Young's Modulus of Common Materials
Reference table for Young's modulus (E) across metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites
Young's Modulus Comparison Table
| Material | Young's Modulus E (GPa) |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | 69 |
| Steel (Carbon) | 200 |
| Stainless Steel | 190 |
| Copper | 110 |
| Brass | 100 |
| Bronze | 96 |
| Nickel | 200 |
| Titanium | 116 |
| Cast Iron | 100 |
| Glass (Soda-Lime) | 70 |
| Borosilicate Glass | 64 |
| Quartz | 72 |
| Alumina (Ceramic) | 380 |
| Silicon Carbide | 450 |
| Polyethylene (PE) | 0.8 |
| Polypropylene (PP) | 1.5 |
| Polystyrene (PS) | 3.0 |
| Polycarbonate (PC) | 2.0 |
| Epoxy Resin | 3.5 |
| Concrete | 30 |
| Wood (Along Grain) | 11 |
| Wood (Across Grain) | 0.9 |
| Bricks | 17 |
Young's Modulus Comparison Chart
About Young’s Modulus (E) of Materials
Young’s modulus (symbol: E), also known as the modulus of elasticity, is a fundamental mechanical property of materials that quantifies a material’s stiffness and its ability to resist elastic deformation under applied stress. It defines the linear relationship between stress (σ) and strain (ε) in the elastic region of a material’s stress–strain curve.
E = σ / ε
In this formula, σ represents the applied stress (force per unit area), and ε represents the resulting strain (relative deformation). A higher Young’s modulus indicates a stiffer material, while a lower value indicates a more flexible or compliant material.
Importance of Young’s Modulus in Engineering
Young’s modulus is essential for mechanical and structural design because it allows engineers to predict how materials will deform under load. Accurate knowledge of E helps ensure component performance, structural integrity, and safety in real-world applications. It is used to calculate deflections, stress distributions, and elastic limits in beams, shafts, plates, and other structural elements.
- Mechanical Design: Choosing materials for gears, springs, and mechanical assemblies based on stiffness requirements.
- Structural Engineering: Predicting deflection and stress in beams, trusses, and frames.
- Materials Science: Comparing metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites for elasticity and load-bearing performance.
- Product Development: Ensuring parts maintain dimensional accuracy under mechanical loads.
- Safety & Reliability: Preventing excessive deformation that could lead to functional failure.
Understanding the Young’s modulus of metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites is critical for engineering design, materials selection, and structural analysis, making it a key reference for both professional engineers and materials researchers.