What is the difference between Elastic Deformation and Plastic Deformation?

� The main difference between elastic deformation and plastic deformation is that,
elastic deformation is always reversible, and plastic deformation is irreversible
except for some very rare cases.

� In elastic deformation the bonds between molecules or atoms stay intact, but only
change their lengths; Plastic deformation phenomena, such as plate sliding occurs
due to the total fission of the bonds.

� Elastic deformation holds a linear relationship with stress, while plastic

deformation holds a curved relationship having a peak.

Elastic vs Plastic Deformation

Deformation is the effect of change in the shape of a physical object when an

external force is applied to the surface. The forces can be applied as normal,
tangential or torques on the surface. If a body does not change its shape, even
slightly due to external forces, the object is defined as a perfect solid object.
Perfect solid bodies are not present in nature; every object has its own
deformations. In this article, we are going to discuss what elastic deformation and
plastic deformation are, how they are encountered in nature, and what are their
applications.

Elastic Deformation

When an exterior stress is applied to a solid body, the body tends to pull itself
apart. This causes the distance between atoms in the lattice to increase. Each atom
tries to pull its neighbor as close as possible. This causes a force trying to
resist the deformation. This force is known as strain. If a graph of stress versus
strain is plotted, the plot would be a linear one for some lower values of strain.
This linear area is the zone in which the object is deformed elastically. Elastic
deformation is always reversible. It is calculated using Hooke�s law. The Hooke�s
law states that for the elastic range of the material, applied stress is equal to
the product of the Young�s modulus and the strain of the material. The elastic
deformation of a solid is a reversible process, when the applied stress is removed
the solid returns to its original state.

Plastic Deformation

When the plot of stress versus strain is linear, the system is said to be in the
elastic state. However, when the stress is high the plot passes a small jump on the
axes. This is the limit at which it becomes plastic deformation. This limit is
known as the yield strength of the material. Plastic deformation occurs mostly due
to the sliding of two layers of the solid. This sliding process is not reversible.
The plastic deformation is sometimes known as irreversible deformation, but some
modes of plastic deformation are actually reversible. After the yield strength
jump, the stress versus strain plot becomes a smooth curve with a peak. The peak of
this curve is known as the ultimate strength. After the ultimate strength the
material begins to �neck� making unevenness of the density over length. This makes
very low density areas in the material making it easily breakable. Plastic
deformation is used in metal hardening to pack the atoms thoroughly.

ELASTIC DEFORMATION
�The recovery of the original dimensions of a deformed body when the load is
removed is known as Elastic Deformation.
�The limiting load beyond which the material no longer behaves elastically is the
Elastic Limit.
�It occurs when weaker forces, lesser than the object's elastic limit, are exerted.
For this reason, an object undergoes elastic deformation before plastic
deformation.
�It occurs because atomic bonds are stretched when load is applied, so that they
can return to their original positions after this load is removed.
�There is more change in an object's shape or size if the force applied on it is
increased.
�Since elastic deformation does not cause permanent atomic changes, it does not
contribute to the strength of metals.
�Perfect elastic deformation is never observed in actual practice, because the 100%
reversal of an object's dimensions is not possible, even for the smallest forces.
�Example - When a stretched rubber band regains its shape, after it is released.

PLASTIC DEFORMATION
�If the elastic limit is exceeded, the body will experience a permanent set or
deformation when the load is removed. A body which is permanently deformed is said
to have undergone Plastic Deformation.
�It occurs when the bonds between atoms are broken, and new ones are formed, making
reversal to the original shape impossible.
�In , the change in an object's dimensions (strain) does not directly correspond to
how much force is applied on it (stress).
�Until a particular limit, Plastic Deformation forces atoms to move and occupy
microscopic defects in the metal, making it tougher. This property, called �Strain
Hardening� is used in industries to strengthen metals and polymers.
�Plastic Deformation proceeds in distinct stages. First, it leads to strain
hardening, followed by necking (narrowing of object), and finally the fracture of
the object at the narrow portion, if the force is continuously increased.
�In plastic deformation, most of the energy given to a solid, in the form of the
force applied on it, is given off as heat, while only a small part is used in
changing its dimensions.
�Example -when a metal coat hanger is bent, it does not regain its original shape.