A stress-strain curve plots a material's stress response against a specified strain measure during a loading experiment. Its initial slope gives an elastic modulus in a linear regime; yielding, hardening and fracture can produce later changes.
The curve depends on temperature, loading rate, sample history and the definitions of stress and strain. Engineering stress divides force by original cross-sectional area, whereas true stress uses current area. After necking these can differ greatly. Unloading can distinguish recoverable elastic strain from permanent deformation, so one loading curve alone does not specify every constitutive property.
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The stress-strain curve is a graphical representation that illustrates how a material deforms under applied stress. It is a fundamental tool in materials science and engineering, as it provides insights into the mechanical properties of materials, including their strength, ductility, and elasticity. The curve is typically plotted with stress (the force applied per unit area) on the vertical axis and strain (the deformation or displacement per unit length) on the horizontal axis.