At the macroscale, all materials are divided into isotropic and anisotropic materials. The former have constant and identical physical and mechanical properties in all directions, while the latter will have different characteristics in different directions. The differences between isotropic and anisotropic materials are due to differences in the orientation of atoms in the crystal lattice. Let's take a look at what each type is all about and how it affects their use.
The Word “isotropy” is formed by combining two words: “isos”, which means in Greek “equal”, and “tropos” — “path”. Isotropy is the homogeneity of the physical and mechanical properties of materials in all directions. Examples of isotropic materials include metals, plastics, and glass.
Isotropic materials have the same physical, chemical, thermal and electrical characteristics that are independent of orientation. This means that applying force or pressure anywhere will not result in the preferred direction of deformation. For example, if you apply stress to an isotropic material in any of the three spatial directions, it will behave the same way. This makes isotropic materials convenient in many technical solutions where homogeneity of properties is required.
Anisotropic materials are characterized by the fact that their properties change in different directions. This is due to the asymmetric crystal structure, in which certain characteristics of the material depend on the specific crystallographic direction.
An example of an anisotropic material is wood. When mechanical force is applied to it, its behavior will differ depending on the direction in which the force is applied. Biological tissues, crystals, plant stems, and some composite materials are also examples of anisotropic materials.
Due to the peculiarities of their crystal structure and the method of grain formation, metals are isotropic materials. Their crystal structure is characterized by the regular repetition of atoms in space. IN metal structure atoms are arranged in a lattice consisting of many microscopic grains. Grains, in turn, are made up of layers of atoms called lattice planes that can move relative to each other.
The isotropy of metals is due to the fact that their grains are randomly oriented in the material. Therefore, when force or pressure is applied to a metal, it is distributed evenly in all directions, resulting in no preferred direction of deformation. This means that metals have the same mechanical and physical characteristics in all directions.
However, during processing, metals can become anisotropic and acquire a preferred direction of deformation as a result of various processes, such as cold or hot rolling, stretching, casting, and others.
After processing, it is important that the alloy retains its isotropy — the same mechanical and physical properties in all directions. This, in turn, will make it possible to manufacture metal parts and structures without taking into account their orientation in space.
In addition, it is necessary that any alloy be uniform in its properties, which will avoid an uneven distribution of the composition and structure within it. It also prevents the formation of weaknesses or defects that can lead to the destruction of the material or a decrease in its quality and performance.
PZPS uses high-quality smelting methods, which make it possible to obtain chemically homogeneous ingots and, as a result, a homogeneous tape, which is especially important in the production of precision alloys:
The differences between isotropic and anisotropic materials play an important role in engineering design and industry. Understanding these concepts helps to select the most suitable materials for specific operating conditions, taking into account their mechanical, physical and chemical characteristics in various areas.
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