Properties and Mechanical Characteristics of Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the historical context, classification, and mechanical properties of ferrous and non-ferrous metals based on the lecture notes.

Ferrous Metal

Any metal composed primarily of iron, often combined with other elements to form alloys like steel; known for high tensile strength, durability, and magnetic properties.

Non-Ferrous Metal

Metals that do not contain iron as a primary component, used for thousands of years since the discovery of copper around $5000\text{BC}$; they usually resist corrosion and are non-magnetic.

Carbon Steel

A common ferrous metal made by adding carbon to iron, favoured for its high tensile strength and durability.

Wrought Iron

Almost pure iron with a small amount of carbon, used for fencing, railings, nails, and chains.

Cast Iron

A ferrous metal made from iron, carbon, and silicon, used in piping, tools, car engines, and stoves.

Aluminium

A non-ferrous metal used in food packaging, appliances, and vehicles.

Brass

A non-ferrous metal used for screws, doorknobs, and fixtures.

Copper

A non-ferrous metal commonly used for wiring and piping.

Strength

The ability of a material to resist deformation under tensile, compressive, or shear forces, often measured by yield strength.

Hardness

The resistance of a material to indentation, penetration, scratching, cutting, or wear.

Toughness

The resistance to fracture under impact loading, combining strength and ductility; often measured by the Charpy impact test.

Brittleness

The tendency of a material to break suddenly without significant deformation, seen in materials like glass and cast iron.

Ductility

The ability of a material to deform under tension and be drawn into wires.

Malleability

The ability of a material to deform under compression and be rolled into sheets.

Elasticity

The ability of a material to regain its original shape after the removal of a load, operating within the elastic limit.

Plasticity

The property of a material to undergo permanent deformation when stress exceeds the elastic limit.

Rigidity (Stiffness)

Resistance to elastic or plastic deformation under load, with Tungsten being an example of a material with very high stiffness.

Machinability

The ease with which a material can be cut using machining tools, determined by factors like cutting power required and tool life.

Hardenability

The degree of hardness a material can achieve by heat treatment such as quenching.

Lustre

The shininess of a polished metal surface, such as the metallic lustre seen on stainless steel.