elastic limit

noun

, Physics.

1. the greatest stress that can be applied to an elastic body without causing permanent deformation.

elastic limit

noun

1. the greatest stress that can be applied to a material without causing permanent deformation

elastic limit

1. The stress point at which a material, if subjected to higher stress, will no longer return to its original shape. Brittle materials tend to break at or shortly past their elastic limit, while ductile materials deform at stress levels beyond their elastic limit.

Word History and Origins

Origin of elastic limit¹

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

This law is found in practice to be true for metals within a certain range of stress which lies below the elastic limit.

From Project Gutenberg

Now, every elastic body has what is called its elastic limit.

From Project Gutenberg

Vanadium as an alloy increases the elastic limit, making the steel stronger, tougher and harder.

From Project Gutenberg

It does not affect the hardness, but increases the elastic limit and reduces the brittleness of the steel.

From Project Gutenberg

In practice the elastic limit of a material under test is determined from the stress-strain diagram.

From Project Gutenberg