Plasticity - definition
Plasticity - definition
Plasticity is a fundamental property of solids, mainly metals and alloys, consisting in their ability to permanently change shape when subjected to external forces, without breaking the continuity of the material. This phenomenon begins when the elastic limit is exceeded, where deformation ceases to be reversible. The mechanism responsible for plastic deformation is based on the movement of dislocations in the crystal lattice of the material, which allows layers of atoms to move relative to each other with relatively low energy input.
The plasticity characteristics depend on a number of factors, such as temperature, strain rate, stress state and the crystal structure and microstructure of the material. At higher temperatures, materials typically exhibit increased ductility due to the intensification of diffusion and the facilitation of dislocation movement. Ductility is the opposite of brittleness, and its assessment is crucial in plastic forming processes such as rolling, forging, stamping or drawing.
In theoretical terms, ductility is modelled by non-linear constitutive relationships in continuum mechanics, where criteria for plasticisation (e.g. von Mises, Tresca) and hardening conditions are introduced to describe how the material responds to further loading beyond the limit state.
Transfer Multisort Elektronik (TME) is one of the world’s largest global distributors of electronic components, electrotechnical parts, workshop equipment, and industrial automation. The catalog includes over 1,500,000 products from 1,300 leading manufacturers. TME’s modern logistics centers in Łódź and Rzgów (Poland), with a combined area of over 40,000 m², ship nearly 6,000 packages daily to customers in more than 150 countries.
TME also invests in the development of knowledge and skills of young engineers and electronics enthusiasts through the TME Education project, and supports the tech community by organizing the TechMasterEvent series, promoting innovation and experience exchange.
