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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/eng-elastic-modulus-metals

Which common structural metal is stiffest for the same cross-sectional shape?

Steel, because its elastic modulus is much higher than aluminum's or titanium's.

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  1. Steel ✔
  2. Titanium
  3. Aluminum

Why: Elastic modulus measures resistance to elastic stretching. Typical values are about 30 Msi for steel, 16 Msi for titanium, and 10 Msi for aluminum.

Huh, didn't know that: A stiffer material deflects less under the same stress, even if another material is stronger before failure.

The dad joke
Why did steel ace the posture test? It refused to bend the rules.
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References

Answer: Steel. Elastic modulus measures resistance to elastic stretching. Typical values are about 30 Msi for steel, 16 Msi for titanium, and 10 Msi for aluminum.

  1. NASA Structural Materials Properties ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20030020669/downloads/20030020669.pdf
    Elastic modulus, E, Msi Aluminum Steel Titanium Brass Copper 10.0 30.0 16.0 14.8 17.0
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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