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viscoelastic

viscoelastic

1 9.8
Having both liquid flow and a springy solid feel when pushed or pulled
  • adjective
  • /ˌvɪskoʊɪˈlæstɪk/
  • Specialized
: viscoelástico
  • In models of viscoelastic materials, experimental values obtained for relaxation or creep kernels are often approximated by sums of exponents.
  • viscoelastic material
  • viscoelastic behavior
  • viscoelastic system

Rather, it is the viscoelastic properties of the rubber as a whole.

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Examples

  • The hysteresis is expected because of viscoelastic effects in the bladder material.

    Academic text (2001)
  • The present analysis ignores such viscoelastic behavior.

    Academic text (1995)
  • Rather, it is the viscoelastic properties of the rubber as a whole.

  • In practice, the material is viscoelastic rather than purely elastic.

    Academic text (1999)
  • The company manufactures Sorbothane, a viscoelastic damping material.

    Academic text (1999)
  • If the film is viscoelastic, it progressively debonds from the probe under traction.

    Academic text (1999)
  • Due to the long relaxation time scale (a few millennia) for Earth's viscoelastic rebound, the ice melted back into its own hole.

    Academic text (2002)
  • The new sports shoes were designed with a viscoelastic foam that provided excellent cushioning during runs.

  • Scientists are studying viscoelastic materials to better understand their behavior under stress and strain.

  • A viscoelastic sealant can stretch and compress without losing its shape or effectiveness.

How Elastic

elastic
29 2.6
viscoelastic
  • Specialized
1 9.8

Surface Forms

viscoelastic positive

Morphology

viscoelastic = elastic (semi-transparent) = visco + elastic

Formed from the combining form 'visco-' (viscous) + 'elastic'; the components make the scientific meaning clear to those who know the roots, but the term is technical and uses a combining form not a standalone word.

Etymology

The word viscoelastic comes from the parts visco-, from viscous meaning 'thick or sticky', and elastic meaning 'able to stretch back'. So a viscoelastic material both flows a bit like honey and bounces back like a rubber band, which is why it shows both liquid-like and solid-like behavior.