Isotropic solid
An isotropic solid is a solid material in which physical properties do not depend on its orientation. It is an example of isotropy which can also apply to fluids, or other non material concepts. The properties could be felt or seen such as the index of refraction or mechanical. For example an isotropic solid will expand equally in all directions when heated.[1] Heat will conduct equally well in any direction, and sound will pass at the same speed.[1] The physics of these solids are much easier to describe. Some examples are glass with random arrangements that average out to uniform, or the cubic crystal system. The opposite is anisotropic solids. Most crystal structures are actually anisotropic.
Isotropy should not be confused with homogeneity, which is a property of independence of position. Isotropy of materials also depends on scale. For example, at micro level involving a few crystals, steel is not isotropic. But at macro level, for example a steel rod using in the building construction, steel is isotropic.
References
- ^ a b Vail, J.M. (2003-04-24). Topics in the Theory of Solid Materials. CRC Press. pp. 34–47. ISBN 9780750307291. Retrieved 31 January 2014.
External links
- Liu, I-Shih (2002-05-28). Continuum Mechanics. Springer. pp. 86–88. ISBN 9783540430193. Retrieved 31 January 2014.
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