- Stress and strain are size-independent measures of load and displacement, respectively. Elastic behavior shows a linear stress-strain relation. Plastic behavior occurs when tensile stress reaches the yield strength (σy).
- The elastic modulus (E or G) and yield strength characterize mechanical properties. Materials with larger E resist deformation better. Toughness is the energy to break a material.
- Polymers have unique time- and temperature-dependent viscoelastic behavior compared to metals and ceramics. Their properties depend on bonding, structure, and chain configurations.