This entry contributed by Dana Romero
Portions of this entry contributed by James Duvall
Most solid objects which are subjected to an applied stress will return to their original shape and dimensions provided the stress is below a characteristic threshold for the material of which they are made. This limit is called the elastic limit (or sometimes yield point). Beyond this stress level, plastic deformation occurs, wherein the atomic or molecular structure changes shape permanently.
Elastic Deformation, Hooke's Law, Plastic Deformation, Poisson Ratio, Stress, Yield Strength, Young's Modulus
