Properties of Materials
(Nature and Properties
of Materials : III)
Week 3
Suketa Chaudhary
IIT Bombay Roll No. - 204116004
Q1 –Properties of matrix of composite material.
Answer :
Composite materials are combination of two or more materials with significantly different properties than the original
materials.
• Composites are made up of Matrix & Reinforcement
• Matrix is a continuous phase which holds the reinforcement.
• Matrix is more ductile, soft phase.
• It holds dispersed phase and share load
• It phases the stress to reinforcement via interface but protects the reinforcement fibers.
• Ex. Concrete Where cement is matrix and sand, stones are the dispersed phase
Q2 The materials which exhibit the same elastic properties in all direction are called
(a) Homogenous
(b)Inelastic
(c) Isotropic
(d)Anisotropic
Option 3 : Isotropic
• Isotropic Material: If the response of the material is
independent of the orientation of the load axis of
the sample, then we say that the material is
isotropic. A material is said to be isotropic when it
exhibits the same elastic properties in any direction
at a given point
• Homogenous Material: A material is homogenous if
it has the same composition through our body.
Hence the elastic properties are the same at every
point in the body. Isotropic material can be either
homogeneous or non-homogeneous.
Q3 A continuous and aligned fiber-reinforced composite is to be produced consisting of 30 vol%
aramid fibers and 70 vol% polycarbonate matrix; the mechanical characteristics of these two materials
are given below:
The stress on the polycarbonate matrix when the aramid fibers fail is 45 MPa. For this composite,
compute the following:(a)The longitudinal tensile strength (b)The longitudinal modulus of elasticity
Modulus of Tensile Strength[MPa]
Elasticity[Gpa]
Aramid fiber 131 3600
Polycarbonate 2.4 45
(a) The longitudinal tensile strength (b) The longitudinal elastic modulus
′
𝜎𝑐𝑙∗ = 𝜎𝑚
′ 1−𝑣
𝑓 + 𝜎𝑓 𝑣𝑓 𝐸𝑐𝑙 = 𝐸𝑚 𝑣𝑚 + 𝐸𝑓 𝑣𝑓
= 45 0.7 + 3600 0.3 = 2.4 0.7 + 131 0.3
= 1100 𝑀𝑃𝑎 = 41 𝐺𝑃𝑎
Q4 Is it possible to produce a continuous and oriented aramid fiber–epoxy matrix composite having
longitudinal and transverse moduli of elasticity of 35 GPa and 5.17 Gpa, respectively? Why or why not?
Assume that the elastic modulus of the epoxy is 3.4 GPa. The value of E for aramid fibers is 131 GP
For the longitudinal modulus 𝐸𝑐𝑙
𝐸𝑐𝑙 = 𝐸𝑚 1 − 𝑣𝑓𝑙 + 𝐸𝑓 𝑣𝑓𝑙
35 = 3.4 1 − 𝑣𝑓𝑙 + 131𝑣𝑓𝑙
𝑣𝑓𝑙 = 0.248
Now, repeating this procedure for the transverse modulus, 𝐸𝑐𝑡
𝐸𝑚 𝐸𝑓
𝐸𝑐𝑡 =
𝐸𝑓 1 − 𝑣𝑓𝑡 + 𝐸𝑚 𝑣𝑓𝑡
(131)(3.4)
5.17 =
131 1 − 𝑣𝑓𝑡 + 3.4𝑣𝑓𝑡
𝑣𝑓𝑡 = 0.351
Thus, since 𝑣𝑓𝑙 and 𝑣𝑓𝑡 are not equal, the proposed composite is not possible
Q5 - For a continuous and oriented fiber-reinforced composite, the moduli of elasticity in the longitudinal and
transverse directions are 𝟏𝟗. 𝟕 and 𝟑. 𝟔𝟔 GPa (𝟐. 𝟖 × 𝟏𝟎𝟔 and 𝟓. 𝟑 × 𝟏𝟎𝟓 psi), respectively. If the volume
fraction of fibers is 0.25, determine the moduli of elasticity of fiber and matrix phases
Answer : This problem asks for us to compute the elastic moduli of fiber and matrix phases for a continuous and oriented
