Core technical principles

Composite materials such as CFRP are used for high-performance bicycle frames because of their high strength-to-weight ratio compared to steel or aluminium — equal stiffness at lower mass.

A life-cycle assessment (LCA) measures a product's environmental impact across its full life cycle: raw material extraction → manufacture → distribution → use → disposal / recycling.

A capacitor is an electronic component that stores energy in an electric field between two plates and can release it very quickly when discharged.

Cast iron tends to be brittle (except for malleable cast iron, which approaches mild steel's properties); cast iron is generally more brittle than mild steel.

A 3/2 directional control valve has 3 ports and 2 positions; it controls a single-acting cylinder (supply, exhaust, switch-over).

Additive manufacturing (3D printing) builds three-dimensional parts layer by layer from a digital CAD model.

Cartridge paper is a thick, slightly textured general-purpose drawing paper, used for sketching, drawing and painting in design work.

In electronic textiles (e-textiles), conductive thread carries electrical current through the fabric to connect components such as sensors, LEDs and microcontrollers.

The 555 timer IC in astable mode produces a continuous square-wave pulse train; the frequency and duty cycle are set by external resistors and a capacitor.

Acrylic is a synthetic fibre often used as a cheaper alternative that mimics the warmth, bulk and soft feel of wool.