Vedelast

Vedelast is a theoretical term used in materials science and mechanical engineering to describe a material's effective elastic response under dynamic loading. It is defined as a dimensionless parameter that represents the fraction of deformation energy that is recoverable (stored elastically) during a loading cycle relative to the total energy dissipated plus stored. In practice, vedelast serves as a compact descriptor of how strongly a material behaves elastic in the presence of damping and inertia.

Measurement and modeling: Vedelast is typically inferred from dynamic mechanical analysis or impact and vibration tests. Data are fitted to viscoelastic models, such as spring-damper representations, to extract a value that best represents the elastic fraction of the response. Higher vedelast indicates greater recoverable deformation and less energy loss per cycle, whereas lower vedelast corresponds to greater damping and energy dissipation.

Applications and interpretation: The parameter is used in comparative material studies and in reduced-order simulations to simplify complex constitutive behavior. It can guide material selection for applications requiring high resilience and low damping, such as precision components or resonance-sensitive structures, versus applications where damping is desirable, such as vibration isolation.

Relation to standard concepts: Vedelast is related to but distinct from the elastic modulus, damping ratio, and quality factor. It should not replace these established metrics but can complement them in certain modeling contexts. The term is not widely standardized and may be encountered in specific research groups or theoretical discussions.