How do you interpret and communicate your elastic modulus and strain results to stakeholders?

There are two things that decide the siffness of a part. 1. Elastic modulus 2. Shape. Siffness obviously is a measure of how easily that the part deforms under a given load. Strain is what quantifys that deformation. One should note that there is always permanant (plastic) strain and recoverable (elastic) strain.

The key is to make the information accessible and understandable to the stakeholders, regardless of their technical background. It’s not just about presenting raw data, but also about explaining what that data means in a practical context.

Start by explaining what elastic modulus and strain mean. Elastic modulus is a measure of a material's stiffness or ability to deform under stress, while strain is a measure of the material's deformation.

Start by explaining what elastic modulus and strain mean. Elastic modulus is a measure of a material's stiffness or ability to deform under stress, while strain is a measure of the material's deformation.

Elastic modulus (E) is a measure of material deformation under certain stress. Stiff material has higher E and changes its dimensions only slightly under elastic loads. However, strain is indication of material deformation. These two parameters give indication about the material behavior at application including stresses within the elastic limits.

One thing to know is that there is no "best method". In fact, there is a best method PER application. This means that depending on the material you are testing, the ease with which you can get large samples, the accuracy you need, and the time you have, you will need a different method. As for me, I mainly use ultrasonic wave propagation measurement. This method lends itself to fast E-modulus determination, allows for small samples, and provides high accuracy.

No result is exact. We need to be sure that we can estimate the uncertainty in the measurement of the material parameter under investigation. This is how we justify our level of confidence in the result given. For example, if the material is homogeneous and isotropic, we know that fewer measurements (and therefore fewer samples to test) are needed than if it is heterogeneous and anisotropic! This gives us an idea of the number of tests to be performed and therefore the expected variability. Only then you can deliver the most informed results possible!

I've worked for 9 years in a Materials Laboratory and there is big deal here: Understanding each testing method and standard in depth is essential to obtaining reliable and meaningful results. In my experience, simply following a procedure without truly grasping its principles can lead to misinterpretations and even inaccurate conclusions. Each method has its limitations, and every material responds differently depending on the testing conditions. How to deal with? Strong theoretical foundation in materials engineering. is so important.

Help stakeholders understand the implications of the results. Explain how the elastic modulus and strain values relate to the material's behavior under load or stress. For example, a higher elastic modulus indicates a stiffer material, while a larger strain suggests greater deformation. Utilize graphs, charts, or diagrams to visually represent the results. This can help stakeholders visualize the relationship between elastic modulus, strain, and other variables. Make sure the visual aids are clear and easy to understand. Summarize the implications of the results and provide recommendations based on the findings. This could include suggestions for material selection, design modifications, or further testing.

I know it might sound such a "cliche", but... ASTM standards are essential references for engineers and researchers, providing reliable methodologies for material testing, characterization, and design. Beyond the standards themselves, ASTM-published studies and technical reports offer valuable insights into material behavior, processing techniques, and emerging innovations. Leveraging these resources not only enhances technical knowledge but also supports data-driven decision-making in material selection and product development. For anyone in materials science, ASTM is an indispensable source of study and continuous learning.