Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: scientizscht on 13/09/2018 21:10:05

Title: Are there metals that shift from soft to hard?
Post by: scientizscht on 13/09/2018 21:10:05

Hello

I want to have a rod of a material. Is it possible to make this rod flexible or rigid on demand? Without having to melt it or freeze it.

Thanks!

Title: Re: Are there metals that shift from soft to hard?
Post by: wolfekeeper on 13/09/2018 23:22:34

If you're a man, yes.

There's also magneto-rheological and electro-rheological fluids that can do stuff a bit like that, but they're not metals.

And there's also non-Newtonian materials like Oobleck.

Title: Re: Are there metals that shift from soft to hard?
Post by: scientizscht on 14/09/2018 18:30:53

Isn't there anything that gets hard like cement?

But not liquid, I want it solid.

Title: Re: Are there metals that shift from soft to hard?
Post by: mbaker335 on 18/09/2018 21:41:39

I would say copper fits the bill. It will work harden if hammered or a rod is bent back and forwards. At the point where it hardens it gets brittle. Heat, I believe, will make it permanently softer again but no where near the melting point.

Title: Re: Are there metals that shift from soft to hard?
Post by: chris on 21/09/2018 07:41:59

Quote from: wolfekeeper on 13/09/2018 23:22:34

magneto-rheological and electro-rheological fluids

Very good point; are there not some metallic materials that will behave as a non-Newtonian fluid?

Title: Re: Are there metals that shift from soft to hard?
Post by: scientizscht on 21/09/2018 09:13:12

Quote from: chris on 21/09/2018 07:41:59

Quote from: wolfekeeper on 13/09/2018 23:22:34

magneto-rheological and electro-rheological fluids

Very good point; are there not some metallic materials that will behave as a non-Newtonian fluid?

Yeah but these are liquids.

Title: Re: Are there metals that shift from soft to hard?
Post by: diogenesNY on 03/10/2018 01:39:49

Nitnol might be somewhat close to what you are seeking.

http://www.specialmetalalloys.net/nitinol.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickel_titanium

diogenesNY

Title: Re: Are there metals that shift from soft to hard?
Post by: Petrochemicals on 03/10/2018 22:44:45

With anything exept heat is the question? Electric magnetism etc?

Edit.

There are plastics that are solid in the case of inpact that soften afterwards. Bit i think if a metal exists, its probably a military secret. How soft is soft, hard is hard, and metat is metal ?

https://www.explainthatstuff.com/energy-absorbing-materials.html