Glossary
The glossary draws on the NSW syllabus glossaries, the glossaries developed by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, and the Macquarie Dictionary.
Aboriginal Peoples are the Traditional custodians of Australia and are represented by more than 250 language groups, each connected with a particular Country. Torres Strait Islander Peoples are represented by 5 major island groups and are connected with islands to the north of Australia’s Cape York which were annexed by Queensland in 1879.
An Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person is someone who:
- is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
- identifies as an Aboriginal person and/or Torres Strait Islander person, and
- is accepted as such by the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Community(ies) in which they live.
A recognised dialect of English which is the first, or home language, of many Aboriginal people. It differs from other dialects of English, such as Standard Australian English, in systematic ways including sounds, grammar, words and their meanings, and language use. Aboriginal English is a powerful vehicle for the expression of Aboriginal identity. Aboriginal English is not a target language study option for NSW Aboriginal Languages syllabuses.
Texts that describe landscapes and directions of the tracks forged in lands, waters and skies by Creator Spirits during the Dreaming.
The total pressure measured relative to a perfect vacuum, which is equal to atmospheric pressure plus gauge pressure.
The acceleration experienced by an object due to Earth’s gravity. In engineering applications, g is taken as 10 m/s².
The extent to which a system, environment or object may be used irrespective of a user’s capabilities or abilities. For example, the use of assistive technologies (AT) to allow people with disability to use computer systems, or the use of icons in place of words to allow young children to use a system.
A device that converts electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic energy into mechanical motion to operate or control a system.
Composite materials made by bonding small particles or fragments together with a binder or adhesive to form a solid material.
A dimensioning method in which dimension values are aligned with their dimension lines and read from the bottom or right-hand side of a drawing.
The ability of some materials to exist in different crystal structures, which can result in different material properties.
An electric current that regularly changes direction as it flows through a circuit.
The angle at which an object is on the verge of sliding on a surface and when static friction reaches its maximum value.
The electrode where electrons are released during an electrochemical reaction, which may result in corrosion of the material.
An electrochemical process that forms a protective oxide layer on the surface of a metal, which improves corrosion resistance.
Intelligence demonstrated by machines. Sometimes called machine intelligence.
A drawing that shows how multiple components fit and relate to each other when assembled into a complete product or structure.
A device or system whose primary purpose is to maintain or improve an individual's functioning and independence to facilitate participation and enhance overall wellbeing. This includes technologies specifically designed to meet an individual's needs, eg eye gaze technology, as well as more general technologies that can be used by anyone, eg speech-to-text applications. Assistive technology can also be referred to as inclusive technology.
The pressure exerted by the Earth’s atmosphere on all surfaces due to the weight of the air above.
An umbrella term that encompasses the communication methods used to supplement or replace speech or writing. AAC can be unaided, such as gestures, body language and sign language, or aided such as pictures, symbols, objects or speech generating devices.
See Loading
A phase of iron (gamma iron) with a face-centred cubic crystal structure that can dissolve significant amounts of carbon, which is an important factor in steel heat treatment.
The Australian Standard for technical drawing conventions, including layout, dimensioning, symbols and line types, used in technical graphics communication.
An additional dimension, shown in brackets, provided to assist the interpretation of a drawing and not used for manufacturing control.
A descriptive geometry method that projects a feature onto an auxiliary plane to determine the true size, shape or length of a feature.
Symbols used on engineering drawings to specify the required surface finish or texture of a manufactured component.
A diagram showing how the phases in a 2-component material system change with temperature and composition.
A replaceable sleeve fitted into a hole to support a shaft or pin and reduce wear and friction.
The electrode where electrons are gained during an electrochemical reaction, reducing or preventing corrosion of the material.
A hard iron-carbon compound found in steels and cast irons that increases strength and hardness but reduces ductility.
A long-short, dashed line used on engineering drawings to indicate the centres of circles, and the axes of holes or cylindrical features.
A 45° angled surface formed by removing the arris from an edge or corner, typically to eliminate a sharp edge.
A measure of the resistance to sliding between 2 surfaces, equal to the ratio of maximum static friction to normal reaction force.
A metal forming process in which metal is rolled below its recrystallisation temperature, increasing strength and hardness while reducing ductility.
