Mechanical properties of metals

The mechanical properties of metals reflect the ability of materials to exhibit resistance to the loads applied to them. These abilities are expressed by quantitative indicators. The mechanical properties of metals and alloys are, first of all, impact strength, hardness, ductility, strength. Products also have creep, wear resistance and other qualities.

The main mechanical characteristics of the materials are determined during testing. Depending on the nature of the impact of the load per unit of time, the variable-variable, dynamic and static tests are distinguished. The mechanical properties of metals are also manifested when external loads are applied to the products. In particular, the tests are carried out by impact bending, torsion, compression, stretching and other influences.

The mechanical properties of metals are also manifested during deformation. This process is understood as changing the size and shape of an article under the influence of loads. Deformation in solid bodies is divided into plastic and elastic. In the first case, the product, after removing the load, is not restored to its size and shape, and in the second - it comes to its original state before the application of force.

As a rule, the mechanical properties of metals begin to describe with hardness. It is the most important quality of products. By hardness is meant the ability of the metal to exhibit resistance to plastic deformation. The quantitative indicator of this ability is the most common when controlling the quality of products.

The next important property of metal is strength. By this quality we mean the ability of the product to withstand destruction and deformation. When fracture occurs, the process of formation of cracks, which provokes the separation of the material into parts. The strength factor is determined during the tensile tests.

Plasticity of the material characterizes its ability to plastic deformation. In other words, this quality determines the possibility of obtaining residual changes in size and form without violating integrity. Plasticity is an important criterion for choosing a product for pressure treatment.

The ability of a part to absorb mechanical energy from an external force through plastic deformation is called viscosity.

Among alloys, a special place is occupied by cast iron (iron-carbon alloy). It contains more than 2.14% of carbon and a number of impurities. Iron-carbon alloy has high casting characteristics.

The most common in industrial production are such varieties as white, gray and high-strength cast iron.

The first, for example, has high hardness values, this provides resistance to wear. At the same time, the white cast iron is fragile. In addition, the material is poorly processed by cutting.

As one of the main in the foundry industry, gray cast iron is used. This material has a tensile strength high enough and is very easy to process.

Accordingly, high-strength cast iron is endowed with good casting and physical qualities.

Among non-ferrous metals and alloys, aluminum should be distinguished. They are endowed with high rates of corrosion resistance, are easily processed by cutting and pressure.

Copper alloys are also considered a fairly common raw material in production. These mixtures have good antifriction, technological and physical qualities.

Titanium alloys are distinguished by high corrosion resistance, heat resistance, high strength. They also have a low density.

There are magnesium alloys that are well processed by cutting.