ABSTRACT
The material properties of metal are closely linked with the structure of metal. This chapter presents the structure of metal and provides the material properties of metal. A metal is a material in which the atoms are joined together by metallic bonds. The delocalized electrons and the strong interaction forces between the positive atom nuclei give the metal features such as good thermal and electrical conduction. Anharmonicity of the bond energy function explains why materials expand when the temperature increases. When a force is loaded onto the metal, the layers of atoms start to roll over each other. If the force is released, the layers of atoms fall back to their original positions. Then, the metal is regarded as elastic. In the structural design, the materials required within the elastic stage use a safety factor. The plasticity of the metal has its application for industry such as metal forming.
