Stiffness
Stiffness is a mechanical property that quantifies the resistance of an object to deformation in response to an applied force. It is a fundamental concept in the fields of mechanical engineering, materials science, and physics.
Definition[edit | edit source]
In the simplest terms, stiffness refers to the extent to which an object resists deformation in response to an applied force. The more an object resists deformation, the stiffer it is. Stiffness is typically measured in units of force per unit length, such as newtons per meter (N/m) in the International System of Units (SI).
Factors affecting stiffness[edit | edit source]
Several factors can affect the stiffness of an object. These include the material from which the object is made, the object's geometry, and the temperature at which the object is used.
Material[edit | edit source]
The stiffness of an object is largely determined by the material from which it is made. Different materials have different moduli of elasticity, which is a measure of their inherent stiffness. For example, steel has a higher modulus of elasticity than rubber, meaning that a steel object will be stiffer than a rubber object of the same size and shape.
Geometry[edit | edit source]
The geometry of an object also affects its stiffness. For example, a long, thin object will generally be less stiff than a short, thick object of the same material. This is because the long, thin object has less material to resist deformation.
Temperature[edit | edit source]
The stiffness of an object can also be affected by temperature. As a general rule, most materials become less stiff as they are heated and more stiff as they are cooled. This is because heating a material increases its molecular motion, making it easier for the material to deform.
Applications[edit | edit source]
Stiffness is a critical property in many applications, including the design of structures, vehicles, and biomechanical systems. In each of these applications, the goal is often to achieve a certain level of stiffness while minimizing weight and cost.
See also[edit | edit source]
 | This physics-related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
 | This engineering-related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
