HOOKE'S LAW

                  In 1678, Robert Hooke, for the first time suggested that within elastic limits, stress is directly proportional to strain, i.e.,

   F µ e

Þ F = ke

The ratio of stress to strain is a constant characteristic of a material, and this proportionality constant is called modulus of the material. It differs from material to material, and for different nature of stresses.

When the stress applied is tensile or compressive, the constant is called Young's modulus of elasticity. The slope of stress-strain diagram up to the limit of proportionality is called Young's modulus of elasticity (Y or E).

When shear stress and strain are used, it is called modulus of rigidity (G). It is given by