Compressive stress facts for kids
Compressive stress is a type of force that pushes on materials, making them smaller or shorter. Imagine squeezing a sponge – that's compressive stress at work! When a material is under compressive stress, it means it's being squeezed or compressed.
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What is Compressive Stress?
Compressive stress happens when forces push inward on an object from opposite directions. Think of it like trying to squish a marshmallow. The forces pushing on the marshmallow are creating compressive stress. This kind of stress is very common in everyday life and in many structures.
How it Works
When you apply a pushing force to an object, the tiny particles inside that object get pushed closer together. This internal pushing back against the applied force is what we call compressive stress. It's measured by how much force is applied over a certain area.
Examples in Daily Life
- Building Columns: The columns that hold up a building are under huge compressive stress from the weight of the floors above them. They are designed to be very strong against this squishing force.
- Chairs: When you sit on a chair, the legs of the chair experience compressive stress from your weight pushing down.
- Bridges: The parts of a bridge that support the main deck, like piers or arches, are often designed to handle a lot of compressive stress.
- Squeezing a Tube of Toothpaste: When you squeeze a tube of toothpaste, you are applying compressive stress to the tube and the toothpaste inside.
Compressive Strength
Every material has a limit to how much compressive stress it can handle before it changes shape permanently or breaks. This limit is called its compressive strength.
- Ductile Materials: Some materials, like most metals (think of a soda can you crush) or some plastics, are "ductile." This means they will deform or flatten out when they reach their compressive strength, instead of breaking suddenly.
- Brittle Materials: Other materials, like glass, cast iron, or concrete, are "brittle." When these materials reach their compressive strength, they tend to crack or break apart suddenly, often without much warning.
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