Deformaation

Deformation is the change in shape, size, or state of a material or object caused by external forces, temperature changes, or other stimuli. The term is used across physics, engineering, geology, and mathematics. Strain is the measure of deformation relative to the original dimensions.

Types include elastic deformation (reversible when loads are removed), plastic deformation (permanent change), and time-dependent or viscoelastic deformation. Thermal deformation results from temperature changes, and creep describes slow deformation under constant stress, especially at elevated temperatures.

In solid mechanics, deformation is analyzed with stress-strain relationships. Hooke's law describes elastic behavior for many materials, introducing Young's modulus as a measure of stiffness. Designers set allowable deflections and stresses to prevent failure or excessive movement.

In geology, deformation explains how rocks deform under pressure and temperature, leading to folding, faulting, or shear. In manufacturing, controlled plastic deformation shapes metal parts through processes like stamping and forming.

In mathematics and physics, deformation also denotes a smooth transformation of a geometric object, and deformation theory studies how objects vary in families. The term deformaation is commonly a misspelling of deformation.