The ways people communicate and the communicative behaviours they use. Communication forms can be non-symbolic and/or symbolic. Non-symbolic forms include sounds, gestures, facial expressions and eye movements. Symbolic forms can be aided or non-aided. Aided forms of symbolic communication include objects, symbols, photographs and drawings. Aided forms can be digital. Non-aided forms of symbolic communication include formal gestures; speech; and signs, such as Key Word Sign.
A method of controlling machinery or equipment using computer-generated instructions to automate movements and operations with precision and repeatability.
The use of computer software to produce precise 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional technical drawings and documentation using accepted drawing standards and conventions.
The use of computer software and digital data to plan, control, simulate or automate production, fabrication or output processes.
Forces acting in the same plane, with all lines of action intersecting at a common point.
The protection provided to the creators of original works and makers of sound recordings and films, that offers a legal framework for the control and reproduction or transmission of their literary, dramatic, artistic or musical works.
A flat-bottomed cylindrical recess enlarged at the opening of a hole to accommodate the head of a bolt or screw.
A conical recess formed at the opening of a hole to allow a countersunk screw or bolt head to sit flush with the surface.
Country is used to describe a specific area of a nation or clan including physical, linguistic and spiritual features. Aboriginal communities’ cultural associations with their Country may include or relate to languages, cultural practices, knowledge, songs, stories, art, paths, landforms, flora, fauna and minerals. These cultural associations may include custodial relationships with particular landscapes such as land, sea, sky, rivers as well as the intangible places associated with the Dreaming(s). Custodial relationships are extremely important in determining who may have the capacity to authentically speak for their Country.
Place is a space mapped out by physical or intangible boundaries that individuals or groups of Torres Strait Islander Peoples occupy and regard as their own. It is a space with varying degrees of spirituality.
The customs, habits, beliefs/spirituality, social organisation and ways of life that characterise different groups and communities. Cultural characteristics give a group or individual a sense of who they are and help them make sense of the world in which they live. Culture is a shared system but inherently diverse – there can be individual and group differences within cultures. Everyone has culture – it is a lens through which we see the world.
The flow of electric charge, usually through a conductor or resistor.
In Aboriginal communities, an individual charged with maintaining and passing on particular elements of cultural significance, eg language, stories, songs, rituals and imagery.
An imaginary plane passing through an object, shown on a drawing to indicate where a sectional view is created.
When referring to deaf people who belong to a linguistic and cultural minority known as the Deaf community, the 'D' may be capitalised in reference to the individual, the group, or the culture in order to accord respect and deference, for example, the Deaf community. When referring simply to audiological status or when cultural affiliation is not known, as in the case of a person with a hearing loss in general, the lowercase 'd', as in 'deaf' is the more common usage.
A facility that houses computer systems and networking equipment used to store, process and distribute large amounts of digital data.
A cultural identity for people with hearing loss who share a common culture and who usually have a shared sign language.
A graphical method that uses projections to determine the true size, shape and position of features in 3-dimensional space.
The process of communicating the size and location of features on an engineering drawing using dimensions and conventions.
An electric current that flows through a circuit in one direction only.
An umbrella term for any or all of the following components:
- impairments: challenges in body function or structure
- activity limitations: difficulties in executing activities
- participation restrictions: challenges an individual may experience in involvement in life situations. (World Health Organization)
Imperfections in a crystal structure that influence the strength, hardness and deformation of a material, and its response to applied forces.
Differences that exist within a group, for example, age, sex, gender, gender expression, sexuality, ethnicity, ability/disability, body shape and composition, culture, religion/spirituality, learning differences, socioeconomic background, values and experiences.
The Dreaming has different meanings for different Aboriginal groups. The Dreaming can be seen as the embodiment of Aboriginal creation which gives meaning to everything; the essence of Aboriginal beliefs about creation and spiritual and physical existence. It establishes the rules governing relationships between the people, the land and all things for Aboriginal Peoples. The Dreaming is linked to the past, the present and the future. Where appropriate, refer to Aboriginal names for the Dreaming.
The ability of a material to be drawn into wire or undergo permanent deformation under tensile forces without fracturing.
The ratio of useful work or energy output from a machine or system to the work or energy input.
The custodians of knowledge and lore. They are chosen and accepted by their own communities as people who have the permission to disclose cultural knowledge and beliefs. Recognised Elders are highly respected people within Aboriginal communities. Proper consultation with local Aboriginal communities will often direct schools to recognised Elders.
