📚 KS3 Edexcel Engineering: Key Terms & Glossary Quick Memorisation Guide | KS3 Edexcel 工程：关键术语与词汇速记指南
Mastering the language of engineering is the first step towards thinking and creating like an engineer. This guide covers essential terms from forces and materials to electronics and sustainable design, aligned with the KS3 Edexcel curriculum. Each section pairs English definitions with clear Chinese translations, helping you build a solid bilingual vocabulary for design, making, and evaluation.
掌握工程语言是像工程师一样思考和创造的第一步。本指南涵盖从力与材料到电子和可持续设计的基本术语，与 KS3 Edexcel 课程大纲保持一致。每个部分都将英文定义与清晰的中文翻译配对，帮助你建立扎实的双语词汇基础，用于设计、制作和评估。
1. Introduction to Engineering Terms | 工程术语简介
Engineering brings together science, mathematics, and creativity to solve real-world problems. The vocabulary used by engineers is precise and standardised, allowing teams to communicate ideas about structures, mechanisms, and systems without ambiguity.
工程学将科学、数学和创造力结合起来解决现实世界的问题。工程师使用的词汇精确且标准化，使团队能够毫不含糊地交流关于结构、机构和系统的想法。
Getting to grips with key terms early on will strengthen your design proposals, practical work, and written evaluations. Many of these words appear across physics, design and technology, and mathematics, so mastering them now gives you a head start.
尽早掌握关键术语将加强你的设计方案、实操和书面评估。许多这些词汇出现在物理、设计与技术以及数学中，因此现在就掌握它们将使你领先一步。
2. Forces and Motion | 力与运动
A force is any push or pull that can change an object’s shape, speed, or direction. The unit of force is the newton (N). Forces always act in pairs and have both magnitude and direction.
力是能够改变物体形状、速度或方向的任何推或拉。力的单位是牛顿（N）。力总是成对作用，并且有大小和方向。
Tension is the pulling force transmitted through a string, cable, or chain when it is stretched. Compression is the pushing force that squashes or shortens a material. In contrast, shear force acts parallel to a surface, causing layers to slide past one another.
拉力是当绳子、缆绳或链条被拉伸时传递的拉力。压力是挤压或缩短材料的推力。相反，剪切力平行于表面作用，使各层相互滑动。
Torque is a twisting force that causes rotation. A spanner turning a nut applies torque. The moment of a force about a pivot equals force multiplied by the perpendicular distance from the pivot (moment = F × d).
扭矩是引起旋转的扭转力。扳手转动螺母时施加了扭矩。力对支点的力矩等于力乘以从支点到力作用线的垂直距离（力矩 = F × d）。
Engineers also consider load, which is the weight or force that a structure supports. A static load stays constant, while a dynamic load changes over time, such as traffic on a bridge.
工程师还要考虑载荷，即结构所承受的重量或力。静载荷保持不变，而动载荷随时间变化，例如桥梁上的交通。
3. Materials and Properties | 材料与性能
Choosing the right material depends on understanding its mechanical properties. Hardness measures a material’s resistance to indentation or scratching. Toughness is the ability to absorb energy and deform without fracturing — a tough material can withstand impacts.
选择合适的材料取决于理解其机械性能。硬度衡量材料抵抗压痕或划伤的能力。韧性是吸收能量并变形而不断裂的能力——韧性材料能承受冲击。
Ductility describes how easily a material can be drawn into a wire. Copper is highly ductile. Malleability is the ability to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets without cracking; gold is extremely malleable.
延展性描述材料被拉成丝线的难易程度。铜的延展性很好。可锻性是材料被锤打或轧制成薄片而不开裂的能力；金的可锻性极强。
Elasticity is the property that allows a material to return to its original shape after a force is removed, like a rubber band. If a material does not return to its shape and stays deformed, it has undergone plastic deformation.
弹性是材料在力移除后恢复原状的性能，比如橡皮筋。如果材料没有恢复形状并保持变形，它就发生了塑性变形。
Other important descriptors include brittleness (breaks with little deformation, e.g. glass), stiffness (resistance to bending, measured by Young’s modulus), and density (mass per unit volume).
