(Machines, structures) are often subjected to

forces/ deformations, resulting in

stresses/strains, the properties of materials
under the action of forces and deformations
becomes an important engineering
consideration.

The properties of materials when subjected to

stresses and strains are called mechanical

properties. In other words the properties that
determine the behavior of engineering mats
under applied forces are called mechanical
properties.

The response of a material to applied forces

depends on the type and nature of the bond
and the structural arrangement of atoms,
molecules or ions.

Basic deformation types for load carrying

materials are:
1.
2.
3.

Elastic deformation (deformations are

instantaneously recoverable)
Plastic deformation (non-recoverable)
Viscous deformation (time dependent deformation)

1. Initial

2. Load

3. Unload

bonds
stretch
return to
initial shape

F
Return to the original
shape when the applied
load is removed.
Elastic means reversible!

Linearelastic

Non-Linearelastic

1. Initial

2. Load

3. Unload

bonds
stretch
& planes
shear

elastic + plastic

F
Could not return to the
original shape when the
applied load is removed.
Plastic means permanent!

p lanes
still
sheared

plastic

F
linear
elastic

linear
elastic

plastic

elastic

Plastic deformations in noncrystalline solids (as

well as liquids) occurs by a viscous flow
mechanism. Usually attributed to fluids. But
solids may also behave like viscous materials
under high temperature and pressure.
Viscous materials deform steadily under stress.
Deformations are time dependent.

Based on the abovementioned

deformation characteristics,
several material idealizations
could be made. Such as:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Elastic Materials
Plastic Materials
extensometer
Elastoplastic Materials
Viscoelastic Materials

specimen

Return to the their original shape when the

applied load is removed.

Unloadin
g
Loadin
g

No deformation is observed up to a certain

limit. Once the load passes this limit,
permanent deformartions are observed.
P
Limit

Loadin
g

Unloadin
g
Plastic deformation

Up to a limit shows elastic properties. Within

this limit if the load is removed, returns to its
original shape. If the load passes the limit,
plastic deformations are observed.
P
Elastic
Limit

Plastic
Elastic
deformation deformati
on

Deformations are time-dependent.

P

Fast
LoadingUnloading

Slow
Loading-Unloading

The physical properties of some substances

depend on the crystallographic direction in
which the measurements are taken.
This directionality of properties is termed as
anisotropy, and it is associated with the
variance of atomic or ionic spacing with
crystallographic direction.
Substances in which the measured properties
are independent of the direction of
measurement are called isotropic.

Isotropic materials have the same mechanical

properties in all directions.

Anisotropic materials show different behavior
in different directions.

Isotropic
Materials
(METALS)

1=
2

Anisotropic1
Materials 2
(WOOD)

 Hooke's Law: For elastic materials, stress is linearly

proportional to strain and is independent of time.
Modulus of Elasticity, E:

E
Linearelastic

=E

simple
tension
test

Mechanical Behaviour
Elasticity

Recoverable deformation

Plasticity

Permanent deformation

Fracture

Propagation of cracks in a material

Fatigue

Oscillatory loading

Creep

Elongation at constant load at High temperatures

Note: above is a broad classification for convenience. E.g. Creep is also leads to plastic deformation!

Recoverable

Instantaneous

Elastic
Time dependent

Anelasticity

Deformation
Instantaneous
Plastic
Permanent

Time dependent
Viscoelasticity

Elasticity
Elastic deformation is reversible deformation- i.e. when
load/forces/constraints are released the body returns to its original
configuration (shape and size).
Elastic deformation can be caused by tension/compression or shear
forces.
Usually in metals and ceramics elastic deformation is seen at low
strains (less than ~103).
The elastic behaviour of metals and ceramics is usually line ar.
Linear

Elasticity

E.g. Al deformed at small

strains
Non-linear E.g. deformation of an elastomer like
rubber

 Elastic modulus is the slope of the Force-interatomic spacing curve (F-r curve), at the

Force

Near r0 the red line (tangent to the F-r curve at r = r0)

coincides with the blue line (F-r) curve

r0
For displacements around r0 Force-displacement curve is approximately linear
THE LINEAR ELASTIC REGION

Stress-strain curve for an elastomer

Stress

Tension

strain
Due to efficient
filling of space

Compression

T > C

T due to uncoiling
of polymer chains
T

ELASTIC MODULII
= E.

E Youngs modulus

= G.

G Shear modulus

hydrodynami = K.volumetric strain

K Bulk modulus

t

l
E
G
2(1 )
E
K
3(1 2 )

Anisotropy in the Elastic modulus

In

a crystal the interatomic distance varies with direction

elastic anisotropy

Elastic anisotropy is especially pronounced in materials with

two kinds of bonds
Two kinds of ordering along two directions

Elastic modulus in design

Stiffness of a material is its ability to resist elastic deformation of
deflection on loading depends on the geometry of the component.
High modulus in conjunction with good ductility should be chosen (good
ductility avoids catastrophic failure in case of accidental overloading)
Covalently bonded materials- e.g. diamond have high E (1140 GPa)
BUT brittle
Ionic solids are also very brittle

Ionic solids

NaCl

Youngs Modulus (GN / m2)

37

MgO Al2O3
310

402

TiC

Silica glass

308

70