An electrochemical process that deposits a thin layer of one metal onto another to improve corrosion resistance, appearance or surface properties.
A state in which the forces acting on an object are balanced, and the resultant force is zero.
A specific temperature and composition on a phase diagram where a liquid solidifies into 2 solid phases simultaneously.
A solid-state transformation where one solid phase changes into 2 solid phases at a specific temperature and composition.
The ratio between the maximum load or stress a component can withstand, and the expected working load or stress. This ratio provides a safety margin.
The progressive weakening of a material resulting from repeated or cyclic loading, which may lead to failure over time.
A soft, ductile phase of iron (alpha iron), commonly found in steels, and containing very little dissolved carbon.
A rounded internal surface joining 2 faces or edges, used to reduce stress concentration and improve strength.
The first language(s) that a person learns to speak.
A flat surface formed on a cylindrical shaft, providing a secure location for fastening and preventing relative rotation between components.
A push or pull between objects, which may cause one or both objects to change speed, and/or direction of their motion, and/or their shape.
Manufacturing processes that shape materials into engineering components by changing their form without removing material.
A drawing method used to construct an approximate ellipse in isometric drawings using 4 connected arcs from different centres.
A simplified sketch of an isolated object or system showing all external forces acting upon it.
The resistance to motion that occurs when 2 surfaces rub against each other.
A sectional view created by cutting completely through an object and removing the front portion to reveal internal features.
A list of metals and alloys ranked by their tendency to corrode. This list is used to predict galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals.
The process of coating iron or steel with zinc to improve corrosion resistance by protecting the underlying metal.
Navigation systems that provide location and time information when there is a line of sight to GPS satellites.
The strengthening of a material by reducing grain size by increasing the number of grain boundaries that resist dislocation motion.
The use of scaled drawings or diagrams to determine engineering quantities or solve engineering problems.
A sectional view of a symmetrical object showing one half in section to reveal internal features and the other half as an external view.
The ability of a material to resist scratching or indentation.
The process of shaping metal by passing it through rollers above its recrystallisation temperature, producing a refined grain structure and relieving internal stresses.
Relating to systems that use pressurised liquids to transmit force, control motion, or perform mechanical work.
The pressure exerted by a fluid at rest due to the weight of the fluid above, increasing with depth.
Steel containing more carbon than the eutectoid composition.
Steel containing less carbon than the eutectoid composition.
The properties and behaviour of a material or component under its intended service conditions.
An internationally recognised term for the first peoples of a land. In NSW the term Aboriginal person/Peoples is preferred.
See Loading
Includes, but is not limited to, objects, sites, cultural knowledge, cultural expression and the arts, that have been transmitted or continue to be transmitted through generations as belonging to a particular Indigenous group or Indigenous people as a whole or their territory.
See Loading
Non-material assets such as forms of cultural expression that belong to a particular individual or community. Intellectual property rights refer to the rights that the law grants to individuals for the protection of creative, intellectual, scientific and industrial activity, such as inventions.
See Loading , and Loading
A pictorial drawing method used to represent 3-dimensional objects, with vertical lines and receding lines drawn equally, typically at 30° to the horizontal.
A communication strategy that incorporates signing with speech. It is used to support language development for people with communication difficulties. Although Key Word Sign uses a simplified form of manual signing, it is different to Auslan, as it is not a signed language.
A slot or groove machined into a shaft or hub to accommodate a key, transmitting torque by preventing relative motion.
A key aspect of Aboriginal cultures and values. It includes the importance of all relationships and of being related to and belonging to the land.
A pattern of raised ridges formed on a cylindrical surface to improve grip during manual operation.
An Aboriginal community identified with a common language, both verbal and nonverbal, and with a particular territory. Used in preference to the term ‘tribe’.
The process and range of strategies for increasing knowledge and use of a language that is no longer spoken fluently across all generations in the context of language loss or language dispossession caused by colonisation. Aboriginal Languages and Torres Strait Islander Languages are being revived through community initiatives, linguistic research and school programs. ‘Language revival’ may be used as an overarching term that could also include ‘reclamation’, ‘revitalisation’, ‘renewal’ and ‘reawakening’.
The assessment of a product or system throughout its life cycle to evaluate environmental, social and economic impacts.
