📚 Year 11 CAIE Engineering: Vocabulary and Terminology Quick Memorisation Guide | 11年级CAIE工程：词汇术语速记指南
Mastering the language of engineering is the first step towards thinking like an engineer. In CAIE IGCSE Engineering, you will encounter a wide range of technical terms across materials, mechanics, electronics and design. This guide breaks down key vocabulary into themed sections and provides simple memorisation tricks such as word associations, root-word clues and real-world analogies to help you recall terms quickly and accurately.
掌握工程语言是像工程师一样思考的第一步。在CAIE IGCSE工程课程中，你会遇到涵盖材料、力学、电子和设计等多个领域的专业术语。本指南将核心词汇按主题划分，并通过单词联想、词根线索和实际类比等简单方法帮助你快速、准确地记忆术语。
1. Materials and Their Properties | 材料及其特性
Ductility describes the ability of a material to be drawn into a thin wire without breaking. Think of ‘ductile’ as sounding like ‘duct tape’ – something flexible you can pull. Malleability is the capacity to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets; link ‘malleable’ to ‘mallet’, a hammer. Elasticity allows a material to return to its original shape after a load is removed – just like an elastic band. Plastic deformation means the material has permanently changed shape and will not spring back. Hardness is resistance to indentation or scratching, and toughness is the ability to absorb energy and resist fracture when struck.
延展性（ductility）是指材料能被拉伸成细丝而不断裂的性质。把’ductile’联想成’duct tape’（管道胶带），它们都富有拉伸感。可锻性（malleability）是材料能被锤打或轧成薄板的能力；把’malleable’和’mallet’（木槌）联系起来。弹性（elasticity）指材料在载荷移除后恢复原状的能力，就像橡皮筋一样。塑性变形（plastic deformation）意味着材料已经发生了永久形状改变，不会回弹。硬度（hardness）是抵抗压入或划伤的能力，而韧性（toughness）则是吸收能量并在遭受冲击时抵抗断裂的能力。
Brittleness is the opposite of toughness: a brittle material breaks suddenly without significant deformation, like glass. The term fatigue refers to weakening of a material caused by repeated loading and unloading, while creep is slow, permanent deformation under a steady load over time. For composites, a matrix binds reinforcement fibres together; remember the ‘matrix’ as the background material that holds everything in place.
脆性（brittleness）是韧性的对立面：脆性材料会在几乎没有明显变形的情况下突然断裂，例如玻璃。疲劳（fatigue）指材料因反复加卸载而逐渐弱化的现象，而蠕变（creep）是在持续载荷下随时间缓慢发生的永久变形。对于复合材料，基体（matrix）将增强纤维粘合在一起；可以把’matrix’想象成将所有东西固定在原处的背景材料。
2. Manufacturing Processes | 制造工艺
Casting involves pouring molten material into a mould and letting it solidify. Picture casting a spell – you pour an idea into a shape. Forging shapes metal using compressive forces, often while hot; think of a blacksmith’s hammer shaping glowing iron. Extrusion pushes material through a die to create a long profile with a constant cross section, just like squeezing toothpaste out of a tube. Turning removes material from a rotating workpiece on a lathe, while milling uses a rotating cutter to remove material from a stationary workpiece – remember that the cutter ‘mills around’ the part.
铸造（casting）是将熔融材料倒入模具并使其凝固的工艺。想象一下对模具施展’咒语’——把流动的材料注入某个形状。锻造（forging）利用压缩力（通常在高温下）使金属成形，就像铁匠用锤子敲打通红的铁块。挤压（extrusion）是将材料推过模具以形成具有恒定截面的长型材，好比从牙膏管里挤出牙膏。车削（turning）在车床上从旋转工件上去除材料，而铣削（milling）使用旋转刀具从固定工件上去除材料——可以想象刀具围着工件’打转（mills around）’。
Welding joins two materials, usually metals, by melting the edges and adding a filler. Brazing and soldering also join parts but use a lower melting point filler metal that does not melt the base materials. Solder ‘sounds softer’ – and indeed it operates at the lowest temperature. Additive manufacturing (3D printing) builds parts layer by layer, adding material rather than removing it.
焊接（welding）通过熔化材料边缘并添加填充金属来连接两种材料（通常是金属）。钎焊（brazing）和软钎焊（soldering）也用于连接零件，但使用熔点较低且不会熔化母材的填充金属。’Solder’听起来更’软’——事实上它的工作温度确实最低。增材制造/3D打印（additive manufacturing）逐层堆积零件，是’增加’材料而非去除材料。
3. Forces, Loads and Structures | 力、载荷与结构
Tension pulls a material apart (stretches it), while compression crushes or squeezes it together. Think of a tug-of-war rope under tension versus a column under compression. Shear occurs when forces push in opposite directions along a plane – like scissors cutting paper. Torsion is a twisting action, and bending is a combination of tension and compression on opposite sides of a beam. A moment is the turning effect of a force, calculated as force × perpendicular distance from a pivot.
