Do Material Properties Follow a Linear Response Pattern?

In summary, the conversation discussed the relationship between material properties and input level. It was noted that for dielectric materials, the permittivity changes with the applied electric field, resulting in a linear response when an alternating electric field is applied. This linear response is observed despite the range of electric field values that are experienced before reaching the final amplitude. The conversation also raised questions about the frequency and amplitude dependence of this linear response, as well as the potential effects of capacitance and different types of AC signals on this response. The suggestion to revisit the Drude model was also mentioned as a possible resource for further understanding.
  • #1
EE4life
63
2
Hi all,

I have a general question about material properties.

We know that the material property value depends on the input level. For example, the permittivity in a dielectric material changes depending on the applied electric field.

That being said, when we apply an alternating electric field, we receive a linear response while at the same time the electric field is going from 0 to the set amplitude. We go through a range of electric fields values before arriving at the final amplitude, yet we still receive a nice sine wave output which is indicative of a linear response.

This leads to the obvious conclusion that, for the "linear range" , we get a linear response depending on the amplitude of the input. At the moment, I cannot understand this. I would imagine the response would not be a clean sine wave (for a AC input) because the changing properties due to changing electric field.

Am I missing something here?
 
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  • #2
You might check handbooks, Giacoletto comes to mind, for the properties which interest you.
 
  • #3
Is there a frequency dependence?
i.e. linear response at 10 kHz but nonlinear response at 100 MHz?
Do you have to worry about capacitance in your experimental set up?
Is there an amplitude dependence? How high of a set point before you get a nonlinear response?
If you apply a square wave or a triangle wave in your AC signal, do you get the same response?
revisit The Drude model.
 

1. What are linear material properties?

Linear material properties refer to the physical characteristics of a material that exhibit a linear relationship when plotted on a graph. This means that as the input or independent variable changes, the output or dependent variable changes proportionally.

2. What are some examples of linear material properties?

Examples of linear material properties include Young's modulus, which measures a material's stiffness, and thermal conductivity, which measures a material's ability to conduct heat.

3. How are linear material properties measured?

Linear material properties are typically measured through experiments in which a material is subjected to different levels of stress or strain, and the resulting changes are recorded. These measurements are then plotted on a graph to determine if a linear relationship exists.

4. What factors can affect linear material properties?

Linear material properties can be affected by various factors such as temperature, pressure, and composition of the material. In addition, external forces or stresses applied to the material can also impact its linear properties.

5. Why are linear material properties important in science?

Linear material properties are important in science because they allow us to predict and understand the behavior of materials under different conditions. This knowledge is crucial in fields such as engineering, materials science, and physics, where the properties of materials are critical to the design and development of new technologies.

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