MadSci Network: Chemistry
Query:

Re: Can a solid metal that bends like paper, w/out wrinkling, be produce?

Date: Sat Apr 17 11:28:24 1999
Posted By: Larry Lurio, Staff, Center for Materials Science and Engineering, IMM-CAT
Area of science: Chemistry
ID: 924317971.Ch
Message:

It kind of depends on what you mean by a “fold”. Metals can be 
characterized by a  yeild strength, a point at which the strain in the 
material causes plastic (and hence irreversible) deformation.  The tighter 
the radius of a fold  the more strain. All metals can fold without 
deforming, but only at the cost of a very “open” fold, e.g. a wide radius 
at the bend.  Some metals are better than others, spring steel or berylium 
copper might be able to hold a pretty tight fold without permanent 
deformation, but of course they would spring back as soon as you let go.  
I hope this answers the question you were asking.
	Larry



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