E (Elastic Modulus)

Elastic modulus, often denoted as E, is a measure of a material's stiffness, indicating how much it will deform under stress. When a material is stretched or compressed, the elastic modulus quantifies the relationship between the applied force and the resulting deformation. A high elastic modulus means the material is stiff and doesn't change shape easily, like steel. Conversely, a low elastic modulus indicates a material that is more flexible, like rubber. Understanding elastic modulus helps engineers choose the right materials for construction, manufacturing, and other applications to ensure safety and performance.