Practice 3.3 Physical modelling with authentic IB Design Technology (DT) exam questions for both SL and HL students. This question bank mirrors Paper 1, 2, 3 structure, covering key topics like materials and processes, product design, and sustainability. Get instant solutions, detailed explanations, and build exam confidence with questions in the style of IB examiners.
What type of prototype is designed to collect quantitative data to help inform development?
Which of the following modelling techniques would most likely be used to understand how well a new concept functions?
What best describes a physical model that can be used to test ergonomic features but does not function?
It is estimated that shipping is responsible for between 2 and 3 percent of the world’stotal greenhouse gas emissions. The United Nations’ International Maritime Organization(UNIMO) has set targets for shipping companies to reduce their current emissions by atleast 50 percent by 2050. In response to this requirement, designers are working on cleantechnologies to power large ships.
Rotor sails made from carbon glass fibre are one example of a clean technology. Rotor sails were first developed in the 1920s but interest in them was not revived until the early21st century.
Electricity powers a mechanism within the cylindrical rotor sail which provides the thrust to move the ship.
Outline one driver for the use of clean technology to develop the rotor sail.
Suggest two reasons why the original rotor sail was a shelved technology in the 1920s.
Explain the role of rapid prototyping, instrumented physical models and computeraided design (CAD) in the design of the modern rotor sail.