Is there a thin fiber material that resists bending while allowing elongation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the possibility of a thin fiber material that resists bending while allowing elongation. Participants explore the mechanical properties of materials in relation to different types of loads, particularly axial and transverse loads, and the implications of molecular structure on these properties.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that bending is a result of non-uniform elongation across a material's cross-section, suggesting that under axial load, bending does not occur.
  • Others propose that an anisotropic material could exhibit bending under axial loads, indicating complexity in material behavior.
  • A participant speculates about the molecular arrangement of materials that might allow for elongation without bending, though this idea is met with skepticism.
  • Concerns are raised about the feasibility of a fiber that can elongate axially while resisting bending under all circumstances, with some participants stating that such a material does not exist.
  • Discussion includes the concept of buckling, highlighting that applying force at an angle could lead to bending, contradicting the initial premise.
  • Participants discuss the relationship between load systems and material properties, emphasizing that the response of a material is influenced by both the applied loads and its inherent properties.
  • Questions are raised about the potential to manipulate molecular properties to adjust mechanical properties, with some participants expressing uncertainty about the implications of such adjustments at the molecular level.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the possibility of a material that can elongate without bending. While some assert that it cannot exist, others explore theoretical possibilities and the influence of molecular structure on mechanical properties.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reveals limitations in understanding the mechanical behavior of materials under different loading conditions and the complexities of molecular influences on material properties. There is also a lack of consensus on the definitions and implications of bending versus elongation.

mather
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hello!

is there a material that doesn't bend, but can elongate? in the form of a very thin fiber

thanks!
 
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No, because bending is simply non-uniform elongation across a material's cross-section.
 
is there a material that doesn't bend, but can elongate? in the form of a very thin fiber

In response to what loading?

For a single load, bending is a response to a transverse load whereas elongation is a response to an axial load. These loads are obviously at right angles.

So there is no bending with an axial load.

For a triaxial stress loading it is perfectly possible for the response to be elongation along one axis with no bending.
 
Studiot said:
So there is no bending with an axial load.

An anisotropic material can bend (or at least, have a transverse deflection) under an axial load. The princpal directiosn of the material don't have to be aligned with the axis of the rod. and in general you have 21 indepedendent elastic constants to play around with, compared iwth 2 for an isotripoc material.

But I agree with the earlier posts. Pure bending (into a circular shape) is a strain field with all the components zero except the axial direct strain, so I can't see how you can have a material than can elongate and contract, but can't bend.
 
I was thinking about a materialwith its molecules placed in such way that would let it elongate, but not bend
 
Nope
 
Travis_King said:
Nope

I like your confidence :D
 
I mean, maybe somewhere down the line with something like piezoelectrics or something similar you might be able to achieve something like this. But a "very thin fiber" that can elongate, but doesn't bend? I may be wrong, but I am pretty confident that "Nope" is a pretty sufficient answer for this one lol
 
You'll have much better luck finding a material that can bend but not elongate (or at least is very stiff axially).
 
  • #10
Mather, I have said this before.

You will get much better replies if you supply full information.
What you have said is not enough.

Bending is a function of the load system, not the material.

Since you are talking about elongation I assume you mean under tension?

Of course any ideal string has no flexural rigidity or strength so undergoes elongation but not "bending".
Of course this is strange because the string is floppy transversally.
The greater the tension the greater the transverse load that can be supported.

Many materials approach the ideal strin behaviour or can be considered to be close enough to make no difference to stress/strain calculations.

So over to you to fully describe what you are looking for.
 
Last edited:
  • #11
I wish I could describe it more precisely, believe me
maybe it's that i am not native english speaker and/or i cannot form it precisely in my imagination

i was thinking of a direct fiber of .00 mm that will not bend (in any non-direct angle) under any circumstance (force of any direction)

however if we attach the one edge of that fiber to a stable point and extend the other edge to the opposite direction, the fiber will elongate axially

at the same time, if eg. i press that fiber under an angle to the ground, it will condense, but only axially (ie. it won't bend)
 
  • #12
This does not exist. Is this spam?
 
  • #13
however if we attach the one edge of that fiber to a stable point and extend the other edge to the opposite direction, the fiber will elongate axially

This is fine, any elastic material will do, if the pull causing the extension is the only force acting on the fibre.

at the same time, if eg. i press that fiber under an angle to the ground, it will condense, but only axially (ie. it won't bend)

This is not fine have you heard of buckling?
 
  • #14
the point is what molecular properties give materials their mechanical properties?
and in which extend, we can, by manipulating molecular properties, adjust or design mechanical properties of materials?
 
  • #15
I keep saying this,

The stress regime imposed upon a body is due to the magnitude, direction and geometric distribution of the loads.

It is not due to the material properties of the body.

The response of the body to that stress is due to its material properties, not the loads above.

The actual material properties form the link between the two systems (load and response)
 
  • #16
Studiot said:
geometric distribution of the loads

can we adjust this at molecular level?
not as we adjust it in a building construction for example, where we use various techniques (however similar technics in molecular level would be interesting)
 
  • #17
can we adjust this at molecular level

How do you mean?

Force is still force and moment force times perpendicuar distance.

These properties still work at the distances between the component atoms of a molecule and allow the calculation of vibrational energies and spectra.

If you get any smaller than that you are into particle and quantum physics.
 

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