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Mechanical Properties of Engineering Materials

We use various materials in engineering. The selection of materials for an application is based on the Mechanical properties of the particular material.

The materials posses various properties such as

  • Strength
  • Hardness
  • Brittleness
  • Toughness
  • Malleability
  • Ductility
  • Hot Hardness

Properties of Materials

Strength:

Strength is the maximum force required to fracture a unit cross sectional area of the given material in tension.

Tensile strength = Maximum force used to fracture in N / Original cross sectional area in mm²

The strength of 0.4% Carbon steel is approximately 350 N/ mm². The strength can be improved by alloying and heat treatment.

Tensile strength calculation

Max force used = 40000 N

Diameter of the rod 10 mm

Cross sectional area = (π / 4 ) d²

= ( 3.14 / 4 ) x 10 x 10

= 78.55 mm²

Tensile strength   = 40000 N / 78.55 mm²

= 510 N/ mm²


Hardness

The ability of the material to resist scratch, wear and indentation by harder substances.

The most common methods of hardness testing are Rockwell Hardness Test (HRC) and Brinell Hardness Test (BHN). The Hardness value of Center punch is 56 HRC.


Brittleness

The ability of the material to be broken into pieces when hammering load is applied.The more the Harder the Material the more brittle the material becomes.


Toughness

The toughness is the ability of a material to absorb energy and plastically deform without fracturing

Toughness testing: Charpy or Izod test are the standard test for toughness. Toughness is measured in units of joules – J

In the testing the piece is broken by striking a hammer against it. The energy absorbed in Joules while breaking is the toughness value.


Malleability

The ability of the material to deform under a compression load. This allows the material to be changed into any desired shape using compression load.


Ductility

The ability of the material to be drawn into thin wires under tensile load.


Hot Hardness:

Hot hardness: The ability of a material to retain hardness and wear resistance at high temperatures

Hot hardness Testing: Hot hardness testing is the measurement of material hardness while at high temperature.


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