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Stress–strain curve
Intermediate
Shows elastic limit, yield point and fracture.
The curve shows the proportional region, elastic limit, yield point, plastic region, ultimate tensile strength and fracture. Ductile metals show necking.
Steel wire stretched until it breaks.
Area under it is energy per volume.
In more detail
A stress–strain curve shows how a material responds to increasing load. It typically has a linear elastic region, a yield point, plastic deformation and finally fracture.
Real-world uses
- Materials testing produces stress-strain curves for each new alloy.
- Engineers choose materials based on their yield strength and ductility.
- Materials scientists use stress-strain curves to compare the strength and ductility of steel, rubber and glass.
Open the interactive lesson, with simulation and quiz →
Frequently asked questions
What is the yield point?
The stress at which the material begins to deform permanently.
What does a brittle material look like?
It shows little plastic deformation before breaking.
What is the yield point?
The stress at which a material begins to deform permanently, marking the end of simple elastic behaviour.
Related topics in Fluids & Elasticity
Young's modulus · Bulk modulus · Shear modulus · Poisson's ratio · Elastic potential energy density · Bending of beams