Definitions Flashcards
Define elastic behaviour
A material that deforms when a force is applied but which returns to its initial shape when the force is removed
Define plastic behaviour
A material that deforms when a force is applied and stays in its deformed shape when the force is removed
Define brittle
A material that breaks through cracks/fracture propagation with little plastic deformation
Define ductile
A material that undergoes large plastic deformation under tensile (pulling) forces
Define malleable
A material that undergoes plastic deformation under compressive forces
Define tough
A material that can absorb a lot of energy (by plastic deformation) before breaking
Define strong
A material that requires large forces to break it
Define hard
How resistant a material is to scratching (harder material - more difficult to dislodge atoms from its surface)
Define stiff
Stiff materials require lots of force for a little amount of deformation
