PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
DOE-HDBK-1017/1-93
Properties of Metal
Molybdenum forms a complex carbide when added to steel. Because of the structure of the
carbide, it hardens steel substantially, but also minimizes grain enlargement. Molybdenum tends
to augment the desirable properties of both nickel and chromium.
Stainless steels are alloy steels containing at least 12% chromium. An important characteristic
of these steels is their resistance to many corrosive conditions.
The important information in this chapter is summarized below.
Strength is the ability of a material to resist deformation. An increase in slip will
decrease the strength of a material.
Ultimate tensile strength (UTS) is the maximum resistance to fracture.
Yield strength is the stress at which a predetermined amount of permanent
deformation occurs.
Ductility is the ability of a material to deform easily upon the application of a
tensile force, or the ability of a material to withstand plastic deformation without
rupture. An increase in temperature will increase ductility. Ductility decreases
with lower temperatures, cold working, and irradiation. Ductility is desirable in
high temperature and high pressure applications.
Malleability is the ability of a metal to exhibit large deformation or plastic
response when being subjected to compressive force.
Toughness describes how a material reacts under sudden impacts. It is defined
as the work required to deform one cubic inch of metal until it fractures.
Hardness is the property of a material that enables it to resist plastic deformation,
penetration, indentation, and scratching.
MS-02
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