Young's Modulus Calculator Formula
Understand the math behind the young's modulus calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.
Formulas Used
Young's Modulus
modulus_mpa = stress_val / strain_valYoung's Modulus
modulus_gpa = stress_val / strain_val / 1000Variables
| Variable | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
stress_val | Applied Stress(MPa) | 200 |
strain_val | Measured Strain(mm/mm) | 0.001 |
How It Works
Young's Modulus (Elastic Modulus)
Young's modulus quantifies material stiffness in the linear elastic region.
Formula
E = sigma / epsilon
where sigma is the applied stress and epsilon is the resulting strain. E is measured from the initial linear portion of a tensile test stress-strain curve. Typical values: steel 200 GPa, aluminium 70 GPa, concrete 25-35 GPa, timber 8-14 GPa.
Worked Example
A tensile test specimen shows 200 MPa stress at 0.001 strain.
- 01E = 200 / 0.001 = 200,000 MPa
- 02E = 200,000 / 1000 = 200 GPa
- 03This matches structural steel, confirming the specimen is steel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a typical Young's modulus for steel?
Structural steel has E approximately equal to 200 GPa (29,000 ksi) regardless of grade. Higher-strength steels are stiffer in strength but have the same elastic modulus.
How is strain measured in practice?
Strain is measured using strain gauges (electrical resistance), extensometers (mechanical clip-on devices), or digital image correlation (DIC) for full-field measurements.
Does temperature affect Young's modulus?
Yes. Most metals soften at elevated temperatures. Steel's modulus drops to about 60% of its room-temperature value at 600 degrees C, which is critical in fire engineering.
Learn More
Guide
Thermal Expansion Guide: Calculating Length, Area, and Volume Changes
Understand thermal expansion in engineering materials. Learn to calculate linear, area, and volumetric expansion, handle expansion joints, and avoid thermal stress failures.
Ready to run the numbers?
Open Young's Modulus Calculator