Material Selection, Costs and Energy Production Methods
Engineers do not just design a product, they choose the right material and think about energy. Learn how to weigh cost, availability, lifespan and maintenance, and how energy production methods shape a design.
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Choosing wisely
An engineer does not just design a shape. They choose the right **material** and think about how the product will be powered and made. The best choice balances **cost**, **availability**, how long it must last and how much upkeep it needs, and it considers the **energy** behind it. This module shows how engineers weigh it all.
Four selection factors
Engineers weigh these four things whenever they pick a material.
Match the factor
- Cost
- Availability
- Lifespan
- Maintenance
- Can we afford this material?
- Can we get enough of it, on time?
- How long must the product last?
- How much upkeep will it need?
Why reject it?
A metal is cheap but rusts quickly in the rain. For an outdoor gate, why might an engineer reject it?
- It would not last long enough outdoors
- It is too expensive
- It is too rare to find
- It needs no maintenance
Renewable or not?
How a product is powered or made matters. Energy sources fall into two groups.
Match the energy source
- Wind
- Solar
- Coal
- Nuclear
- Renewable, from moving air
- Renewable, from sunlight
- Non-renewable fossil fuel
- Non-renewable, from a limited fuel
There is no perfect material
A material is rarely best on every factor at once. Engineers weigh cost, availability, lifespan and maintenance against what the user needs, and choose the best balance for the job.
Complete the summary
When choosing a material, engineers weigh its _____ against how long the product must last, its _____. They check the material is _____ when needed. Products powered by _____ energy, such as wind and solar, will not run out, unlike _____ fuels.
Renewable sources
Which of these are renewable energy sources? Choose all that apply.
- Wind
- Solar
- Tidal
- Coal
- Natural gas
Real selection factors
An interactive activity.
Selecting a material
An interactive activity.
Work out the material cost
An interactive activity.
Design decisions
An interactive activity.
Your turn
An interactive activity.