拉伸（tension）将材料向两侧拉开（伸长），而压缩（compression）则将材料压紧或挤在一起。想象拔河时绳子承受的拉力与柱子承受的压力。剪切（shear）发生在力沿某一平面反向推动时——就像剪刀剪纸。扭转（torsion）是扭转作用，弯曲（bending）则是梁的上下两侧同时承受拉伸和压缩的组合。力矩（moment）是力的转动效应，计算方式为力 × 到枢轴的垂直距离。
A strut is a structural member designed to resist compression, while a tie resists tension. Remember ‘tie’ rhymes with ‘why’ – it’s under pulling, not pushing. A beam carries loads perpendicular to its length and mainly experiences bending. The term factor of safety describes how much stronger a structure is compared to the maximum expected load; a larger factor means you are playing it safer.
压杆（strut）是设计用来抵抗压缩的构件，而拉杆（tie）则抵抗拉伸。记住’tie’与’pull’的含义关联——它被拉着，而不是推着。梁（beam）承受与其长度垂直的载荷，主要承受弯曲。安全系数（factor of safety）描述了结构强度超出最大预期载荷的倍数；安全系数越大，说明结构越安全。
4. Electronics and Electrical Systems | 电子与电气系统
Voltage (V) is the electrical pressure that pushes current around a circuit, measured in volts. Think of it as the height of a water tank – more height gives more push. Current (I) is the flow of electric charge, measured in amperes (amps). Resistance (R) opposes current flow and is measured in ohms (Ω). Ohm’s Law links them: V = I × R. A resistor is a component that provides a specific resistance, while a variable resistor (potentiometer) allows you to change resistance manually.
电压（voltage，V）是推动电流在电路中流动的’电压力’，单位是伏特。可以把它想象成水箱的高度——高度越高，推动力越强。电流（current，I）是电荷的流动，单位是安培。电阻（resistance，R）阻碍电流流动，单位是欧姆（Ω）。欧姆定律将它们联系起来：V = I × R。电阻器（resistor）是提供特定电阻值的元件，而可变电阻器/电位器（variable resistor/potentiometer）则允许手动改变电阻。
A diode allows current to flow in one direction only – think of it as a one-way valve. A light-emitting diode (LED) gives off light when current passes through it. Capacitor stores electrical charge temporarily; imagine a tiny rechargeable battery that charges and discharges extremely fast. A transistor can act as a switch or amplifier. In sensing circuits, an LDR (light-dependent resistor) decreases its resistance in bright light, and a thermistor changes resistance with temperature.
二极管（diode）只允许电流单向流动——可以把它看作一个单向阀。发光二极管（LED）在电流通过时发光。电容器（capacitor）暂时储存电荷；可以想象成一个能够极快充放电的微型可充电电池。晶体管（transistor）可用作开关或放大器。在传感电路中，光敏电阻（LDR）在强光下电阻降低，热敏电阻（thermistor）的电阻随温度变化。
5. Mechanisms and Motion | 机构与运动
Linear motion is movement in a straight line, while rotary motion is spinning around an axis. Reciprocating motion is back-and-forth linear movement, like a saw blade. Oscillating motion swings in an arc, similar to a pendulum. A lever is a simple machine that amplifies an input force around a pivot (fulcrum); remember ‘give me a lever and I shall move the world’. Pulleys and belts transmit rotary motion between shafts, while gears use toothed wheels to change speed, torque and direction.
直线运动（linear motion）是沿直线的运动，而旋转运动（rotary motion）是绕轴的转动。往复运动（reciprocating motion）是来回的直线运动，例如锯条。摆动（oscillating motion）则是沿弧线来回摆动，类似钟摆。杠杆（lever）是一种简单机械，可围绕支点放大输入力；记住名言’给我一个支点，我能撬动地球’。带轮与皮带（pulleys and belts）在轴之间传递旋转运动，齿轮（gears）则通过带齿的轮子改变转速、扭矩和转向。
The mechanical advantage of a mechanism is the ratio of output force to input force; a high mechanical advantage means you get more force with less effort. Velocity ratio compares the distance moved by the effort to the distance moved by the load. A linkage is an assembly of rigid bars connected by joints to change the direction or type of motion. Cams convert rotary motion into reciprocating or oscillating motion; imagine a camshaft opening an engine valve.
