Swivel

High school (ages 12+)
Making & Design

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/swivel

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the core engineering principle?Facilitates relative rotation between components while managing torsional stress
2. What is the bearing technologies employed?Includes simple pivots, ball bearings, roller bearings, hydraulic, pneumatic, and magnetic systems
3. Why do ships need swivels on anchor chains?Swivels stop anchor chains from twisting when a ship rolls or pitches. This keeps the chains from getting tangled and helps the ship stay safe.
4. How do swivels help in construction equipment like cranes?In cranes, swivels let the arm rotate smoothly. This makes it easier and safer to move heavy loads.

Torsional Stress: The stress induced in an object when it is twisted or subjected to a torque.
Bearing System: A mechanism designed to reduce friction and allow smooth relative motion between moving parts.
Articulated: Having joints or being composed of segments connected by joints.