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YOUNG'S MODULUS
- This article is about a physical property. For the computer game, see Young's Modulus (game).
In solid mechanics, Young's Modulus (also known as the Young Modulus, modulus of elasticity, elastic modulus or tensile modulus) is a measure of the stiffness of a given material. It is defined as the ratio, for small strains, of the rate of change of stress with strain. This can be experimentally determined from the slope of a stress-strain curve created during tensile tests conducted on a sample of the material. Young's modulus is named after Thomas Young the English physicist, physician and Egyptologist.
Units
The SI unit of modulus of elasticity is the pascal. Given the large values typical of many common materials, figures are usually quoted in megapascals or gigapascals. Some use an alternative unit form, kN/mm², which gives the same numeric value as gigapascals.
The modulus of elasticity can also be measured in other units of pressure, for example pounds per square inch.
Usage
The Young's modulus allows the behavior of a material under load to be calculated. For instance, it can be used to predict the amount a wire will extend under tension, or to predict the load at which a thin column will buckle under compression. Some calculations also require the use of other material properties, such as the shear modulus, density, or Poisson's ratio.
Linear vs non-linear
For many materials, Young's modulus is a constant over a range of strains. Such materials are called linear, and are said to obey Hooke's law. Examples of linear materials include steel, carbon fiber, and glass. Rubber and soil (except at very low strains) are non-linear materials.
Directional materials
Most metals and ceramics, along with many other materials, are isotropic - their mechanical properties are the same in all directions. However, some materials, particularly those which are composites of two or more ingredients have a "grain" or similar mechanical structure. As a result, these anisotropic materials have different mechanical properties when load is applied in different directions. For example, carbon fiber is much stiffer (higher Young's Modulus) when loaded parallel to the fibers (along the grain). Other such materials include wood and reinforced concrete.
Calculation
Young's modulus, Y, can be calculated by dividing the tensile stress by the tensile strain:

where Y is the modulus of elasticity, measured in pascals; F is the force applied to the object; A0 is the original cross-sectional area through which the force is applied; Δl is the amount by which the length of the object changes; and l0 is the original length of the object.
Force exerted by stretched or compressed material
The Young's modulus of a material can be used to calculate the force it exerts under a specific strain.

where F is the force exerted by the material when compressed or stretched by Δl. From this formula can be derived Hooke's law, which describes the stiffness of an ideal spring: F = kx, where x = Δl, and .
Elastic potential energy
The elastic potential energy stored is given by the integral of this expression with respect to l:

where Ue is the elastic potential energy.
The elastic potential energy per unit volume is given by:
, where is the strain in the material.
This formula can also be expressed as the integral of Hooke's law:

Approximate values
Young's Modulus can vary considerably depending on the exact composition of the material. For example, the value for most metals can vary by 5% or more, depending on the precise composition of the alloy and any heat treatment applied during manufacture. As such, many of the values here are approximate.
Approximate Young's Moduli of Various Solids
| Material |
Young's modulus (E) in GPa |
Young's modulus (E) in lbf/in² (psi) |
| Rubber (small strain) |
0.01-0.1 |
1,500-15,000 |
| Low density polyethylene |
0.2 |
30,000 |
| Polypropylene |
1.5-2 |
217,000-290,000 |
| Bacteriophage capsids (virus) |
1-3 |
150,000-435,000 |
| Polyethylene terephthalate |
2-2.5 |
290,000-360,000 |
| Polystyrene |
3-3.5 |
435,000-505,000 |
| Nylon |
2-4 |
290,000-580,000 |
| Oak wood (along grain) |
11 |
1,600,000 |
| High-strength concrete (under compression) |
30 |
4,350,000 |
| Magnesium metal (Mg) |
45 |
6,500,000 |
| Aluminium alloy |
69 |
10,000,000 |
| Glass (all types) |
72 |
10,400,000 |
| Brass and bronze |
103-124 |
17,000,000 |
| Titanium (Ti) |
105-120 |
15,000,000-17,500,000 |
| Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (unidirectional, along grain) |
150 |
21,800,000 |
| Wrought iron and steel |
190-210 |
30,000,000 |
| Tungsten (W) |
400-410 |
58,000,000-59,500,000 |
| Silicon carbide (SiC) |
450 |
65,000,000 |
| Tungsten carbide (WC) |
450-650 |
65,000,000-94,000,000 |
| Single Carbon nanotube [1] |
approx. 1,000+ |
approx. 145,000,000 |
| Diamond (C) |
1,050-1,200 |
150,000,000-175,000,000 |
See also
External links
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