Hyperelastic materials

Hyperelastic materials are a type of elastic material that can undergo large deformations when forces are applied and then return to their original shape once the force is removed. Unlike traditional elastic materials, which deform slightly, hyperelastic materials can stretch or bend significantly without permanent damage. They are modeled mathematically with strain-energy functions that describe how they store and release energy during deformation. Common examples include rubber, soft biological tissues, and certain plastics. Their unique ability to handle large strains while being fully recoverable makes them important in applications like medical devices, flexible joints, and soft robotics.