A measure of aerodynamic efficiency comparing the lift produced by an aircraft or aerofoil to the drag resisting its motion.
A diagram showing the relationship between the applied load and the resulting extension of a test specimen during tensile testing.
A local Aboriginal community is constituted by those people who are Aboriginal and who reside in the near locality. Aboriginal communities will have a rich and diverse history that has been seriously affected by dispossession and relations, which sees families with spiritual connection to Country residing beside those who have been forced to move from other locations. The notion of locality is complex and multilayered: schools should seek advice from a range of people and/or organisations representing local interests.
See Loading
An electronic circuit that performs a logical operation using binary inputs to produce a binary output.
The visible structure of a material observed with the naked eye or at low magnification.
The ability of a material to undergo permanent deformation by hammering or rolling under compressive forces without fracturing.
An instrument used to measure fluid pressure by comparing the difference in height between liquid columns.
A hard, brittle phase of steel formed by the rapid cooling of austenite.
The ratio of the output force to the input force in a machine or mechanism.
The process of determining the effects of forces, loads and moments on engineering components and systems.
The application of physical methods to minimise crack propagation and maintain the integrity of a material or component.
The characteristics of a material that describe its behaviour under applied forces or loads.
A method used to determine the forces in truss members by applying the principles of equilibrium at each joint.
A method used to determine the forces in truss members by applying the principles of equilibrium to an isolated section of the truss.
The internal structure of a material observed using a metallurgical microscope.
A low-carbon steel containing between 0.15% and 0.3% carbon, typically exhibiting good ductility, toughness and weldability.
A measure of a material’s stiffness, equal to the ratio of stress to the corresponding strain within the elastic region.
The turning effect of a force about a point or axis, equal to the product of the force and perpendicular distance.
An imaginary line through a beam’s cross-section where material experiences neither tensile or compressive stress during bending.
The designated diameter used to identify the standard size of a threaded fastener, based on its nominal outside thread diameter.
A line not shown at its actual length because it’s inclined to both planes of projection.
A heat treatment process where steel is heated above its critical temperature and cooled in still air to refine the grain structure and relieve internal stresses.
Taking place away from Aboriginal land or Country of origin.
See Loading
Taking place on Aboriginal land or Country of origin.
See Loading
An orthogonal drawing showing the arrangement and relationship of individual components forming a complete assembly.
A method of representing a 3-dimensional object in 2-dimensional views projected at right angles to one another.
A lamellar microstructure which provides a balance of strength and ductility, and consists of alternating layers of ferrite and cementite, formed during the slow cooling of steel.
The transformation of a material from one phase to another during heating, cooling or changes in composition.
A communication method in which information is transmitted by varying the phase of a wave signal.
The characteristics of a material that can be observed or measured without changing its chemical composition.
A drawing of the 3-dimensional appearance of an object which communicates its shape and features.
The diameter of an imaginary circle passing through the centres of equally spaced holes. The diameter provides concentricity and accurate alignment of mating components.
A predominantly pearlite with a cementite network steel that contains between 0.6% and 1.0% carbon, and provides high strength and wear resistance.
A predominantly pearlite steel that contains between 0.3% and 0.6% carbon, which can be heat treated to improve strength.
Relating to systems that use compressed air or gas to transmit force, control motion, or perform mechanical work.
The rate at which work is done or energy is transferred or transformed.
Concrete cast with ducts for steel tendons, which are inserted and tensioned after the concrete has hardened, placing the concrete in compression to reduce cracking.
Concrete cast around tensioned steel tendons, which are released after hardening to reduce tensile cracking and improve structural performance.
The principle that moving a force anywhere along its line of action does not change its effect on a rigid body.
A method of representing 3-dimensional objects on a 2-dimensional surface using lines of sight.
The appropriate ways of behaving, communicating and showing respect for diversity of history and culture. This involves appreciation of the knowledge, standing and status of people within the local Aboriginal community and the school community. Protocols inevitably vary between communities, and between people within a community. In establishing a partnership between schools and Aboriginal communities, it is especially important that protocols are acknowledged and respected.
Localised shear stress around a concentrated load that may cause punching failure through a material or component.
Forces or moments developed at supports or connections in response to applied loads to maintain equilibrium.
The minimum temperature at which new, strain-free equiaxed grains form in a plastically deformed material to relieve internal stresses and restore ductility.
