yield locus

A yield locus is a visual tool used in materials science to show how a material (like metal) behaves under different types of forces, such as tension or compression. It is a graph that illustrates the stress levels at which the material begins to deform permanently, known as yielding. Essentially, it maps out the threshold between elastic deformation (temporary shape change) and plastic deformation (permanent change) for various loading conditions. Engineers use the yield locus to predict how a material will perform in real-world applications, ensuring structures are safe and durable under different stresses.