viscoelasticity
Rubbery yet fluid
Viscoelasticity is the property of materials that exhibit both viscous and elastic behavior when deformed.
Viscous materials resist flow and deform permanently under stress; elastic materials return to their original shape.
Viscoelastic materials—like rubber, polymers, and biological tissues—do both: they stretch and spring back but also flow slowly over time.
The viscoelasticity of cartilage helps cushion joints during movement.
Stealthy, slow movement
- recoveryRegaining what was lost
- strainExcessive stretching force
- elongationIncrease in length
- relaxationState of being unwound
hysteresis · retardation · yielding · sagging · warping · stretching · compression · recoil
Large repeated-unit molecule
- elastomerStretchable polymer substance
- rubberElastic polymer from trees
- siliconeFlexible synthetic polymer
- gelWobbly semi-solid substance
foam · adhesive · thermoplastic · urethane · resin · latex · bitumen · neoprene
Resistance to deformation
- flexibilityAbility to adapt easily
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
- pliabilityAbility to bend easily
- supplenessCapacity to bend easily
Lateral sliding force
- modulusAbsolute value operation
- non-NewtonianViscosity changes with stress
- shear-thickeningViscosity rises with stress
- oscillationRepeated back-and-forth movement
Dissipating kinetic energy gradually
- attenuationGradual intensity reduction
- cushioningSoftening force or fall
- bufferingTemporary data accumulation
- isolationComplete separation from others
noise reduction · impact resistance · rebound · deadening · softening · energy loss
Top music degree
- oscillatoryMoving back and forth
- indentationInward cut or setback
- storageSpace for keeping goods
- lossBeing without something
creep
Stealthy, slow movement
- recoveryRegaining what was lost
- strainExcessive stretching force
- elongationIncrease in length
relaxation · hysteresis · retardation · yielding · sagging · warping · stretching · compression · recoil · springback
polymer
Large repeated-unit molecule
- elastomerStretchable polymer substance
- rubberElastic polymer from trees
- siliconeFlexible synthetic polymer
gel · foam · adhesive · thermoplastic · urethane · resin · latex · bitumen · neoprene · epoxy
stiffness
Resistance to deformation
- flexibilityAbility to adapt easily
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
- pliabilityAbility to bend easily
suppleness · ductility · toughness · compliance · springiness
shear
Lateral sliding force
- modulusAbsolute value operation
- non-NewtonianViscosity changes with stress
- shear-thickeningViscosity rises with stress
oscillation · flow · constitutive · stress-strain · compliance
shock absorption
Dissipating kinetic energy gradually
- attenuationGradual intensity reduction
- cushioningSoftening force or fall
- bufferingTemporary data accumulation
isolation · noise reduction · impact resistance · rebound · deadening · softening · energy loss
DMA
Top music degree
- oscillatoryMoving back and forth
- indentationInward cut or setback
- storageSpace for keeping goods
elastic, elasticity, viscous, viscosity, inelastic, viscoelastic, nonelastic, inelasticity, nonviscous