What is yield strength in materials?

Yield strength is defined as the stress level at which a material begins to deform plastically. This means that once the applied stress exceeds this yield strength, the material will no longer return to its original shape when the load is removed; instead, it will undergo permanent deformation. This characteristic is critical in engineering and materials science, as it defines the limit for safe stress applications on materials without causing permanent changes.

The yield strength serves as a key factor in determining the performance and durability of materials in various applications, from construction to manufacturing. Understanding yield strength helps engineers ensure that structures and components are designed to withstand loads without experiencing irreversible damage.