Elastic deformation
Materials - OCR A-Level Physics
Key Definition
Elastic deformation
Deformation where the material returns to its original shape and size when the applied force is removed. All stored energy is fully recovered.
Deformation where the material returns to its original shape and size when the applied force is removed. All stored energy is fully recovered.
Key Definition
Plastic deformation
Permanent deformation where the material does not return to its original shape when the force is removed. Energy is dissipated rearranging the atomic structure.
Permanent deformation where the material does not return to its original shape when the force is removed. Energy is dissipated rearranging the atomic structure.
- Below the elastic limitThe maximum stress a material can withstand and still return to its original shape when the load is removed., deformation is elastic and all energyThe capacity to do work. Measured in joules (J). is recoverable
- Beyond the elastic limit, deformation is plastic. Work is permanently done rearranging atoms
- On a force-extension graph, if loading and unloading curves differ (hysteresis), the area between them represents energy dissipated as heat