Plastic Flow and Fracture

Abstract

One of the important considerations in the design of an engineering component or structure is that it shall not deform excessively or break under the loads or forces to which it will be subjected during its working life, that is to say, its mechanical strength shall be sufficient. For any particular design, the stresses at all points can be determined, by calculation or some experimental method of stress analysis, for the loads and forces to which that component will be subjected. The stresses must obviously not exceed the permissible stress for the material chosen and the factors governing the choice may vary. In some cases, limitations of space or weight may dictate the size and hence the stresses, the material being chosen accordingly; or the material may be chosen with some other factor in mind, such as cost or corrosion resistance, and the size of the component made to fit.