Materials Science: Specific Strength and Stiffness

The ratio of a material's strength to its weight.

The ratio of a material's stiffness to its weight.

Materials that are designed to have high specific strength and stiffness, often by combining different materials with different properties.

The property of a material that determines its resistance to deformation under stress.

The property of a material that determines its resistance to bending or flexing under stress.

A key factor in material selection, especially for high-speed equipment and applications that require weight reduction.

A material used widely in aerospace and automotive applications due to its high strength-to-weight ratio.

A material commonly used in applications requiring lightweight and durable components, such as portable computers and bicycles.

The temperature at which a solid material changes into a liquid. Think of ice melting into water.

The amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a unit mass of a substance by one degree Celsius. Think of how much heat it takes to warm up a pot of water.

The rate at which heat flows through a material. A material with high thermal conductivity conducts heat well. Think of metals being hot to touch, while wood is not.

The tendency for a material to change size when its temperature changes. Think of how a metal road expands in the summer.

The ability of a material to conduct electricity. Metals are good electrical conductors, while plastics are insulators.

The ability of a material to be affected by a magnetic field. Iron is a ferromagnetic material, while plastic is not.

The resistance of a material to chemical attack, such as rusting or corrosion. Stainless steel is very corrosion resistant.

The range of temperatures within which a material can be used without significant degradation or failure.

A material's ability to withstand tensile stress or pulling forces.

The process of changing the microstructure of a metal by heating and cooling to improve desired properties.

The temperature at which the crystals in a metal start to grow and change their structure.

The resistance a material offers to the flow of electrical current. Measured in Ohm-meters (Ω·m).

The maximum electric field strength an insulator can withstand before losing its insulating properties and allowing current to pass.

Materials that conduct electricity very well. They have low electrical resistivity.

Materials that resist the flow of electricity. They have high electrical resistivity.

A state of zero electrical resistance in certain materials at extremely low temperatures. Allows for high power transmission and magnetic levitation.

Materials with electrical conductivity that is extremely sensitive to temperature and impurities. These properties can be controlled to enable semiconductor devices like transistors.

Adding elements to a metal to change its properties, like electrical conductivity.

The ability of a material to be magnetized, where its atoms align into domains, resulting in high permeability and permanent magnetization.

A type of magnetism exhibited by ceramic materials, characterized by permanent and large magnetization.

The phenomenon where materials change shape when subjected to an electric current, and conversely, produce an electric current when deformed.

Devices that convert mechanical energy from an external force into electrical energy using the piezoelectric effect.

The phenomenon where materials expand or contract in response to a magnetic field.

Fluids that change their viscosity dramatically when exposed to magnetic or electric fields, acting as a liquid or a solid.

The property of materials responsible for their color and ability to block or transmit light.

The deterioration of metals and ceramics due to chemical reactions with the environment. It can lead to surface damage, reduced strength, and structural failure.

A type of corrosion that occurs at specific points on a surface, typically forming small pits or holes.

Corrosion that occurs along the grain boundaries of a metal, weakening the material.

Corrosion that occurs at the interface of two dissimilar metals, triggered by the formation of an electrical current.

Corrosion that is influenced by the presence of residual stresses in a material.

The environmental factors that contribute to corrosion, such as moisture, oxygen, and acidic substances.

The specific chemical reactions that occur when a material corrodes. These involve the transfer of electrons and the formation of new compounds.