fiber-reinforced composite. We can write expressions for the longitudinal and transverse elastic moduli using below
equations -
𝐸𝑐𝑙 = 𝐸𝑚 1 − 𝑉𝑓 + 𝐸𝑓 𝑉𝑓
19.7 𝐺𝑃𝑎 = 𝐸𝑚 1 − 0.25 + 𝐸𝑓 (0.25)
And
𝐸𝑚 𝐸𝑓
𝐸𝑐𝑡 =
1 − 𝑉𝑓 𝐸𝑓 + 𝑉𝑓 𝐸𝑚
𝐸𝑚 𝐸𝑓
3.66 𝐺𝑃𝑎 =
1 − 0.25 𝐸𝑓 + 0.25𝐸𝑚
Solving these two expressions simultaneously for 𝐸𝑚 and 𝐸𝑓 leads to
𝐸𝑚 = 2.79 𝐺𝑃𝑎 (4.04 × 105 𝑝𝑠𝑖)
𝐸𝑓 = 70.4 𝐺𝑃𝑎 (10.2 × 106 𝑝𝑠𝑖)
Q6 - Fully recoverable but time-dependent deformation is known as :
A. Elastic deformation
B. Anelastic deformation
C. Viscoelastic deformation
D. Plastic deformation
Answer : Option 2 : anelastic deformation
Explanation :
Anelastic deformation
• Fully recoverable but time-dependent deformation is called anelastic deformation
• Anelastic deformation occurs in all materials the strain associated with it may not be significant.
• For example, in metals the anelastic strain is small and its contribution to the total strain negligible compared with that
from elastic and plastic deformation.
• A material’s capacity to damp out vibrations, called damping capacity or internal friction, is a function of the lag
between the applied stress and strain and hence is related to the anelastic deformation.
Elastic deformation
• Fully recoverable deformation, which is virtually time-independent, is called elastic deformation
• Within the range of elastic behavior, a distinction should be made between ordinary elasticity and rubber-like
elasticity
• Elastic deformation occurs when a load is applied and the deformation disappears completely after the load is
removed
• Examples are springs (helical spring, leaf spring)
Viscoelastic deformation
• When both recoverable and permanent deformation occurs together and is time-dependent, we have viscoelastic
deformation.
• Examples of viscoelastic materials include amorphous polymers, semi-crystalline polymers, biopolymers, and metals
at very high temperatures.
Plastic deformation
• The permanent deformation is called plastic deformation
• Deform in response to an externally applied stress
• Permanent deformation stays after the removal of the applied stress, while temporary deformation disappears on the
removal of the stress.
• The permanent deformation of materials on the application of a load can be either plastic deformation or creep.
Q7 - An aligned and continuous fiber reinforced composite consists of fibers with an elastic modulus of
𝟎. 𝟗𝟒 × 𝟏𝟎𝟔 psi and a matrix with an elastic modulus of 𝟎. 𝟎𝟔 × 𝟏𝟎𝟔 psi. If the fibers are required to carry
94% of the total load in the longitudinal direction (iso-strain condition), determine the volume fraction of the
fibers and matrix needed to accomplish this task.
Answer :
Given some data for an aligned glass-fiber-reinforced nylon 6,6, we are asked to compute the volume fraction of fibers
that are required such that the fibers carry 94% of a load applied in the longitudinal direction.
𝐹𝑓 𝐸𝑓 𝑉𝑓 𝐸𝑓 𝑉𝑓
= =
𝐹𝑚 𝐸𝑚 𝑉𝑚 𝐸𝑚 1 − 𝑉𝑓
Now,
𝐹𝑓 0.94
= = 15.67
𝐹𝑚 0.06
Substituting in for 𝐸𝑓 and 𝐸𝑚
𝐹𝑓 72.5 𝐺𝑃𝑎 𝑉𝑓
= 15.67 =
𝐹𝑚 3.0 𝐺𝑃𝑎 1 − 𝑉𝑓
And, solving for 𝑉𝑓 yields, 𝑉𝑓 = 0.418.
