elastic deformation
Quick Summary
Elastic deformation refers to the ability of a material to return to its original shape and size after an external force is removed. This property is known as elasticity.12
Most solid materials exhibit elastic behavior up to a certain limit, called the elastic limit. Beyond this limit, the material will undergo permanent deformation or fracture. The extent of elastic deformation varies greatly between materials; for instance, steel can be elastically stretched by about 1%, while some rubber materials can be stretched up to 1000%.2
The mathematical description of elastic deformation is a key part of mechanics, particularly in the theory of linear elasticity, which relates stress (force per unit area) to strain (relative deformation). This relationship is often described by Hooke's law.23
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
- deformation and flow
Most solids initially deform elastically; that is to say, they return to their original shape when the load is removed. Rigid materials such as metals, concrete, or rocks sustain large forces while undergoing little deformation, but if sufficiently large forces are applied, the materials can no longer sustain them…
Read MoreMost solids initially deform elastically; that is to say, they return to their original shape when the load is removed. Rigid materials such as metals, concrete, or rocks sustain large forces while undergoing little deformation, but if sufficiently large forces are applied, the materials can no longer sustain them…
Read More 
rockElastic constantsIn elastic deformation, there are various constants that relate the magnitude of the strain response to the applied stress. These elastic constants include the following:
Read MoreIn elastic deformation, there are various constants that relate the magnitude of the strain response to the applied stress. These elastic constants include the following:
Read More
