Chapter 6: Mechanical Properties of Metals

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to the mechanical properties of metals from Chapter 6 of the course notes.

Elastic Deformation

Nonpermanent and reversible deformation that occurs under stress.

Plastic Deformation

Permanent and nonrecoverable deformation that occurs when a material is stressed beyond its elastic limit.

Yield Strength

The stress at which noticeable plastic deformation occurs in a material.

Tensile Strength

Also known as ultimate tensile strength; it is the maximum stress a material can withstand.

Ductility

The ability of a material to undergo significant plastic deformation before rupture.

Hardness

A measure of a material's resistance to surface plastic deformation, such as denting or scratching.

Modulus of Elasticity (E)

A measure of a material's stiffness, defined as the ratio of stress to strain.

Poisson's Ratio (ν)

The ratio of lateral strain to axial strain in a material subjected to axial stress.

Shear Stress (τ)

The force per unit area acting parallel to the surface of a material.

Stress-Strain Curve

A graphical representation of the relationship between stress and strain in a material.

True Stress

Stress calculated using the actual cross-sectional area at each stage of loading.

Resilience

The ability of a material to absorb energy when deformed elastically.

Toughness

The ability of a material to absorb energy before fracturing, often measured as the area under the stress-strain curve.

Shear Modulus (G)

The ratio of shear stress to shear strain in a material.

Hydrostatic Pressure

Pressure applied equally in all directions at a point in a static fluid.

Stress Concentrator

A geometric feature or defect in a material that causes an increase in stress.

Brittle Fracture

A sudden failure of a material with little or no plastic deformation beforehand.

Ductile Fracture

A failure that occurs after significant plastic deformation.