机构的机械效益（mechanical advantage）是输出力与输入力的比值；高机械效益意味着用较小的力就能获得更大的力。速度比（velocity ratio）是比较动力端移动距离与负载端移动距离的比值。连杆机构（linkage）是由铰接的刚性杆件组成的组件，用于改变运动的方向或类型。凸轮（cam）将旋转运动转化为往复或摆动运动；可以想象凸轮轴打开发动机气门。
6. Energy Sources and Power | 能源与动力
Kinetic energy is the energy of motion, potential energy is stored energy due to position or state, and thermal energy is heat. Power is the rate of doing work or transferring energy, measured in watts (W). One watt equals one joule per second. An actuator is a device that converts energy into motion, for example a motor or solenoid. Pneumatic systems use compressed gas (usually air) to create motion, while hydraulic systems use pressurised liquid; remember ‘hydra’ – water in Greek – refers to liquid.
动能（kinetic energy）是运动的能量，势能（potential energy）是因位置或状态而储存的能量，热能（thermal energy）就是热量。功率（power）是做功或能量传递的速率，单位是瓦特（W），1瓦特等于每秒1焦耳。执行器（actuator）是将能量转化为运动的装置，例如电动机或螺线管。气动系统（pneumatic system）使用压缩气体（通常为空气）产生运动，而液压系统（hydraulic system）使用加压液体；记住’hudra’源自希腊语的水，指液体。
In energy generation, a turbine is a rotary engine that extracts energy from a fluid flow; ‘turbine’ sounds like ‘turn-by’ the steam or wind. Solar photovoltaic cells convert sunlight directly into electricity. The efficiency of a system is the ratio of useful output energy to input energy, often expressed as a percentage. Renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, are replenished naturally, while non-renewable sources like fossil fuels are finite.
在能源生产中，涡轮机（turbine）是从流体流动中提取能量的旋转式引擎；’turbine’听起来像是被蒸汽或风’转动着向前’。太阳能光伏电池（solar photovoltaic cells）直接将太阳光转化为电能。系统的效率（efficiency）是有用输出能量与输入能量的比值，通常用百分比表示。可再生能源（renewable energy）（如风能和太阳能）可以自然补充，而不可再生能源（non-renewable）（如化石燃料）则是有限的。
7. Engineering Drawing and Symbols | 工程图纸与符号
Orthographic projection shows a 3D object from different views – typically front, top and side – arranged in a standard layout. Isometric drawing uses a 30° grid to represent a 3D object on 2D paper; all edges are sketched at 30° to the horizontal. Dimensions provide the sizes and positions of features; always check the units. A sectional view reveals the internal details of a part by imagining a cut through it. Hatching (closely spaced lines) indicates where the material has been cut.
正投影（orthographic projection）从不同方向（通常是正视图、俯视图和侧视图）展示三维物体，并按标准布局排列。等轴测图（isometric drawing）利用30°网格在二维纸上表现三维物体；所有棱边都与水平线成30°绘制。尺寸标注（dimensions）给出特征的尺寸和位置；务必检查单位。剖视图（sectional view）通过假想切割零件来展示内部细节。剖面线（hatching）（细密排线）表示材料被切割的部位。
Common symbols in circuit diagrams include a straight line for a wire, a zigzag for a resistor, an arrow for a diode, and a battery symbol with long and short lines. Tolerance on a drawing indicates the allowable variation in a dimension, such as ±0.1 mm. Scale tells you the ratio between drawing size and actual size; 1:2 means the drawing is half actual size. Assembly drawings show how parts fit together, often with a bill of materials (BOM) listing all components.
电路图中的常见符号包括：直线代表导线，锯齿线代表电阻器，箭头代表二极管，长短线代表电池。图纸上的公差（tolerance）表示尺寸允许的偏差范围，例如 ±0.1 mm。比例（scale）表示图纸尺寸与实际尺寸的比值；1:2表示图纸尺寸是实际的一半。装配图（assembly drawing）展示零件如何组装在一起，通常附有列出所有部件的材料清单（BOM）。
8. Measurement, Tools and Quality | 测量、工具与质量
A vernier calliper measures internal, external and depth dimensions with great accuracy; remember ‘vernier has a little extra scale that slides’. A micrometer offers even higher precision, typically down to 0.01 mm; think ‘micro’ for tiny measurements. A dial test indicator (DTI) measures small displacements or run-out on rotating parts. For marking out, an engineer’s square checks right angles, and a scriber scores sharp lines on metal.