其他重要的描述词包括脆性（几乎不变形就断裂，如玻璃）、刚度（抗弯曲能力，用杨氏模量衡量）和密度（单位体积的质量）。
4. Mechanical Components | 机械部件
Mechanisms change input movements and forces into desired outputs. A lever is a rigid bar that pivots around a fixed point called the fulcrum. Levers can multiply force (mechanical advantage) or increase the distance moved.
机构将输入运动和力转换为所需的输出。杠杆是一根刚性杆，绕称为支点的固定点转动。杠杆可以放大作用力（机械利益）或增加移动距离。
Gears are toothed wheels that transmit torque and change speed through meshing. A small gear driving a larger gear reduces speed but increases torque, and vice versa. The gear ratio compares the number of teeth on two meshing gears.
齿轮是带齿的轮子，通过啮合传递扭矩并改变速度。小齿轮驱动大齿轮会降低速度但增加扭矩，反之亦然。齿数比比较两个啮合齿轮的齿数。
A pulley system uses grooved wheels and a rope or belt to lift loads or transmit power. Multiple pulleys create a block and tackle, giving a mechanical advantage that reduces the effort needed to lift a heavy object.
滑轮系统利用槽轮和绳子或皮带提升载荷或传递动力。多个滑轮构成滑轮组，提供机械利益，减少提升重物所需的动力。
Cams convert rotary motion into reciprocating (back-and-forth) motion. A follower rests on the cam profile and moves up and down as the cam rotates. Linkages are assemblies of rigid bars connected by joints to transform motion.
凸轮将旋转运动转换为往复（来回）运动。从动件靠在凸轮轮廓上，随凸轮旋转而上下运动。连杆机构是由铰链连接的刚性杆组件，用于转换运动。
5. Manufacturing Processes | 制造工艺
Shaping and joining materials involve a range of processes. Cutting removes material using tools like saws, shears, or lasers. Drilling creates cylindrical holes with a rotating drill bit. Turning is performed on a lathe, where the workpiece rotates and a cutting tool removes material to create cylindrical parts.
成形和连接材料涉及一系列工艺。切割使用锯、剪或激光等工具去除材料。钻孔用旋转的钻头加工出圆柱孔。车削在车床上进行，工件旋转，刀具去除材料以制造圆柱形零件。
Milling uses a rotating cutter to remove material from the surface of a workpiece, often to produce flat surfaces, slots, or complex profiles. Casting involves pouring molten metal or plastic into a mould; once it solidifies, the part takes the mould’s shape. Welding joins metal pieces by melting the edges and adding a filler material.
铣削使用旋转刀具从工件表面去除材料，常用于加工平面、槽或复杂轮廓。铸造是将熔融金属或塑料倒入模具中；凝固后，零件获得模具的形状。焊接通过熔化边缘并添加填充材料将金属件连接起来。
Additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, builds objects layer by layer from a digital model. This contrasts with subtractive manufacturing, which cuts away material from a solid block.
增材制造，俗称 3D 打印，根据数字模型逐层构建物体。这与从固体块中切除材料的减材制造形成对比。
6. Measurement and Inspection | 测量与检测
Precision is critical in engineering. A vernier caliper measures internal and external dimensions as well as depths, typically to an accuracy of 0.1 mm or better. A micrometer can measure thicknesses to 0.01 mm using a finely threaded screw.
精度在工程中至关重要。游标卡尺可以测量内外尺寸和深度，精度通常达到 0.1 毫米或更高。千分尺利用精密螺纹螺杆测量厚度，精度可达 0.01 毫米。
Tolerance is the permissible limit of variation in a physical dimension. If a shaft is specified as 20.00 mm ± 0.05 mm, the part must be between 19.95 mm and 20.05 mm to pass inspection. Fit describes the relationship between two mating parts, such as a clearance fit (gap exists) or interference fit (parts are forced together).
公差是物理尺寸所允许的变动范围。若一根轴的规定尺寸为 20.00 mm ± 0.05 mm，则该零件必须在 19.95 mm 至 20.05 mm 之间才能通过检测。配合描述两个配合零件之间的关系，例如间隙配合（存在空隙）或过盈配合（零件压在一起）。
Engineers also use go/no‑go gauges which quickly check whether a part is within tolerance. A surface plate provides a flat reference plane for marking out and inspection with a height gauge.
