Compressive Strength
A material′s ability to resist a force that tends to crush or buckle.
Compressive Strength is the maximum compressive load a specimen sustains divided by the specimen′s original cross-sectional area. Note: "Original" cross-sectional area.
- For metals, the compressive strength is the same as the tensile yield strength.
- Polymers are approximately 20% stronger in compression than in tension.
- Ceramics, compressive strength is governed by crushing and is much larger than the tensile strength.
- Composites which contain fibres (including natural composites like wood) are a little weaker (up to 30%) in compression than tension because the fibres buckle.
See also: Crushing Load, Eccentricity of Loading, Tensile Strength.
Subjects: Mechanical Engineering