4.1 - Material properties

Physical property - Mass

Relates to the amount of matter that is contained with a specific material. Mass is a constant whereas weight may vary depending upon where it is being measured.

Physical property - Weight

Relies on mass and gravitational forces to provide measurable value. Weight is technically measured as a force (Newton)

Physical property - Volume

The quantity of three-dimensional space enclosed by a boundary

Physical property - Density

The mass per unit volume of a material

Physical property - Electrical Resistivity

The measure of a material’s ability to conduct electricity

Physical property - Electrical Insulator

Reduces transmission of electric charge.

Physical property - Thermal Conductivity

Measures how fast heat is conducted through a material

Physical property - Thermal Expansion

Measures the degree of size increase when heated

Physical property - Hardness

The resistance a material offers to penetration or scratching

Mechanical property - Tensile Strength

The ability of a material to withstand pulling forces

Mechanical property - Compressive Strength

The ability of a material to withstand squashing forces

Mechanical property - Stiffness

Resistance of an elastic body to deflection

Mechanical property - Toughness

The ability of a material to resist crack propagation

Mechanical property - Brittleness

A material’s tendency to break into sharp shards

Mechanical property - Ductility

The ability of a material to be drawn into wire

Stress

The load on a material divided by its cross-sectional area.

Strain

The material's response to stress

Young’s Modulus

A measure of stiffness

Elasticity

A material’s ability to return to its original shape after deformation.

Plasticity

The ability to deform permanently under stress beyond yield point.

Material Selection Chart

A tool for identifying materials based on desired properties.

Aesthetic Characteristics

Includes taste and visual appeal such as color, texture, and finish.

Piezoelectricity

Ability of Materials to generate electrical charges when put under pressure

Shape Memory

Alloys that return to their original shape after deformation when heated.

Photochromicity

Materials that change color in response to light

Magneto-rheostatic & Electro-rheostatic

Fluids that change viscosity under magnetic/electric fields

Thermoelectricity

Electricity produced directly from heat