Plasticitás

Plasticitás refers to the ability of a material to undergo permanent deformation without fracturing. When a force is applied to a plastic material, it will deform. If the force is removed, the material will not return to its original shape, unlike an elastic material. This permanent change in shape is a hallmark of plastic deformation. The extent to which a material can undergo plastic deformation before breaking is related to its ductility and malleability. Ductility allows a material to be stretched into a wire, while malleability allows it to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets.

The transition from elastic to plastic deformation occurs at the material's yield strength. Below the yield strength, deformation is elastic and reversible. Above the yield strength, deformation becomes plastic and permanent. This phenomenon is crucial in many engineering and manufacturing processes, such as metal forming, forging, and extrusion, where materials are intentionally shaped through plastic deformation. Understanding the plastic behavior of materials is essential for designing structures and components that can withstand applied loads without catastrophic failure, while also allowing for desired shaping and manufacturing techniques.