Design
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Astro | Propulsion
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Test
These
definitions describe materials
and allow space systems engineers to select certain
ones over others for best performance given spacecraft
mission requirements.
Materials
Elasticity
is the tendency of a material to return to its original
size and shape after an applied load is removed.
Yield
point occurs
when a material is loaded beyond its elastic response
and is permanently deformed.
Ultimate
failure point
occurs
when a material is loaded beyond its yield point
and breaks.
Ductile
describes a material capable of stretching significantly
without failing.
Brittle
describes a material that fails with minimal stretching.
