plastic flow
"Plastic flow" describes the deformation of materials under stress, where they behave like a fluid without returning to their original shape.
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Definition
C1Materials Science
(technical, academic)Permanent deformation of a material under stress, beyond its elastic limit, without breaking.
Example
- The metal rod exhibited plastic flow when subjected to high pressure, permanently bending without cracking.
C1Rheology
(technical, academic)Nonlinear fluid behavior where a material flows only after reaching a certain stress threshold.
Example
- The substance showed plastic flow, remaining solid until a specific stress level was applied.
C1Geology
(technical, academic)Slow, continuous deformation of rocks under high pressure and temperature, changing their shape and structure.
Example
- The plastic flow of the mantle rocks contributes to the movement of tectonic plates.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "plastic flow":