Stress-strain and load-extension graphs, including Young’s modulus

Students should be familiar with the typical stress-strain and load-extension graphs for low carbon steel, including features such as the yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, maximum elastic deformation and maximum plastic deformation, and the calculation of stress, strain and Young’s modulus.

Many dramatic and topical examples of these ideas - from earthquakes to new buildings such as the Shard - will be useful when teaching these ideas. Students should be made aware of the balance between design processes using theoretical models and post-construction quality testing, as well as the general approach that specifications should far exceed likely loads.

Quality AssuredCategory:ChemistryPublisher:Longman

Chapter 4 of the student book included here may be useful to recap relevant engineering properties. The accompanying investigation notes for exploring deformation may be a useful link to the stress/strain experiments as described in the TAP resource. (How you use the earlier chapters, if at all, will depend on how confident students are with the chemistry involved.)

"Students enjoy watching things break, especially if hammers are involved."

An excellent recap of key terms from mechanical properties, with useful extension into the explanations for bulk properties based on atomic and molecular structures. The demonstrations discussed provide links to the materials used in a range of engineering contexts, asking students to balance weight against strength for example. Assessment materials and markschemes are included in a comprehensive, downloadable package. Some resources are intended for younger students (eg the 'demo workshop') but others are relevant for use with students up to grade 12 (approximately seventeen). The detail in the glossary is a good guide to teh technical demand.

This section from a collaborative A-level Physics textbook on Wikibooks includes short, clear definitions and mathematical descriptions for key terms. (There are some engineering texts listed but they are either at a much higher level or currently incomplete.)

The example graph given, with accompanying explanation of regions and behaviour, is for low carbon steel. A short set of mathematical questions allow students to test their understanding, with worked solutions. It would be worth ensuring that the format of the equations used is compatible with other textbooks and classroom materials to avoid student confusion - many of the greek characters will of course be completely new to them.

Quality AssuredCategory:SciencePublisher:Institute of Physics

This lesson plan from the IoP's Teaching Advanced Physics programme is an excellent model to follow with students. Examples from a range of contexts are given and learning activities are highlighted. Example practical methods are described and their relative advantages and disadvantages are discussed, including the opportunities to introduce measuring equipment which will be unfamiliar to many students. Editable documents, including sample data, mean that you can base your own resources on what is provided.

Another excellent simulation from the University of Colorado, this gives students the opportunity to collect data on how load affects various springs. You could use this as a follow-up (or preview, if you use the 'flipped learning' approach) to the TAP resource above.

Some options of the simulation are irrelevant at this stage (time and gravity for example) but provide useful extension material. Naturally these simulations should not replace classroom practical work but provide a way to show how we can model material behaviour using the underlying physics.

This presentation neatly explains the difference between elastic and plastic deformation with metals and alloys. Engineering contexts such as aerospace and power industries are considered and the 'related presentations' links may be useful for advanced students (for example to accompanying notes for lectures from the University of Loughborough).

This page on a commercial engineering site is a good explanation of the need for careful distinction between yield strength and maximum tensile strength when testing materials. Comprehensive data is included as well as useful sample graphs showing (and distinguishing between) elastic and plastic deformation. I would suggest the definitions shared show the uses within an engineering and design consultancy with a wide remit, rather than specific examples. Be aware the site includes advertising and you may find it best to extract key parts to build into resources for your own classes.

This reference links to an industry information site sponsored by, among others, Tata Steel. Other sections of the page deal with key definitions but this link goes to the description of standards used in the manufacture and testing of various steel grades in terms of yield strength. Examples of steels used for applications such as internal and external construction work are given and explained. Readily available links, such as The case for steel, will provide students with a chance to assess industry-specific information with a clear focus on a particular material.