Saarland Abitur Technik-Englisch key terms

The maximum force or weight a structure or component can carry safely without failing or deforming beyond acceptable limits. Engineers compare expected loads with this value and apply a safety factor to cover uncertainty.

A multiplier applied to expected loads or a divisor applied to material strength to give a margin against failure. A factor of two means the structure is designed to withstand twice the calculated working load.

Internal force per unit area within a material, usually measured in newtons per square millimetre or megapascals. It results from applied loads and determines whether a component stretches, bends, or breaks.

The relative deformation of a material, expressed as change in length divided by original length. It is dimensionless and describes how far a component stretches or compresses under stress.

A material property describing stiffness: the ratio of stress to strain in the elastic region. A high value means the material resists stretching strongly, as steel does compared with rubber.

Progressive weakening and eventual cracking of a material caused by repeated or fluctuating loads, even when each individual load is below the static strength. It is a common cause of unexpected mechanical failure.

The systematic choice of a material for a component based on required properties such as strength, weight, cost, corrosion resistance, and machinability. It often uses property charts or decision matrices to compare candidates.

Chemical or electrochemical attack that degrades a metal, for example rusting of steel in the presence of oxygen and moisture. Protection methods include coatings, alloying, and cathodic protection.

A process that alters the outer layer of a workpiece to improve properties such as hardness, wear resistance, or corrosion resistance. Examples are galvanising, anodising, hardening, and painting.

Controlled heating and cooling of a metal to change its internal structure and therefore its properties. Hardening, tempering, annealing, and normalising are typical processes used to adjust strength and toughness.

The permitted deviation of a manufactured dimension from its nominal value. It defines the range within which a part is still acceptable and directly affects fit, function, and production cost.

The relationship between the sizes of two mating parts, such as a shaft and a hole, determined by their tolerances. Common categories are clearance fit, interference fit, and transition fit.

A standardised graphical representation of a component or assembly showing views, dimensions, tolerances, and materials. It follows conventions such as projection method and line types so that it can be read internationally.

A structured list of all parts, subassemblies, and raw materials needed to build a product, including quantities and often part numbers. It supports purchasing, production planning, and assembly.

The process of joining components into a functional unit, using methods such as screwing, welding, riveting, or adhesive bonding. Assembly design considers accessibility, sequence, and standardisation.

A method for connecting parts permanently or detachably, for example welding, soldering, bolting, or gluing. The choice depends on material, load type, required disassembly, and cost.

The ratio of the number of teeth on two meshing gears, which determines the change in rotational speed and torque between input and output shafts. A larger driven gear reduces speed and increases torque.

A turning effect produced by a force acting at a distance from an axis, measured in newton metres. It is central to sizing motors, shafts, and fasteners in mechanical systems.

The system that transfers power from a source such as a motor to where it is used, often changing speed, torque, or direction. Belts, chains, gears, and shafts are typical elements.

The ratio of useful output energy or power to input energy or power, usually expressed as a percentage. Losses arise from friction, heat, and other irreversible effects in a system.

A device that converts a physical quantity such as temperature, light, pressure, or position into an electrical signal that a control system can process. Examples include thermistors, photodiodes, and limit switches.

A component that converts an electrical control signal into physical movement or action, for example a motor, solenoid, or pneumatic cylinder. Actuators are the output elements of a control system.

A system in which a measured value is compared with a desired value and the difference is used to adjust an actuator. In closed-loop control the sensor feeds back the actual state continuously.

A varying physical quantity, usually a voltage or current, that carries information in a technical system. Signals may be analogue, taking continuous values, or digital, taking discrete levels.

Energy from sources that are naturally replenished on a human timescale, such as sunlight, wind, water, and biomass. Technical evaluation considers output variability, conversion efficiency, and grid integration.

The transformation of energy from one form to another, for example chemical energy into electrical energy in a fuel cell or kinetic energy into electricity in a generator. Each step involves losses.

Planned activities that check whether products meet specified requirements, using measurement, testing, and inspection. It aims to detect deviations early and to keep production within defined tolerances.

The broader set of processes and standards designed to prevent defects from occurring, rather than only detecting them afterwards. It includes documentation, supplier checks, and process monitoring.

A single sentence that states the central claim or argument of a text and that the rest of the text supports. In an Abitur analysis it is often required in the introduction of an essay.

The logical sequence in which a writer or speaker develops a position, moving from claim through evidence to conclusion. Identifying it is a core skill in analysing non-fiction and in writing structured essays.

The level of formality and the choice of vocabulary and grammar suited to a particular audience and situation. A technical report uses a formal register, while a blog post may be informal.

The way sentences and paragraphs are linked so that a text reads as a connected whole, achieved through connectors, pronouns, and repetition. Cohesive devices guide the reader through the argument.

To express the meaning of a source in one's own words and sentence structure without changing the content. In exam tasks it demonstrates comprehension and is used to integrate evidence without direct quotation.

A reference showing where information or a quotation came from, giving author, title, and year or a standard format. Correct citation distinguishes a candidate's own ideas from borrowed material.

A grammatical construction in which the object of an action becomes the subject, as in 'the bridge was built in 1990'. It is common in technical writing because the process matters more than the agent.

A text type that explains how an object, process, or system works, typically using precise vocabulary, present tense, and logical order. It may describe structure, function, and components in sequence.

A task in which a learner transfers information from one language or text into another for a specific reader, summarising and adapting rather than translating word for word. It tests comprehension and audience awareness.

The interpretation of a political or satirical drawing by examining its visual elements, captions, symbols, and intended message. A structured analysis moves from description to interpretation to evaluation.