5. Glossary

Comportement élastique; elastic behavior

This is the ability of a material to return to its original shape after being deformed. In this zone, deformation is proportional to stress according to Hooke's law.

Work hardening

This is the process by which a material becomes stronger and harder as a result of plastic deformation. This phenomenon is due to the increased density of dislocations within the material.

Limite d'élasticité; yield strength

This is the stress level at which a material begins to deform permanently. Below this limit, deformation is elastic, above it plastic.

Young's modulus; Young's modulus

This is the measure of a material's rigidity. It is defined as the ratio between stress (force per unit area)...