deformazione

Deformazione is the Italian term for deformation. In a general sense, it denotes a change in the shape, size, or volume of a body caused by external forces, temperature changes, or internal processes. The concept is widely used across fields such as physics, engineering, geology, and materials science to describe how objects respond to loads and environmental conditions.

In mechanics, deformation is described by a strain, a dimensionless measure of the relative displacement of material points. Deformation can be elastic (temporary, reversible) or plastic (permanent). In the elastic range, stress is proportional to strain according to Hooke's law (within the linear regime); in plastic deformation, dislocations move and the original shape is not recovered when the load is removed.

Geology studies deformation of rocks under tectonic stresses, leading to features such as folds, faults, and metamorphic textures. In materials science, deformation involves mechanisms like dislocation glide, twinning, and diffusion, as well as time-dependent processes such as creep and work hardening. In manufacturing, plastic deformation is exploited in forming processes like bending, stamping, and drawing to shape parts.

Deformation is measured as displacement fields and strain tensors, and modeled with methods such as finite element analysis. Engineers specify serviceability and strength limits to ensure deformation remains within acceptable bounds under expected loads and conditions.