program → update outputs
4–20 mA live zero: (I − 4)/16 of the span
Repeatability ≠ accuracy, resolution ≠ sensitivity
Robot DOF come from its joints; workspace is the reachable volume
Pneumatic and hydraulic model reasoning
p = F/A; 1 bar = 10⁵ Pa; 1 MPa = 10 bar
Q = A·v links flow, area and speed
Retraction force uses the annulus (bore minus rod)
Flow control depends on load and circuit; overrunning-load safety requires a properly engineered load-control system.
Hydraulic and pneumatic performance depends on the specified pressure, fluid, components, losses and operating conditions.
Read ISO 1219 symbols by the number of ports and positions
Energy, thermal machines and environmental assessment
1 kWh = 3.6 MJ; 1 tep ≈ 41.86 GJ
Conversion efficiency must use a consistent useful output and input; it differs from a heat pump coefficient of performance, which can exceed one.
Carnot heat-engine efficiency is1−T_cold/T_hot using kelvin and the stated hot/cold reservoirs.
Hydro: P = η·ρ·g·Q·H
Wind power grows with v³; Betz limit C_p = 0.593
Sustainability is assessed per kWh: CO₂, life cycle, energy mix
Engineering models, drawings, evidence and project decisions
State the system boundary and assumptions before calculation.
Units, sign conventions and uncertainty are part of the answer.
Verification against a specification differs from validation for an intended use.
Drawings need a declared convention and controlled revision.
Classroom models do not authorize physical operation or structural approval.