STRUCTURE OF SOLIDS

A study of the mechanical properties of materials must begin with an understanding of the structure of solid materials. In this context, structure refers to the atomistic and crystalline patterns of which the solid material is composed. The definitions of the mechanical properties given in the following sections are on the basis of the crystalline structure of material. For example, strength (and hardness) is defined as the ability of the material to resist slip along its crystallographic planes. Thus, in order to increase the strength of a material, something must be done to it which will make slip more difficult to initiate. The following sections will explain the manner in which
the various thermal and mechanical processes affect the structure of a material, which in turn determines the mechanical properties. The next section presents a brief review of atomic structure.