Elastic Modulus as an Indicator of Macroscopic Hardness of Fat Crystal Networks

The theory of elasticity of materials is presented, and related to the elasticity displayed by fat crystal networks. A review of the theory and methods used to determine the yield point, or hardness of a fat crystal network using cone penetrometry is provided. Experimental relationships of elastic modulus to cone penetrometry measurements are provided and discussed. It was found that the shear elastic moduli of fat crystal networks are directly proportional to the hardness of the network as measured by cone penetrometry, for some eight different fat systems.