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In physics and continuum mechanics, deformation is the change in the shape or size of an object. It has dimension of length with SI unit of metre (m). It is quantified as the residual displacement of particles in a non-rigid body, from an initial configuration to a final configuration, excluding the body's average translation and rotation (its rigid transformation). [1]
This is known as perfect elasticity, in which a given object will return to its original shape no matter how strongly it is deformed. This is an ideal concept only; most materials which possess elasticity in practice remain purely elastic only up to very small deformations, after which plastic (permanent) deformation occurs.
Elastomers and shape memory metals such as Nitinol exhibit large elastic deformation ranges, as does rubber. However, elasticity is nonlinear in these materials. Normal metals, ceramics and most crystals show linear elasticity and a smaller elastic range. Linear elastic deformation is governed by Hooke's law, which states:
Elastic energy is the mechanical potential energy stored in the configuration of a material or physical system as it is subjected to elastic deformation by work performed upon it. Elastic energy occurs when objects are impermanently compressed, stretched or generally deformed in any manner.
The elastic modulus of an object is defined as the slope of its stress–strain curve in the elastic deformation region: [1] A stiffer material will have a higher elastic modulus. An elastic modulus has the form: =
Young's modulus is defined as the ratio of the stress (force per unit area) applied to the object and the resulting axial strain (displacement or deformation) in the linear elastic region of the material.
Contact of an elastic sphere with an elastic half-space. An elastic sphere of radius indents an elastic half-space where total deformation is , causing a contact area of radius = The applied force is related to the displacement by [4]
The study of the physics of continuous materials: Solid mechanics The study of the physics of continuous materials with a defined rest shape. Elasticity Describes materials that return to their rest shape after applied stresses are removed. Plasticity Describes materials that permanently deform after a sufficient applied stress. Rheology