工程师还使用通止规快速检查零件是否在公差范围内。平台提供一个平面基准，用于使用高度规进行划线和检测。
7. Electronics and Circuits | 电子与电路
An electric circuit is a closed loop through which current flows from a power source. Current (I) is the rate of flow of electric charge, measured in amperes (A). Voltage (V) is the energy per unit charge that drives the current, measured in volts (V). Resistance (R) opposes flow and is measured in ohms (Ω). These three quantities obey Ohm’s Law: V = I × R.
电路是电流从电源流过的闭合回路。电流（I）是电荷流动的速率，以安培（A）为单位。电压（V）是驱动电流的每单位电荷的能量，以伏特（V）为单位。电阻（R）阻碍电流流动，以欧姆（Ω）为单位。这三个量遵循欧姆定律：V = I × R。
Components in a circuit can be arranged in series (one after another, current same everywhere) or in parallel (branches, voltage same across each branch). A resistor limits current; a diode allows current to flow in one direction only. A light-emitting diode (LED) gives out light when current passes through it.
电路中的元件可以串联（一个接一个，各处电流相同）或并联（支路，每条支路电压相同）。电阻器限制电流；二极管只允许电流单向流动；发光二极管（LED）在电流通过时发光。
A sensor detects changes in the environment, such as an LDR (light-dependent resistor), whose resistance decreases as light intensity increases, or a thermistor, whose resistance changes with temperature.
传感器检测环境变化，例如光敏电阻（LDR），其电阻随光照强度增加而减小，或热敏电阻，其电阻随温度变化。
8. Engineering Drawing and CAD | 工程制图与CAD
Technical drawings communicate the exact shape, size, and details of a product. An orthographic projection shows the front, side, and plan views arranged in a standard layout. Isometric drawing presents a 3D-like view where three axes are separated by 120°, allowing dimensions to be seen simultaneously.
技术图纸传达产品的精确形状、尺寸和细节。正投影图以标准布局显示前视图、侧视图和俯视图。等轴测图呈现类似三维的视图，三个轴之间相隔 120°，可同时看到尺寸。
CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software is used to create precise 2D and 3D models digitally. CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) uses those CAD models to control machines such as CNC routers and laser cutters. Together, CAD/CAM shortens design-to-production time and improves accuracy.
CAD（计算机辅助设计）软件用于以数字化方式创建精确的 2D 和 3D 模型。CAM（计算机辅助制造）使用这些 CAD 模型来控制数控机床（如 CNC 雕刻机和激光切割机）。CAD/CAM 共同缩短了从设计到制造的时间并提高了精度。
Dimensioning rules ensure that drawings are clear: extension lines, dimension lines, and arrowheads are used, and all measurements are shown in millimetres unless stated otherwise. Scale indicates the ratio between the drawing size and the actual object size, e.g. 1:2 means half size.
尺寸标注规则确保图纸清晰：使用延伸线、尺寸线和箭头，除另有说明外，所有测量值均以毫米为单位显示。比例表示图纸尺寸与实际物体尺寸之间的比例，例如 1:2 表示一半大小。
9. Sustainability and Environment | 可持续性与环境
The 6 Rs of sustainability guide engineers to design responsibly: Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, and Recycle. Applying these principles minimises waste, energy use, and environmental impact over a product’s life cycle.
可持续性的6R 原则指导工程师负责任地设计：反思、拒绝、减少、重复使用、修复和回收。应用这些原则可以最大限度地减少产品生命周期内的浪费、能源使用和环境影响。
A life cycle assessment (LCA) evaluates the environmental impact of a product from raw material extraction, through manufacture and use, to disposal. Engineers use LCA to compare materials and processes and to lower the carbon footprint — the total greenhouse gas emissions caused by a product.
生命周期评估（LCA）评价产品从原材料开采、制造、使用到废弃全过程的环境影响。工程师利用 LCA 比较材料和工艺，并降低碳足迹——产品造成的温室气体排放总量。
Sustainable materials include renewable resources like bamboo, recycled metals, and biodegradable polymers. Energy efficiency is a key design goal; for instance, using low-energy electronics and optimising aerodynamics in vehicles reduces fuel consumption.
