A material is described as orthotropic if its mechanical properties are dependent on directions. Is this statement true or false?

The statement that a material is described as orthotropic if its mechanical properties are dependent on directions is indeed true. Orthotropic materials have unique mechanical properties in three mutually perpendicular directions. This characteristic means that their strength, stiffness, and other mechanical properties vary based on the direction of the load applied.

Common examples of orthotropic materials include wood and certain composites, where the arrangement of fibers or grain direction significantly impacts performance. In contrast to isotropic materials, which have uniform properties in all directions, orthotropic materials require a more complex analysis to account for these directional dependencies.

Understanding this concept is crucial in materials science and engineering, as it influences the design, analysis, and application of materials in various engineering fields.