An electronic component that allows electric current to flow in one direction only, commonly used to convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC).
Opposition to the flow of electrical current. Measured in Ohms.
A cross-sectional view rotated into the plane of the drawing and shown on the component to illustrate its cross-sectional profile.
Metals that are more reactive than others, which provide cathodic protection by corroding preferentially and protecting the other metal from corrosion.
A physical quantity that has magnitude only and no direction.
A measure of how the area of a cross-section is distributed about an axis, influencing the section’s resistance to bending.
An engineering drawing showing internal features by representing an object as though cut by a section plane.
An orthogonal assembly drawing using a sectional view to reveal the arrangement and relationship of internal components.
Materials with electrical conductivity between that of conductors and insulators, whose conductivity can be controlled for electronic applications.
The internal stress produced by forces acting parallel to a surface, expressed as force per unit area.
Hand signs (or hand talk) used to supplement or replace oral language. Signs form part of nonverbal communication for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and may be used by people who are hearing, or d/Deaf or hard of hearing. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sign Languages may be used in some areas. Some Sign Languages may be associated with sacred ceremonial practices.
The use of words, graphic designs and/or symbols used to communicate a message, eg information signs, plaques, warning signs, road signs, signs that show direction.
A scaled drawing showing the geometry of a structure and the lines of action of forces.
The breaking away of concrete from a surface, commonly caused by corrosion of reinforcing steel and the resulting internal stresses.
A shallow, machined flat surface around a hole to provide a perpendicular seating surface for a bolt, nut or washer.
A steel alloy containing at least 10.5% chromium, and which provides excellent corrosion resistance through a protective oxide layer.
A flight condition in which a wing exceeds its critical angle of attack which causes airflow separation and a rapid loss of lift.
The pressure exerted equally in all directions by a fluid. The pressure is independent of the effects of fluid motion.
The ability of a material or structure to resist deformation under an applied load.
The ratio of the change in a material’s dimension to its original dimension resulting from applied stress.
The ability of a material to resist failure when subjected to an applied load.
The ratio of a material’s strength to its weight which indicates its structural efficiency for a given weight.
The internal resisting force per unit area developed within a material when subjected to an applied load.
A diagram showing the relationship between stress and strain of a test specimen during tensile testing.
The principle that the structure of a material determines its physical, mechanical and chemical properties.
The measure of the microscopic irregularities of a surface produced during manufacturing or finishing processes.
A type of assistive technology that enables people with cognitive and/or physical disability to access a range of devices, including computers and communication devices. Switches can be activated by touch, or triggered without contact, such as through eye gaze, sound or blowing.
See Loading
A feature of an engineering component where the diameter, width or thickness gradually decreases along its length.
A heat treatment that reheats hardened steel below the critical temperature to reduce brittleness, relieve internal stresses and improve toughness.
A method of orthogonal projection where views are placed on the same side as the object viewed.
A cold-forming process that forms screw threads by plastically deforming material between shaped dies rather than removing it.
A principle stating that the lines of action of 3 coplanar forces acting in equilibrium are concurrent.
The allowable variation from a specified dimension or characteristic while maintaining the intended function of a manufactured component.
A high-carbon alloy steel with high hardness and wear resistance, which is used to manufacture cutting, forming and shaping tools.
The ability of a material to withstand impact forces by absorbing energy and plastically deforming before fracturing.
A fabricated component that provides a gradual transition between different cross-sectional shapes or sizes in an engineering assembly.
A surveying method that determines the position of a point by measuring angles from known reference points.
The relationship between the angles and sides of right-angled triangles. The 3 basic trigonometric ratios are sine, cosine and tangent.
See Loading , Loading and Loading
A surveying method that determines the position of a point by measuring distances from known reference points.
A line shown at its actual length because it is parallel to the plane of projection and appears as a point in another view.
A surface shown at its actual shape because it is parallel to the plane of projection or perpendicular to another plane.
Physical quantities characterised by magnitude, direction, sense and point of application.
A measure of the electrical potential difference between 2 points. The SI unit for voltage is the volt (equivalent to joule/coulomb).
A framework that ranks waste management practices from most to least environmentally preferred.
Yarning circles are an important cultural practice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to learn within the collective group. Knowledge and information are shared in harmony and respect with all individuals.