S-3: Handout 7

1 Complete the text using the following words.

superior composite properties dissimilar deals with

combining drawbacks supplanted physical plastics

The text ______________ the reasons why metals are to be ___________________ by composites.
A ______________ is defined as any material formed of two or more __________________
components and it depends on _______________ or surface-chemistry action between those
components for its overall ________________. Thus, composites include a whole range of materials
______________ the best properties of metals, ceramics or _______________ in fibre or amorphous
form. Consequently, due to their _______________ properties, composites can overcome the
________________ of metals.

2 What are Croatian equivalents of the following English expressions?

ENGLISH SYNONYM/ EXPLANATION CROATIAN
compressive strength  the capacity of a material or structure to
withstand loads tending to reduce size
tensile strength  the capacity of a material or structure to
withstand loads tending to elongate
fatigue strength the highest stress that a material can
withstand for a given number of cycles
without breaking
flexural modulus bending modulus,
the ratio of stress to strain in flexural
deformation or the tendency for a material
to bend
drawback disadvantage
impetus impulse, driving force
blossom (v) flourish
sweep away (v) get rid of sth completely
supplant (v) replace, take the place of sth
constrain (v) restrict, limit
irksome annoying, irritating
embed (v) fix sth˟̽ into a substance
˟̽ = something
3 Advantage or disadvantage? Circle the correct option.
1 The advantage / disadvantage of the Carnot cycle is that it serves as a standard of comparison.
2 The advantage / disadvantage of Diesel engines is that they need a lot of maintenance.
3 The advantage / disadvantage of Diesel engines is that they require no ignition system.
4 The advantage / disadvantage of frozen foods is that they can be stored for long periods.
5 The advantage / disadvantage of floppy disks is that they can be damaged easily.
6 The advantage / disadvantage of alternative sources of energy is that they are expensive to develop.