
The Theory of Plasticity (book)
The Theory of Plasticity is a branch of material science that studies how materials deform permanently when subjected to stress beyond their elastic limit. Unlike elastic materials, which return to their original shape after the stress is removed, plastic materials experience irreversible changes. This theory helps engineers and scientists predict how materials like metals and polymers behave under forces, such as bending or stretching, which is crucial for designing safe and reliable structures. It combines principles from physics and mathematics to explain phenomena in everyday materials and is essential in fields like construction, manufacturing, and materials engineering.