Practice 4.2f Composites 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.
Paper
Level
Question 1
SLPaper 1
The 2016 BMW 7 Series can be regarded as a significant advancement in the use of carbon-fiber reinforced plastic in a mainstream vehicle.
Figure 1: 2016 BMW 7 series
What advantage is BMW seeking in using this composite material?
Question 2
SLPaper 1
Which of the following is a key advantage of using composite materials in the production of high-performance sports equipment?
Question 3
SLPaper 1
Which of the following is a primary advantage of using composite materials in the production of aerospace components?
Question 4
SLPaper 1
Which of the following is a key property of composite materials that makes them suitable for high-performance applications such as aerospace and sports equipment?
Question 5
SLPaper 2
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.
1.[2]
Outline one driver for the use of clean technology to develop the rotor sail.
2.[6]
Suggest two reasons why the original rotor sail was a shelved technology in the 1920s.
3.[9]
Explain the role of rapid prototyping, instrumented physical models and computeraided design (CAD) in the design of the modern rotor sail.