What does "Plastic Strain" mean?

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Plastic strain is a permanent change in the shape of a material when it has been stretched or compressed beyond its limit. Unlike elastic strain, where materials return to their original shape after the force is removed, plastic strain stays even when the force is gone.

When materials, like metals, are subjected to forces over time, especially in situations where they face repeated stress, they can develop areas of plastic strain. This is common in processes like bending, stretching, or compressing. The more the material is stressed, the more these changes can build up.

In practical terms, understanding plastic strain is important in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and aerospace. Knowing how materials behave under stress helps engineers predict when and how structures might fail, allowing for better design and safety measures.