Answer to Question #197204 in Mechanical Engineering for Ash

Question

What is the significance of the study of 'Mechanics of Material'? Explain briefly. And Why knife has ultra thin sharp edge? Explain from the view point Of solid mechanics.

Answer 1

Mechanics of materials is extremely important for engineers (especially for mechanical and structural/civil engineers). Most structures must be checked for their load-bearing capability at the beginning of their design process.

A sharp knife cut objects better because due to its very thin edge, the force of our hand falls over a very small area of the object producing a large pressure and this large pressure cuts the object easily. While a blunt knife has a thicker edge. And due to this the force of our hand falls over a large area of the object and produces lesser presure. This lesser pressure cuts the object with difficulty.