The elastic material properties are used to make fast predictive calculations in the elastic range.
Static calculus
Dynamic calculus
Materials are classified according to their behaviour. They can be:
Isotropic: They have the same properties in any direction
Orthotropic: They have three main directions of behaviour
Anisotropic: They have different properties depending on the direction
The linear elastic behaviour of these materials is determined by the compliance matrix that relates the deformations in the material to the tensions supported by it. This relation is called Hooke's Law.
Depending on the type of material, the number of constants of the compliance matrix necessary to determine the material is different. Thus we may have:
Isotropic: 2 constants
Orthotropic: 9 constants
Anisotropic: 36 constants