The ratio of the density of porous materials to the theoretical density of the same materials in the void free state, expressed as a percentage. Most powder metallurgy materials and products contain different degrees of porosity? The existence of pores reduces the strength of materials. It indicates the degree to which materials reaches theoretical density. The larger the percentage of relative density is, the less the pores are, and the strength of materials is closer to the maximum value of non porous materials.
Fundamental of Material Science -> Performance basis of materials