1. What is Stiffness?

Stiffness (k) is a measure of a material's resistance to deformation under an applied force. It is defined as the ratio of force (F) to the resulting deflection (δ).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the stiffness formula:

Where:

• \( k \) — Stiffness (N/m)
• \( F \) — Applied force (N)
• \( \delta \) — Resulting deflection (m)

Explanation: The formula calculates how much force is required to produce a unit deflection in a material.

3. Importance of Stiffness Calculation

Details: Stiffness is a critical parameter in material science and engineering design, affecting the performance and safety of structures and mechanical components.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter force in Newtons (N) and deflection in meters (m). All values must be valid (force > 0, deflection > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between stiffness and strength?
A: Stiffness measures resistance to deformation, while strength measures the maximum stress a material can withstand before failure.

Q2: What are typical stiffness values for common materials?
A: Stiffness varies widely: rubber (~1-10 MPa), aluminum (~70 GPa), steel (~200 GPa).

Q3: How does temperature affect stiffness?
A: Generally, stiffness decreases with increasing temperature as materials become more compliant.

Q4: Can stiffness be negative?
A: No, stiffness is always a positive value since both force and deflection are positive quantities.

Q5: How is stiffness related to Young's modulus?
A: For a simple axial member, stiffness k = (E × A)/L, where E is Young's modulus, A is cross-sectional area, and L is length.