STEEL STIFFNESS ANALYSIS

The stiffness of steel refers to its ability to resist deformation when subjected to an external force. It is a measure of how much a material will bend or deform under a given load.

The stiffness of steel is primarily determined by its modulus of elasticity, also known as Young's modulus. Young's modulus is a material property that describes the ratio of stress to strain in the elastic range. In simpler terms, it quantifies how much a material will stretch or compress when subjected to a force.

For most common grades of steel, the modulus of elasticity typically ranges between 190 to 210 gigapascals (GPa) or 27 to 30 million pounds per square inch (psi). This means that steel is relatively stiff and exhibits minimal deformation under normal loads.

It's important to note that different types of steel alloys can have slightly different stiffness values, but they generally fall within the range mentioned above. The stiffness of steel makes it an ideal material for structural applications where strength and rigidity are required, such as in buildings, bridges, vehicles, and machinery.