3.2.1 Structural Design

Structures are present in the design of everyday products.

B. Design in Practice

B3.2 Structural systems application and selection (HL only)

By the end of this topic, you should be able to...

analyse and model the forces acting on and within the structure of existing products and be able to suggest how existing structures can be strengthened.

Guiding Question

How can structural systems be incorporated into product design?

Linking Questions

To what extent can prototyping techniques, such as simulations of structures, be used to predict real-world performance? (A2.2)
How does a deep understanding of stress-strain graphs influence the designer’s material selection when designing products? (A3.1, B3.1)
How is the structural system of a product influenced by the mechanical and electronic systems required for the product to function? (A3.3, A3.4, B3.3, B3.4)
How does FEA play a role in modelling and prototyping? (B2.2)
To what extent is the design of a structurally safe product the responsibility of the designer? (C1.1)
What are the considerations for the designer of physical structures to ensure a positive life-cycle analysis result when designing a product? (C3.2)