Practice IB Design Technology (DT) Topic 4.2a Metals and Metallic Alloys with authentic exam-style questions for both SL and HL students. This question bank focuses on the exact syllabus content for 4.2a Metals and Metallic Alloys and mirrors Paper 1, 2, 3 style where relevant.
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Which of the following is a heat treating process?
The performance of engineering components is fundamentally linked to the microscopic arrangement and composition of materials. In high-performance sectors such as aerospace, pure metals are often insufficient, necessitating the use of advanced metallic alloys.
Jet engine turbine blades, for instance, operate in conditions of extreme heat and mechanical stress, where traditional steel or aluminum would fail. Engineers instead rely on nickel-based superalloys.
Explain why alloys generally exhibit greater hardness and lower ductility compared to their pure metal constituents, with reference to their atomic structure.
Evaluate the mechanical and thermal requirements that lead to the selection of nickel-based superalloys for the manufacture of jet engine turbine blades.
Which of the following best explains why an alloy, such as bronze or brass, is typically harder than a pure metal?
The Volkswagen (VW) Beetle is considered a design classic. In the 1999 car of the century competition it came fourth (after the Ford Model T, Mini and Citroen DS).
Since the production of the first car in 1941 the car has changed very little in appearance, see Figure 10. Initially the bodywork was made of steel, but more recently this has changed to a range of materials such as alloys, composites and plastics.
Other materials that make up the VW Beetle have also changed. For example, the windscreen (windshield) is made of laminated glass whereas it was originally made of toughened glass.
One way that a product may be considered as a design classic is by the length of the maturity phase in the product life cycle.
Explain why the Volkswagen (VW) Beetle uses laminated glass for its windscreen.
List two disadvantages of using steel for the body of cars.
Explain two ways that Volkswagen (VW) can extend the maturity phase of the product life cycle.
Explain how mass production, dominant design and cultural status have made the VW Beetle a classic design.
Which of the following is the primary alloying element in stainless steel that provides its corrosion resistance?