Q8 - A Composite Has A Cross-Sectional Area Of 320 Mm2 And Is Subjected To A Longitudinal Load Of 44,500 N. The
Continuous And Aligned Fiber-Reinforced Composite Is To Be Produced Consisting Of 30 Vol% Aramid Fibers And 70
Vol% Polycarbonate Matrix; The Mechanical Characteristics Of These Two Materials Are As Follows:
A composite has a cross-sectional area of 320 mm2 and is subjected to a longitudinal load of 44,500 N.
The continuous and aligned fiber-reinforced composite is to be produced consisting of 30 vol% aramid fibers and 70
vol% polycarbonate matrix; the mechanical characteristics of these two materials are as follows:
Aramid fiber: Modulus of elasticity, 131 GPa; Tensile strength 3600 MPa;
Polycarbonate: Modulus of elasticity, 2.4 GPa; Tensile strength 65 MPa;
Compute the magnitude of the stress on each of the fiber and matrix phases.
A) What strain is experienced by the composite?
B) Calculate the fiber/matrix load ratio ?
C) Compute the magnitude of the stress on each of the fiber and matrix phases ?
D) Calculate the actual loads carried by both fiber and matrix phases?
Answer - The problem stipulates that the cross-sectional area of a composite, 𝐴𝑐 , is 320 𝑚𝑚2 (0.50 𝑖𝑛.2 ), and the
longitudinal load, 𝐹𝑐 , is 44,500 N (10,000 𝑙𝑏𝑓 ) for the composite
(a) First, we are asked to calculate the 𝐹𝑓 /𝐹𝑚 ratio
𝐹𝑚 𝐸𝑓 𝑉𝑓 (131 𝐺𝑃𝑎)(0.30)
= = = 23.4
𝐹𝑚 𝐸𝑚 𝑉𝑚 (2.4 𝐺𝑃𝑎)(0.70)
Or, 𝐹𝑓 = 23.4 𝐹𝑚
(b) Now, the actual loads carried by both phases are called for. Since
𝐹𝑓 + 𝐹𝑚 = 𝐹𝑐 = 44,500 𝑁
23.4 𝐹𝑚 + 𝐹𝑚 = 44,500 𝑁
which leads to
𝐹𝑚 = 1824 𝑁 (410 𝑙𝑏𝑓 )
𝐹𝑓 = 44,500 𝑁 − 1824 𝑁 = 42,676 𝑁 (9590 𝑙𝑏𝑓 )
(c) To compute the stress on each of the phases, it is first necessary to know the cross-sectional areas of both fiber
and matrix. These are determined as
𝐴𝑓 = 𝑉𝑓 𝐴𝑐 = (0.30)(320 𝑚𝑚2 ) = 96 𝑚𝑚2 (0.15 𝑖𝑛.2 )
𝐴𝑚 = 𝑉𝑚 𝐴𝑐 = (0.70)(320 𝑚𝑚2 ) = 224 𝑚𝑚2 (0.35 𝑖𝑛.2 )
Now, for the stresses,
42676 𝑁
𝜎𝑓 = 𝐹𝑓 𝐴𝑓 = = 445 𝑀𝑃𝑎 (63,930 𝑝𝑠𝑖)
96 𝑚𝑚2
1824 𝑁
𝜎𝑚 = 𝐹𝑚 𝐴𝑚 = = 8.14 𝑀𝑃𝑎 (1170 𝑝𝑠𝑖)
224 𝑚𝑚2
(d) The strain on the composite is the same as the strain on each of the matrix and fiber phases, as
8.14 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝑚 = 𝜎𝑚 𝐸𝑚 = 3 = 3.39 × 10−3
2.4 × 10 𝑀𝑃𝑎
Q9 - Which of the following is most elastic material?
