Modulus of elasticity

The modulus of elasticity (elastic modulus) calculates a material's elastic deformation and reproduces the stress-strain relationship in the linearly elastic range.

The modulus of elasticity is determined using tensile or compression tests to define a sample's stress values and associated strain values in the elastic range. Depicted graphically in a stress-strain diagram based on a uniaxial load in the linearly elastic range, the modulus of elasticity is the graph's gradient (straight line showing the range within which Hooke's law applies): $E=\sigma /\varepsilon $, where $\sigma $ is the normal mechanical stress and $\varepsilon $ is the elongation.

Despite being a Material constant, the modulus of elasticity depends on ambient conditions such as temperature and rate of deformation. It is also used to calculate thermal, tensile and shrinkage stresses as well as buckling and dent Resistance.