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How does elastic deformation differ from plastic deformation?

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Figure 1: The position vector x and the velocity vector v of a material point, the body force fdV acting on an element dV of volume, and the surface force TdS acting on an element dS of surface in a Cartesian coordinate system 1, 2, 3 (see text).
mechanics of solids Figure 1: The position vector x and the velocity vector v of a material point, the body force fdV acting on an element dV of volume, and the surface force TdS acting on an element dS of surface in a Cartesian coordinate system 1, 2, 3 (see text).

In the study of mechanics of solids, the primary difference between elastic and plastic deformation lies in whether the material returns to its original shape after external forces are removed.12

  • Elastic Deformation: This is a temporary change in shape. When the applied stress is removed, the material recovers its original size and dimensions. This behavior is governed by the elastic limit, which represents the maximum stress a material can withstand before permanent deformation occurs.134
  • Plastic Deformation: This occurs when the applied stress exceeds the material's elastic limit (or yield point). Unlike elastic behavior, plastic deformation is permanent; the material does not return to its original shape once the load is removed. This property is characteristic of ductile and malleable solids, which can flow or change shape without immediate rupture.152

For many brittle materials, stresses beyond the elastic limit typically lead to fracture rather than significant plastic deformation.14