Viscoelasticity

Viscoelasticity (/ˌvɪskoʊ.iː.læˈstɪsɪti/) is a property of materials that exhibit both viscous and elastic characteristics when undergoing deformation.

Etymology

The term "viscoelasticity" is derived from the words "viscous" and "elasticity". "Viscous" comes from the Latin word "viscosus", meaning sticky, and "elasticity" comes from the Greek word "elastikos", meaning to stretch.

Definition

Viscoelasticity is a complex property of a material, characterized by a combination of viscosity and elasticity. Viscosity is the property of a fluid that resists the force tending to cause the fluid to flow, while elasticity is the ability of a material to return to its original shape after being stretched or deformed.

Properties

Viscoelastic materials have the unique ability to both resist flow and deform elastically. They exhibit a strain rate-dependent deformation, which means that the rate at which they deform is dependent on the rate at which stress is applied. This property is often described using a stress-strain curve, which plots stress against strain for a given material.

Examples

Examples of viscoelastic materials include polymers, biological tissues, and certain types of foam. These materials are often used in applications where energy absorption and dissipation are important, such as in shock absorbers and damping systems.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Viscoelasticity
Wikipedia's article - Viscoelasticity

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Viscoelasticity