Elastic deformation, plastic deformation and brittle deformation

When a material is subjected to an external force, it will deform or change its size, and the recoverable deformation is called elastic deformation.

elastic deformation

The part of the total deformation of a stressed object that can recover quickly after stress relief.

The important feature of elastic deformation is its reversibility, that is, it produces deformation after being stressed and disappears after unloading the load. This reflects the essential phenomenon that elastic deformation is determined by the binding force between atoms.

Plastic deformation refers to the irreversible permanent deformation of metal parts under the action of external force. Plastic deformation is irreversible. Brittle deformation refers to the deformation in which an object breaks without obvious strain (less than 5%). Obviously, this is also irreversible.