Version 1.0, August 31, 2001, Copyright, Hugh Jack 1993-2001

2.1 TERMINOLOGY

 

· A basic list of terms commonly used are,

  1. Brittleness - the tendency of a material to break before it undergoes plastic deformation
  2. Ductility - the ability of certain materials to be plastically deformed without fracture (pulling).
  3. Elasticity - The ability to deform and return to the undeformed shape. This follows Hooke's law.
  4. Hardness - the resistance to deformation and forced penetration
  5. Malleability - the ability of a material to take a new shape when hammered or rolled.
  6. Tensile Strength - the maximum tensile load that can be applied before a material fractures
  7. Toughness - The ability to withstand cracking, as opposed to brittleness
  8. Yield Strength - The load at which the material stops elastically deforming, and starts permanently deforming.