Properties of materials Flashcards
What are the twelve key properties of materials
strength, elasticity, plasticity, ductility, tensile strength, malleability, toughness, hardness, conductivity, durability, compressive strength, torsional strength
What is meant by the strength of a material
the ability of a material to stand up to forces being applied without it bending, breaking, shattering or deforming in any way
What is meant by the elasticity of a material
the ability of a material to absorb force and flex in different directions, returning to its original position, lycra is used in sportwear
What is meant by the plasticity of materials
the ability of a material to be change in shape permanently - aluminium can be melted and poured into a mould, when it has cooled its shape will stay the same as the mould
What is meant by the ductility of materials
the ability of a material to change shape (deform) usually by stretching along its length - copper can be stretched to form a wire
What is meant by the tensile strength of a material
the ability of a material to stretch without breaking or snapping
What is meant by the malleability of a material
the ability of a material to be reshaped in all directions without cracking - heating a piece of steel until it is red hot, it becomes malleable and can be reshaped
What is meant by the toughness of a material
the characteristic of a material that does not break or shatter when receiving a blow, impact or under a sudden shock, Kevlar body armour absorbs impact
What is meant by the hardness of a material
the ability of a material to resist scratching, wear and tear and indentation, tungsten is used for knives and drills
What is meant by the conductivity of a material
the ability of a material to conduct electricity and heat, copper is a good conductor
What is meant by the durability of a material
the ability to withstand wear and tear -rubber is a very tough and durable material, it can be put under high pressure and stays the shape shape and is unmarked
What is meant by the compressive strength of a material
the ability of a material to withstand being crushed
What is meant by the torsional strength of a material
the ability to withstand twisting
