What is the specific modulus?

The specific modulus is defined as the ratio of Young's modulus to specific weight (or density) of a material. Young's modulus is a measure of the stiffness of a material, indicating how much it deforms under tensile stress. Specific weight, which is the weight per unit volume, is an important factor when evaluating materials, especially in lightweight and structural applications.

When this ratio is taken, it helps in understanding the material's performance relative to its weight, which is crucial in many engineering applications. A higher specific modulus implies that a material is stiff compared to its weight, making it a favorable choice for applications where reducing weight while maintaining strength and stiffness is essential, such as in aerospace and automotive engineering.

Selection of this ratio highlights the importance of both elastic properties and the material's density in assessing material suitability for structural applications.