The concept of strain hardening explains how materials become stronger under stress from "summary" of Stress and Strain by Winthrop Dickinson Means
The process of strain hardening is a fascinating phenomenon that occurs in materials when they are subjected to stress. As a material is deformed under stress, its internal structure undergoes changes that result in an increase in strength. This increase in strength is not due to the material's ability to resist deformation, but rather its ability to become more resistant to further deformation. When a material is initially subjected to stress, its atomic structure shifts and rearranges itself to accommodate the applied force. This rearrangement causes dislocations within the material, which act as barriers to further deformation. As the material is deformed even more, these dislocations become tangled and intertwined, creating a stronger network that resists further deformation. The process of strain hardening is a continuous one, with the material becoming stronger and more resistant to deformation as it is subjected to increasing levels of stress. This increase in strength is a result of the material's ability to adapt and reorganize its internal structure in response to the applied force. It is important to note that not all materials exhibit the same level of strain hardening. Some materials, such as metals, are able to undergo significant levels of strain hardening and can become much stronger under stress. Other materials, such as ceramics, may exhibit little to no strain hardening and are more prone to failure under stress.- The concept of strain hardening is a crucial aspect of material behavior under stress. By understanding how materials become stronger under stress through this process, engineers and scientists can develop stronger and more resilient materials for a wide range of applications.
