A basic characteristic of materials is called their elasticity, which enables them to regain their original shape after deformation by an outside force.
The study of elasticity is essential to know about their uses since it aids in the design of numerous instruments, machinery, and structures. The elastic properties of materials are used in a wide range of industries, for manufacturing, biomechanics, transportation, and construction.
1.Construction and Civil Engineering
When we builds the structures like bridges, dams, and buildings, the role of elasticity is vital. To give guarantee of that structures can tolerate forces like wind, earthquakes, and traffic loads, engineers design them with the elastic qualities of materials like steel, concrete, and wood in mind. For example:
Bridges and Buildings: Wind, temperature vibrations, and moving cars all put stress on bridges. To avoid irreversible deformation, steel beams and cables are selected for bridges based on their elasticity.
Skyscrapers: Materials used in the construction of tall structures are slightly flexible enough to withstand small earthquakes and wind forces without experiencing structural failure.
2. Manufacturing of Mechanical Components
In the design of many machine components, such as shafts, gears, and springs, elasticity is vital.
• Springs: It is shock absorbers, in mattresses, and in car suspensions all make extensive use of springs. The spring material can compress and stretch without breaking because of its elasticity.
Automobile Industry: To give cars comfort and stability, tires, shock absorbers, and other mechanical components are made with elastic qualities in mind.
3. Medical Applications
In the medical industry, elastic materials are essential, particularly for surgical instruments, orthopaedic equipment, and prostheses.
Ligaments and Tendons: The human body’s ligaments and tendons behave elastically, enabling joint flexibility and mobility.
Artificial Implants: Materials used in artificial joints, heart valves, and dental braces are designed to imitate the elastic behaviour of natural tissues
4. Sports Equipment and Safety Gear
Elastic materials are essential for performance and protection in the sports and safety industries.
• Sports Shoes and Apparel: Elastomers are used to make the soles of running shoes, which offer comfort and shock absorption while we run or jump
• Protective gear and helmets: Elastic materials are used in knee pads, helmets, and other safety gear to disperse impact forces and lessen injuries.
5. Aerospace and Aviation Industry
Materials used in the aerospace industry need to be strong enough to withstand high stresses while also being lightweight.
• Aircraft Wings: During flight, an airplane’s wings are under a lot of stress. In order to endure aerodynamic forces, their design considers the elastic qualities of materials.
• Spacecraft Components: To withstand temperature changes and mechanical stress in space, elastic materials are utilised in the joints and insulation of spacecraft.
6. Transportation and Railways
In the transportation industry, elasticity is essential for facilitating seamless movement and minimising wear and tear.
Railroad Tracks: Steel is selected for railway tracks and bridges because of its elastic properties, which allow it to support the weight of passing trains.
Tires and Shock Absorbers: Elastic rubber is used in the design of vehicle tires to offer stability and traction on various terrains.
7. Daily Life Applications
Without even recognizing it, we use elastic materials on a daily basis.
Rubber Bands: Because of its elasticity, basic rubber bands can stretch and regain their original shape.
Trampolines: To create bounce, the fabric and springs in trampolines depend on elasticity.
Some of the important applications of the elasticity of materials:-
The material used in bridges uses its elastic strength that’s why bridges are declared unsafe after long use.
To estimate the maximum height of a mountains:
The pressure at the base of the mountain = hpg = stress
The elastic limit of a typical rock is 3 x 108 N m-2
The stress must be less than the elastic limit, otherwise the rock begins to flow. h < 3 x 108 / pg = 3 x 108 / 3 x 103 x 10 = 104 m.
or h = 10 km
It may be noted that the height of Mount Everest is nearly 9 km.