Material properties Flashcards
(16 cards)
List the six main groups of materials for product design and engineering.
- Metals
- Timber/Woods
- Polymers
- Paper and board
- Composites
- Smart and modern materials
These groups help categorize materials based on their properties and applications.
What are mechanical properties?
Properties that refer to the way a material reacts to external forces
Mechanical properties include strength, ductility, toughness, and more.
What are physical properties?
Properties that refer to the actual makeup or structure of the material
Physical properties include density, thermal properties, and electrical conductivity.
What is fusibility?
The ability to change into a molten or liquid state when heated
Fusibility is an important physical property for materials that need to be melted for processing.
Define density.
Mass per unit volume
Relative density compares the density of a substance to that of pure water at 4 degrees Celsius.
What is electrical conductivity?
The ability of a material to conduct electricity
Conductors have low resistance, while insulators offer high resistance to electric flow.
What does the term plasticity refer to?
The ability of a material to be permanently changed in shape by an external force without damage
This property is crucial for materials like polymers.
What is tensile strength?
The ability to withstand stretching or pulling forces
It is one of the key types of strength relevant in material selection.
What is compressive strength?
The ability to withstand pushing or crushing forces
Compressive strength is important for materials used in structural applications.
What is the definition of toughness?
The ability of a material to withstand a sudden impact
Toughness is critical for materials used in applications where impact is a factor.
What is the definition of malleability?
The ability to withstand deformation by compression
Malleability is a key property for metals in manufacturing.
What does ductility refer to?
The ability to be drawn out or stretched
Ductile materials can be formed into wires and other shapes.
What is elasticity?
The ability to flex and return to its normal shape when the force is removed
Elasticity is essential for materials that need to withstand bending.
What does durability mean in the context of materials?
The ability of a material to withstand wear and tear, weathering, and corrosion
Durability is a crucial property for materials used in outdoor and high-wear applications.
What is stability in materials?
The ability to resist changes in shape and size due to its environment
Stability is important for materials used in varying environmental conditions.
What is the relationship between strength and forces?
Strength is resistance to force, with each force having an associated strength
Understanding this relationship is essential for material selection in engineering.