游标卡尺（vernier calliper）可高精度测量内径、外径和深度；记住’vernier’有一个额外的小刻度尺可以滑动。千分尺（micrometer）精度更高，通常可达0.01 mm；用’micro’联想极小的测量。杠杆表/百分表（dial test indicator, DTI）测量微小的位移或旋转零件的跳动。在划线时，工程师角尺（engineer’s square）用于检查垂直度，划线针（scriber）在金属上划出清晰的线条。
Quality assurance (QA) is process-oriented and sets standards to prevent defects, while quality control (QC) is product-oriented and checks finished items. A go/no-go gauge quickly checks whether a part is within tolerance without measuring exactly. Calibration means adjusting a measuring instrument to match a known standard. The term precision refers to consistency of repeated measurements, while accuracy describes how close a measurement is to the true value.
质量保证（QA）以过程为导向，设立标准以预防缺陷，而质量控制（QC）以产品为导向，检查成品。通止规（go/no-go gauge）可以快速检查零件是否在公差范围内，而无需精确测量数值。校准（calibration）指调整测量仪器以符合已知标准。精密度（precision）指的是重复测量结果的一致性，而准确度（accuracy）描述测量值与真实值的接近程度。
9. Health and Safety in Engineering | 工程健康与安全
Personal protective equipment (PPE) includes safety goggles, ear defenders, steel-toe boots and gloves – all designed to shield you from hazards. A risk assessment identifies what might cause harm and how severe the outcome could be, while a hazard is anything with the potential to cause harm, such as a sharp edge or a hot surface. The COSHH regulations (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) require safe use and storage of chemicals and dust.
个人防护装备（PPE）包括护目镜、耳罩、防砸鞋和手套——所有这些都旨在保护你免受危害。风险评估（risk assessment）识别什么可能造成伤害以及后果有多严重，而危害（hazard）是指任何有可能造成伤害的事物，例如锋利边缘或高温表面。COSHH条例（有害健康物质控制）要求安全使用和储存化学品及粉尘。
Guards on machines prevent contact with moving parts, and interlocks stop the machine if a guard is opened. The term fire triangle helps you remember that a fire needs fuel, heat and oxygen; remove any one to extinguish the fire. An emergency stop button must be red and easily accessible. Manual handling refers to lifting and carrying; correct technique involves bending the knees and keeping the back straight. Always follow safe working procedures to reduce the likelihood of accidents.
机器上的防护罩（guards）可防止接触运动部件，联锁装置（interlocks）在防护罩打开时使机器停止。记住燃烧三角（fire triangle），火需要燃料、热量和氧气；移除其中任何一个即可灭火。紧急停止按钮（stop button）必须是红色且易于触及。人工搬运（manual handling）指抬举和搬运；正确姿势是弯曲膝盖、保持背部挺直。始终遵循安全操作规程（safe working procedures）以降低事故发生的可能性。
10. The Design Process | 设计流程
The engineering design process often follows a cycle: brief (identify the problem), research, specification (list of requirements), generate ideas, develop a chosen solution, prototype and test, then evaluate and modify. A design brief is a clear statement of the problem to be solved, while the specification gives measurable criteria such as weight, cost, size and performance.
工程设计过程通常遵循一个循环：设计纲要（brief）（识别问题）、调研（research）、规格说明（specification）（要求列表）、构思方案（generate ideas）、发展选定方案（develop a chosen solution）、制作原型（prototype）和测试（test），然后评估（evaluate）和改进（modify）。设计纲要（design brief）明确陈述要解决的问题，而规格说明（specification）则给出可衡量的标准，如重量、成本、尺寸和性能。
Ergonomics is about designing products for ease and comfort of use by humans; think ‘ergo’ as in ‘work’, making the work pleasant. Aesthetics relates to the appearance and visual appeal of a product. Anthropometric data refers to measurements of the human body, used to determine appropriate dimensions for products like chairs or control panels. Sustainability in design means considering the environmental impact over the entire lifecycle, including the 5 Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle, repair and rethink.
人机工程学（ergonomics）是有关产品宜人性与使用舒适性的设计；记住’ergo’表示工作，让工作变得愉快。美学（aesthetics）涉及产品的外观和视觉吸引力。人体测量数据（anthropometric data）指人体的尺寸数据，用于确定椅子和控制面板等产品的合适尺寸。设计中的可持续性（sustainability）意味着考虑整个生命周期对环境的影响，包括5R：减少（reduce）、重复使用（reuse）、回收（recycle）、维修（repair）和重新思考（rethink）。
Published by TutorHao | Engineering Revision Series | aleveler.com
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