Mechanical Properties of Metals

Often, materials are subject to an external force when they are used. Mechanical engineers calculate those forces, and material scientists determine how materials deform or break as a function of force, time, temperature, and other conditions. Materials scientists learn about these mechanical properties by testing materials.

Some of the essential mechanical properties of the metals are Brittleness, Creep, Ductility, Elasticity, Fatigue, Hardness, Malleability, Plasticity, Resilience, Stiffness, Toughness and Yield strength.

The mechanical properties of metals are explained briefly below.

Brittleness:

The tendency of a material to fracture or fail upon applying a relatively small amount of force, impact or shock.

Creep:

When a metal is subjected to a constant force at a high temperature below its yield point for a prolonged time, it undergoes a permanent deformation.

Ductility:

Ductility is the property by which a metal can be drawn into thin wires. It is determined by percentage elongation and percentage reduction in the metal area.

Elasticity:

Elasticity is the tendency of solid materials to return to their original shape after being deformed.

Fatigue:

Fatigue is material weakening or equipment breakdown subjected to stress, especially a repeated series of stresses.

Hardness:

Hardness is the ability of a material to resist permanent change of shape caused by an external force.

Malleability:

Malleability is the property by which a metal can be rolled into thin sheets.

Plasticity:

Plasticity is the property by which a metal retains its deformation permanently when the external force applied to it is released.

Resilience:

Resilience is the ability of metal to absorb energy and resist soft and impact loads.

Stiffness:

When an external force is applied to metal, it develops an internal resistance. The internal resistance developed per unit area is called stress. Stiffness is the ability of metal to resist deformation under stress.

Toughness:

When a substantial external force is applied to metal, the metal will experience a fracture. Toughness is the ability of metal to resist fracture.

Yield strength:

The ability of a metal to bear gradual progressive force without permanent deformation.

These properties of metals depend on factors like the metal's percentage of composition, heat treatment and microstructure, making it essential to choose metals based on the specific demands of the intended application.