Materials Science - Stiffness and Density

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to stiffness, density, and composite materials as discussed in the lecture.

Stiffness

The ability of a material to resist deformation under applied force.

Elastic Modulus

A measure of a material's ability to deform elastically (i.e., non-permanently) when a force is applied.

Atomic Bond Stiffness

The stiffness associated with the atomic bonds within a material, influencing its overall stiffness.

Density

The mass per unit volume of a material, often influencing its mechanical properties.

Porosity

The volume fraction of voids in a material, affecting its density and overall mechanical performance.

Composite Material

A material made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties.

Relative Density

The ratio of the density of a foam to the density of its solid counterpart, indicating the degree of porosity.

Volume Fraction

The ratio of the volume of a particular component to the total volume of the composite material.

Rule of Mixtures

A formula used to predict the physical properties of composite materials based on the properties of individual components.

Unidirectional Composite

A composite material in which the reinforcing fibers are aligned in a single direction, allowing for anisotropic characteristics.