Strength of Materials

1.4 PROPERTIES OF SOLID MATERIALS

Engineering materials have different properties, viz., physical, mechanical, chemical, thermal, electrical, etc. Among these properties, physical and mechanical properties are very important for construction of materials.

Physical properties include density, porosity, water absorption, thermal conductivity and permeability, whereas mechanical properties are elasticity, plasticity, strength, abrasion, hardness, ductility, brittleness, malleability and toughness. Knowledge of both the physical and mechanical properties are needed to design a structure on a material or of a material. Some of the important properties are discussed in the following sections.

1.4.1 Elasticity

Elasticity is the property of a material, ...