Isotropic Materials

An isotropic material has the same mechanical properties in all directions. For linear elastic isotropic behavior, the material is commonly defined using Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio.

Young's modulus controls axial stiffness. Poisson's ratio controls lateral contraction or expansion under axial loading.

Isotropic material assumptions are commonly used for metals and many homogeneous engineering materials when direction-dependent behavior is not significant.