IB Design Technology Topic A3.1.6: Mechanical Properties of Materials Key Definitions

The ability of a material to withstand forces that try to squash or compress it without breaking or deforming.

The ability of a material to be stretched, drawn, or extruded into a long, thin shape such as a wire, without breaking.

The ability of a material to return to its original shape after being stretched, compressed, or deformed, once the force is removed.

The ability of a material to resist scratching, indentation, or penetration.

The ability of a material to be permanently deformed (flattened or shaped) by compressive forces without cracking or breaking.

Mechanical properties are the characteristics of a material that describe how it reacts to forces such as stretching, compressing, or bending, and how it behaves under stress and strain.

The ability of a material to be permanently deformed without breaking when a force is applied.

The ability of a material to resist bending or deflection when a force is applied, helping it maintain its shape.

Tensile strength is the ability of a material to withstand pulling forces without breaking or deforming.

The ability of a material to absorb energy and resist the spread of cracks, especially when subjected to a sudden impact or shock load.