Performance Characteristics of Materials in Design Flashcards
Elasticity
This is a material’s ability to return to its original shape once the forces deforming it are removed.
Durability
A material’s ability to withstand wear or damage.
Tensile strength
The ability to withstand a pulling force without stretching.
Compressive strength
The capacity to withstand compressive stress without fracturing.
Malleability
Ability to be formed or shaped without breaking.
Thermal conductivity
This is a material’s ability to pass on heat, as a conductor or insulator.
Electrical conductivity
A material’s ability to allow electricity to flow through it as a conductor or insulator.
Hardness
A material’s ability to resist permanent indentation; the harder the material, the better it resists wear or deformation.
Density
A measure of how heavy an object is for a given size e.g. mass per unit.
Toughness
A material’s ability to absorb energy and deform without fracturing, rupturing or failing.
Ductility
The ability to sustain a large permanent deformation under tension to the point of fracture, or be stretched plastically at room temperature without failing.
Alloys
Developed to have specific properties like hardness, toughness, corrosion resistance and ductility depending on their composition.
Natural timbers
Tend to be good based on properties like durability, strength, hardness, toughness, and elasticity.
Manufactured boards
Good insulators of heat and electricity, and do not warp as much as natural timbers.
Corrugated card
Stronger and more rigid compared to other types of paper.
Carton board
Provides increased compressive strength and moisture resistance.
Steel
Requires 99% iron and 1% carbon in order to be strong, light and more workable than pure iron.
Interrelationships between materials
There is a close connection between the material, the shape or form required and the manufacturing process selected for that material.
Temperature changes
Can affect density of materials as there is some expansion, but this change will be very small.
Papers and boards
Vary in thickness and this has an impact on strength; durability can be low, especially when wet.
Blockboard
More durable than others, especially MDF, which is prone to bending.
