structures
centre of gravity
The centre of gravity in a structure is the point where all mass is equally balanced. Usually the higher your centre of gravity, is the less stable you are.
shell
A shell structure is a structure with a strong, rigid and usually rounded chassis, Like a dome or a crab shell. A pc has a strong case with fragile hardwear located inside, therefore it's a good example.
frame
A frame structure is a web of materials all supporting each other like a spider web. A house is a frame structure with its foundation, then its wood frame, and the drywall attached to the frame and so on. Skeletons and soccer nets are also frame structures.
solid
Solid structures are made of strong solid pieces. They usually aren't complicated, and comprise of a few strong pieces. A dam is a solid structure. A structure made out of concrete poured into a mold is a solid structure.
form and function
Form: The outsides and insides of a object or structure and what materials its made of. (and details about it)
Function: What a structure or object does or help people do.
forces
External forces come from the outside and act on the outside
Wind rain or rocks falling onto the structure are all examples
Internal forces act from and on the inside of a structure
Compression: An internal force which involves the pressing of particles together. like mattress springs designed to be compressed, most objects try to return to their original form after being compressed.
Tension: When the particles of an object are pulled apart. Eventually it will break, and the point when it breaks is called the breaking point (very complex name right?). A perfect example would be an elastic band.
Shear: When two forces push or pull in opposite directions, usually resulting in the object getting torn bent or cut.
Torsion: When a certain object is twisted, otherwise known as two sides rotating in different directions. A doorknob is a good example of torsion.
symmetry
symmetry in a structure means all opposing sides on or in a structure look the same as the other one. symmetry can be on anything big or small and it can be symmetrical on the inside and asymmetrical on the outside and vice versa.