Which of the following material has the highest compressive strength?

Explanation:

Compressive Strength of Materials

• Compressive strength is the capacity of a material to withstand axially directed pushing forces. When the limit of compressive strength is reached, materials are crushed. It is measured by applying a force to the material until it fails and recording the amount of force per unit area.

Cast Iron:

• Cast iron is an alloy of iron that contains 2-4% carbon, along with varying amounts of silicon and manganese and traces of impurities such as sulfur and phosphorus. The high carbon content makes cast iron very brittle, but it also significantly enhances its compressive strength. Cast iron has a compressive strength in the range of 600 MPa (megapascals) to 700 MPa, making it suitable for applications where high compressive loads are present. This high compressive strength is why cast iron is widely used in the construction of columns, bases, and other load-bearing structures.

Additional InformationOption 1: Copper

Copper is a ductile metal with excellent electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and corrosion resistance. However, its compressive strength is significantly lower than that of cast iron. Copper has a compressive strength of approximately 210 MPa. While copper is used in various engineering applications, particularly in electrical components and plumbing, its compressive strength is not comparable to that of cast iron.

Option 2: Mild Steel

Mild steel, also known as low carbon steel, contains approximately 0.05-0.25% carbon. It is known for its ductility, weldability, and relatively low cost. Mild steel has a compressive strength of about 250 MPa to 400 MPa, which is higher than that of copper but still lower than that of cast iron. While mild steel is widely used in construction, automotive, and manufacturing industries due to its versatility, it does not match the compressive strength of cast iron.

Option 3: Rubber

Rubber is a highly elastic material commonly used in applications requiring flexibility and resilience. However, rubber has a very low compressive strength compared to metals and alloys. The compressive strength of rubber varies depending on its formulation but typically ranges from 10 MPa to 20 MPa. Rubber's primary applications include seals, gaskets, and flexible joints, where its low compressive strength is not a limiting factor.