Load-Displacement Curve

A load-displacement curve is a graph that shows how a material responds to force. It plots the amount of force applied (load) against the resulting deformation or movement (displacement). Initially, as force increases, the material stretches or deforms proportionally (elastic behavior). If the force continues to increase, the material may reach a limit where it starts to deform permanently or break (plastic behavior). This curve helps engineers understand the strength, flexibility, and failure points of materials, guiding safe and effective design choices in construction, manufacturing, and other applications.