A. Rubber
B. Sponge
C. Glass
D. Steel
Answer : Option 4 : Steel
Explanation :
• Steel is the most elastic material.
• If the object is elastic, the body regains its original shape when the pressure is removed.
• Steel having the steepest linear stress-strain curve among all.
• A stiffer material will have a higher elastic modulus.
Key point - Why Steel is more elastic than rubber?
• If the same amount of force is applied to a steel wire and to a wire made of rubber of the same length and cross-
sectional area, the extension of the rubber wire is easier than the extension of the steel wire.
• So, it can be derived that for a given amount of stress, the strain produced in the steel is comparatively smaller than
the strain produced in the rubber.
• Therefore, with the help of Young’s modulus, it can be concluded that steel has greater elasticity than rubber.
Q10 - Consider the following statements: On heating an elastomer under tensile load, its shrinkage
1. maximizes the enthalpy 2. maximizes the entropy 3. minimizes the free energy 4. avoids breaking Which of
the above statements are correct?
A. 1 and 2
B. 2 and 3
C. 3 and 4
D. 1 and 4
Answer : Option 2 : 2 and 3
Explanation :
In heating elastomer under tensile load, the entropy gets decrease because of only one possible microstate but by
shrinkage, entropy gets increased because of many possible microstates.
By Helmholtz free energy equation-free energy is given by
A = U – Ts
where U = internal energy, T = temperature, S = entropy.
So, By increase in entropy free energy gets reduced.
Q11-What are the different properties of materials and discuss?
• Strength: It is the ability of a material to resist the externally applied forces without breaking or yielding.
The internal resistance offered by a part to an externally applied force is called stress.
• Stiffness: It is the ability of a material to resist deformation under stress. The modulus of elasticity is the
measure of stiffness
• Elasticity: It is the property of a material to regain its original shape after deformation when the external
forces are removed. This property is desirable for materials used in tools and machines. It may be noted
that steel is more elastic than rubber.
• Plasticity: It is property of a material which retains the deformation produced under load permanently. This
property of the material is necessary for forgings, in stamping images on coins and in ornamental work.
• Ductility: It is the property of a material enabling it to be drawn into wire with the application of a tensile
force. A ductile material must be both strong and plastic. Mild steel, copper, aluminium, nickel, zinc, tin and
lead are the ductile materials
• Brittleness: It is the property of a material opposite to ductility. It is the property of breaking of a
material with little permanent distortion. Cast Iron is a brittle material.
• Malleability: It is a special case of ductility which permits materials to be rolled or hammered into
thin sheets. A malleable material should be plastic but it is not essential to be so strong. Lead, soft
steel, wrought iron, copper and aluminium.
• Toughness: It is the property of a material to resist fracture due to high impact loads like hammer
blows. The toughness of the material decreases when it is heated. This property is desirable in
parts subjected to shock and impact loads.
• Machinability: It is the property of a material which refers to a relative case with which a material
can be cut.
• Resilience: It is the property of a material to absorb energy and to resist shock and impact loads. It
is measured by the amount of energy absorbed per unit volume within elastic limit. This property
is essential for spring materials.
• Creep: When a part is subject to a constant stress at high temperature for a long period of time, it
will undergo a slow and permanent deformation called creep. This property is considered in
designing internal combustion engines, boilers and turbines.
• Fatigue: When a material is subjected to repeated stresses, it fails at stresses
below the yield point stresses. Such type of failure of a material is known as
fatigue. The failure is caused by means of progressive crack formations which
are usually fine and microscopic size. This property is considered in designing
shafts, connecting rods, springs, gears etc.
• Hardness: It is a very important property of the metals and has a wide variety
of meanings. It embraces many different properties such as resistance to
wear, scratching, deformation and machinability etc. It also means the ability
of a metal to cut another metal. The hardness is usually expressed in
numbers which are dependent on the method of making the test.
