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plastic flow

mechanics
Also known as: plastic deformation

Quick Summary

Plasticity is the ability of certain solids to undergo permanent deformation without rupturing when subjected to stresses. This is distinct from elasticity, where a material returns to its original shape after a load is removed. Plastic deformation is crucial in metal-forming processes like rolling and forging, as well as in geological phenomena such as rock folding.1

Brittle materials, such as cast iron, cannot be plastically deformed. However, ductile materials, like mild steel, can rearrange their internal structure to accommodate applied forces, resulting in plastic deformation that persists even after the load is removed. This property is fundamental to engineering applications and understanding geological movements.12

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. plasticity
  2. deformation and flow

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