可持续材料包括可再生资源，如竹子、回收金属和可生物降解聚合物。能效是一个关键的设计目标；例如，使用低能耗电子设备并优化车辆空气动力学可降低燃油消耗。
10. Safety and PPE | 安全与个人防护装备
Engineering workshops contain hazards such as moving machinery, sharp edges, high temperatures, and electrical risks. PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment — items worn to reduce exposure to hazards. Common PPE includes safety goggles, ear defenders, steel-toe boots, gloves, and face masks.
工程车间存在运动机械、锋利边缘、高温和电气风险等危险。PPE 代表个人防护装备——为减少危险暴露而穿戴的物品。常见 PPE 包括安全护目镜、耳罩、钢头靴、手套和面罩。
A risk assessment identifies potential hazards, evaluates the likelihood and severity of harm, and puts control measures in place. The Health and Safety at Work Act requires employers and employees to take reasonable care of their own and others’ safety.
风险评估识别潜在危险，评估危害的可能性和严重性，并落实控制措施。工作健康与安全法案要求雇主和雇员合理照顾自己和他人的安全。
Good workshop practice includes keeping the floor clear of trip hazards, tying back long hair, removing loose jewellery, and never operating machinery without the correct guards in place. An emergency stop button cuts power to machinery instantly.
良好的车间实践包括保持地面无绊倒隐患、扎起长发、摘掉松散的首饰，以及绝不在没有正确防护装置的情况下操作机器。急停按钮可立即切断机器电源。
11. Structures and Stability | 结构与稳定性
Structures must withstand loads without collapsing or deforming excessively. A beam is a horizontal structural member that resists bending under load. Columns are vertical members that carry compressive loads. Trusses are frameworks of triangles, providing high strength with relatively little material.
结构必须承受载荷而不会倒塌或过度变形。梁是抵抗载荷下弯曲的水平构件。柱是承受压缩载荷的垂直构件。桁架是由三角形组成的框架，以较少的材料提供高强度。
The centre of gravity is the point where all weight appears to act. For an object to be stable, its centre of gravity must remain above the base. Wide bases and low centres of gravity improve stability, which is why racing cars sit low and cranes have outriggers.
重心是所有重量看似作用的点。物体要稳定，其重心必须位于基底之上。宽基底和低重心可提高稳定性，这就是赛车低矮、起重机带有支腿的原因。
Reinforcement techniques, such as adding ribs or corrugations, increase the stiffness of panels without adding much weight. Struts and ties in frameworks resist compression and tension respectively.
加强技术，如添加肋或波纹，可以在不增加太多重量的情况下提高板的刚度。框架中的压杆和拉杆分别抵抗压力和拉力。
12. Systems and Control | 系统与控制
An engineering system has an input, a process, and an output. For example, in a heating system, the input might be a set temperature, the process is the thermostat and heater, and the output is warmed air. Feedback loops use sensors to monitor output and adjust input, like a thermostat switching off when the room reaches the desired temperature.
工程系统由输入、处理和输出组成。例如，在供暖系统中，输入可以是设定温度，处理是温控器和加热器，输出是暖空气。反馈环路使用传感器监测输出并调节输入，如温控器在室温达到设定值时关闭。
Open-loop control does not use feedback; it relies on a pre-set sequence, like a traffic light timer. Closed-loop control continuously monitors output and corrects errors, such as a cruise control system maintaining a car’s speed up hills.
开环控制不使用反馈，它依赖于预设的顺序，如交通灯定时器。闭环控制持续监测输出并纠正错误，例如定速巡航系统在爬坡时保持车速。
Microcontrollers are small computers on a single chip, used to automate tasks. They read inputs from sensors, execute programmed logic, and drive outputs like motors or displays. Common examples include the Arduino and BBC micro:bit used in school projects.
微控制器是单一芯片上的小型计算机，用于自动化任务。它们读取传感器输入，执行编程逻辑，并驱动电机或显示器等输出。常见的例子包括学校项目中使用的 Arduino 和 BBC micro:bit。
Quick memorisation of these terms will sharpen your technical communication and give you confidence during design tasks, practical work, and assessments. Use this glossary often — the language of engineering is the key to unlocking your creativity.
快速记忆这些术语将提升你的技术沟通能力，并在设计任务、实操和评估中给予你信心。经常使用这份词汇表——工程语言是释放你创造力的关键。
Published by TutorHao | Engineering Revision Series | aleveler.com
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