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ENGINEERING, AE 2023 HSC 26b

A team of engineers is working together to develop a new aeronautical device for a company. An engineer takes the design and produces the device without permission.

Describe the implications for the individual engineer and the company.   (3 marks)

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  • The device design is the intellectual property of the company that created it. 
  • Taking the design without permission is stealing and would have legal implications for the individual.
  • The engineer is also not working ethically from a professional basis.
  • The production of the device will also have serious financial implications for the company involved as they are not the intellectual property owners and would likely be prohibited from selling the product. 

Other answers could include:

  • Health and safety factors.
  • Financial ramifications, particularly through legal action.
  • Employment ramifications given the ethical breach of the professional.
Show Worked Solution
  • The device design is the intellectual property of the company that created it. 
  • Taking the design without permission is stealing and would have legal implications for the individual.
  • The engineer is also not working ethically from a professional basis.
  • The production of the device will also have serious financial implications for the company involved as they are not the intellectual property owners and would likely be prohibited from selling the product. 

Other answers could include:

  • Health and safety factors.
  • Financial ramifications, particularly through legal action.
  • Employment ramifications given the ethical breach of the professional.

ENGINEERING, AE 2019 HSC 25c

An intricate component used on racing yachts is shown below being modelled using computer-aided drawing (CAD) software.
 

Explain why engineers use CAD software to design and model intricate components.   (3 marks)

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  • CAD can produce multiple immediate outputs, such as a 3D depiction, a visual image, finite element analysis and hardcopy printing.
  • Drawings are easily modified.
  • Files can be shared collaboratively.
  • Amendments can be immediately applied to any related documents.
Show Worked Solution
  • CAD can produce multiple immediate outputs, such as a 3D depiction, a visual image, finite element analysis and hardcopy printing.
  • Drawings are easily modified.
  • Files can be shared collaboratively.
  • Amendments can be immediately applied to any related documents.

ENGINEERING, AE 2019 HSC 25a

Modern racing yachts are now designed using aeronautical engineering principles.

   

The diagram shows the hull of a racing yacht.
 

How can engineers use an understanding of the effects of drag to improve the design of racing yacht hulls?   (3 marks) 

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  • Drag minimisation leads to increased speeds as maximum forward thrust can be achieved.
  • Streamlining the hull leads to less countercurrents (vortices).
  • Surfaces with a high sheen minimise drag.
  • The use of lightweight construction materials creates less drag.
Show Worked Solution
  • Drag minimisation leads to increased speeds as maximum forward thrust can be achieved.
  • Streamlining the hull leads to less countercurrents (vortices).
  • Surfaces with a high sheen minimise drag.
  • The use of lightweight construction materials creates less drag.

ENGINEERING, AE 2022 HSC 25c

Explain how engineers have used their knowledge of both mechanics and hydraulics to contribute to aircraft design. Support your answer with specific examples.   (5 marks)

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  • Modern aircraft encompass the consolidation of many advancements in mechanical principles and hydraulic systems.
  • Understanding of the mechanics of lift, thrust and drag through the use of wind tunnels and simulations has led to a better understanding of aerodynamics and flight.
  • This led to changes in aircraft design and shape to increase capacity, improve fuel efficiency and decrease drag in the form of wingtip vortices through the introduction of winglets. 
  • An increased understanding of hydraulics has led to improved braking power, allowing for heavier planes to be stopped safely.
  • Coupled with developments in computers, this understanding has also allowed for quick, computer controlled adjustments of control surfaces, with more power and precision than previously possible.
  • Mechanical developments to aircraft propulsion systems have also increased the  fuel efficiency and speed of modern day aircraft.
Show Worked Solution
  • Modern aircraft encompass the consolidation of many advancements in mechanical principles and hydraulic systems.
  • Understanding of the mechanics of lift, thrust and drag through the use of wind tunnels and simulations has led to a better understanding of aerodynamics and flight.
  • This led to changes in aircraft design and shape to increase capacity, improve fuel efficiency and decrease drag in the form of wingtip vortices through the introduction of winglets. 
  • An increased understanding of hydraulics has led to improved braking power, allowing for heavier planes to be stopped safely.
  • Coupled with developments in computers, this understanding has also allowed for quick, computer controlled adjustments of control surfaces, with more power and precision than previously possible.
  • Mechanical developments to aircraft propulsion systems have also increased the  fuel efficiency and speed of modern day aircraft.

ENGINEERING, AE 2022 HSC 24a

An aeronautical engineer is developing a prototype for a new propeller design.

Identify a suitable method of developing the prototype and outline the benefits of using this method.   (3 marks)

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Possible methods include:

CAD software

  • Prototype can be created and tested using CAD software.
  • This software can quickly produce working models with little difficulty.

3D printing

  • Used alongside CAD, 3D printing allows you to hold a physical model and could allow for simple testing of the design.

CNC Milling

  • Can be used to create a physical prototype out of a variety of materials.
  • Significantly faster than traditional machining of pieces.

Scaled physical model

  • A simple smaller propeller can be used to test ideas and appearances.
Show Worked Solution

Possible methods include:

CAD software

  • Prototype can be created and tested using CAD software.
  • This software can quickly produce working models with little difficulty.

3D printing

  • Used alongside CAD, 3D printing allows you to hold a physical model and could allow for simple testing of the design.

CNC Milling

  • Can be used to create a physical prototype out of a variety of materials.
  • Significantly faster than traditional machining of pieces.

Scaled physical model

  • A simple smaller propeller can be used to test ideas and appearances.

ENGINEERING, AE 2022 HSC 5 MC

Contemporary aircraft construction includes the use of alloys and composite materials.

Which of the following statements is NOT true for composite materials used in aircraft?

  1. They are generally corrosion resistant.
  2. They can be made into complex shapes.
  3. They have a high strength-to-weight ratio.
  4. They generally cost less than other materials.
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`D`

Show Worked Solution
  • Composite materials have high corrosion resistance and strength to weight ratios.
  • They can also be made into complex shapes, however, they are far more expensive than other materials.

`=>D`

ENGINEERING, AE 2020 HSC 22a

Outline how ONE innovation in aeronautical engineering has contributed to improved performance of modern aircraft.  (2 marks)

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Successful answers should include one of the following:

Retrofitting of winglets 

  • Reduces drag and turbulences, improves fuel efficiency.

Wing shape 

  • Designed to reduce drag and in turn increase fuel efficiency.

Turbofan engines 

  • Have replaced turbojets in modern aircraft due to increased thrust and fuel efficiency.

Materials such as Carbon Fibre Epoxy Composite

  • Used in modern aircraft due to their high specific strength, enabling planes to carry more fuel and/or passengers.
Show Worked Solution

Successful answers should include one of the following:

Retrofitting of winglets 

  • Reduces drag and turbulences, improves fuel efficiency.

Wing shape 

  • Designed to reduce drag and in turn increase fuel efficiency.

Turbofan engines 

  • Have replaced turbojets in modern aircraft due to increased thrust and fuel efficiency.

Materials such as Carbon Fibre Epoxy Composite

  • Used in modern aircraft due to their high specific strength, enabling planes to carry more fuel and/or passengers.

ENGINEERING, AE 2021 HSC 2 MC

The flight recorder, commonly known as the 'black box', was developed in Australia in the 1950s to assist in air crash investigations.

How does a black box assist in an air crash investigation?

  1. It contains aircraft maintenance history.
  2. It holds passenger details and conversations.
  3. It keeps details of flight data and cockpit conversations.
  4. It retains details of baggage weight and flight crew rosters.
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`C`

Show Worked Solution

`=>C`