Yield Strength of Common Materials
Reference table for yield strength (σy) across metals, plastics, and composites
Yield Strength Comparison Table
| Material | Yield Strength σy (MPa) |
|---|---|
| Aluminum (6061-T6) | 275 |
| Steel (Carbon, A36) | 250 |
| Stainless Steel (304) | 215 |
| Copper | 70 |
| Brass | 200 |
| Bronze | 250 |
| Nickel | 140 |
| Titanium (Grade 5) | 880 |
| Cast Iron (Gray) | 130 |
| Polyethylene (PE) | 20 |
| Polypropylene (PP) | 35 |
| Polystyrene (PS) | 50 |
| Polycarbonate (PC) | 65 |
| Epoxy Resin | 70 |
| Concrete | 20–40 |
| Wood (Along Grain) | 40–100 |
| Wood (Across Grain) | 3–10 |
| Bricks | 15–30 |
Yield Strength Comparison Chart
About Yield Strength (σy) of Materials
Yield strength (symbol: σy) is a fundamental mechanical property of materials that defines the maximum stress a material can withstand without undergoing permanent (plastic) deformation. It marks the transition between elastic deformation (reversible) and plastic deformation (permanent) and is a critical parameter in engineering, mechanical design, and structural analysis.
Importance of Yield Strength in Engineering
The yield strength is used to determine the stress limits for metals, alloys, polymers, and composites in practical applications. Materials subjected to stress beyond σy will deform permanently, which can compromise structural integrity. Understanding yield strength is crucial for:
- Mechanical Engineering: Designing load-bearing components, gears, shafts, and mechanical assemblies.
- Structural Engineering: Ensuring beams, columns, and frames withstand applied loads without failure.
- Manufacturing: Selecting suitable materials for forming, stamping, and machining processes.
- Safety & Reliability: Preventing catastrophic failure in bridges, vehicles, aerospace, and pressure vessels.
- Materials Science: Comparing metals, polymers, composites, and ceramics for stress-strain performance.
How Engineers Use Yield Strength Data
Engineers use σy values in combination with other material properties—such as elastic modulus, toughness, ductility, and fatigue strength—to model mechanical behavior, design safe components, and optimize materials selection. Yield strength is a key input in stress analysis, finite element modeling (FEM), and load-bearing calculations.
Accurate knowledge of yield strength of metals, alloys, plastics, and composites ensures reliable mechanical design, structural safety, and component performance, making it an indispensable reference in both engineering practice and materials research.