College Physics II – Mechanics, Sound, Oscillations, and Waves
Definition
Plastic behavior is the permanent deformation of a material after the applied stress exceeds its yield strength. Unlike elastic behavior, plastic deformation is not reversible when the stress is removed.
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Plastic behavior occurs after a material surpasses its yield point, leading to irreversible changes in shape.
The transition from elastic to plastic behavior can be represented on a stress-strain curve by the end of the linear region.
Materials exhibiting plasticity can absorb more energy before fracturing compared to purely elastic materials.
In engineering applications, understanding plastic behavior is crucial for designing structures that can withstand significant loads without catastrophic failure.
Temperature and strain rate can significantly influence the plastic behavior of materials.
Review Questions
What happens to a material when it exhibits plastic behavior?
How does plastic deformation differ from elastic deformation?
Why is it important to understand the plastic behavior of materials in engineering?
Related terms
Elastic Behavior: The reversible deformation of a material when subjected to an applied stress within its elastic limit.
Yield Strength: The stress at which a material begins to deform plastically, marking the end of elastic behavior.
Stress-Strain Curve: $$ A graphical representation $$ that shows how a material deforms under various levels of stress; includes regions indicating both elastic and plastic behaviors.