What is the Difference Between Viscoelastic and Viscoplastic?

The primary difference between viscoelastic and viscoplastic materials lies in their response to stress and the extent of deformation they exhibit.

Viscoelastic materials:

• Show both viscous and elastic properties during deformation.
• Resist shear flow and strain linearly with time when stress is applied.
• Return to their original state once the stress is removed.

Viscoplastic materials:

• Exhibit a yield stress, meaning they will not deform under any applied stress below the yield stress value.
• Show unrecoverable deformation, meaning the material does not return to its original state after the application of stress.

In summary, viscoelastic materials demonstrate both viscous and elastic behavior, while viscoplastic materials have a yield stress and exhibit unrecoverable deformation.

Comparative Table: Viscoelastic vs Viscoplastic

Viscoelastic and viscoplastic materials are both types of polymers that exhibit unique properties when subjected to stress or strain. Here is a table highlighting the differences between viscoelastic and viscoplastic materials:

In summary, viscoelastic materials exhibit both viscous and elastic properties, deform at any application of stress, and recover their original shape when the stress is removed. On the other hand, viscoplastic materials have a yield stress, deform only after the yield stress is reached, and do not recover their original shape once deformation occurs.