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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/eng-yield-strength

What does a material's yield strength mark?

It marks the stress where a specified amount of permanent deformation begins.

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  1. The highest stress before fracture
  2. The onset of specified permanent deformation ✔
  3. The stress at the moment it breaks

Why: Below yield, unloading usually lets a part return close to its original shape. Beyond yield, some strain remains after the load is removed.

Huh, didn't know that: Designers often keep service stresses below yield when permanent bending would make a component unusable.

The dad joke
The polite beam knew when to yield.
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References

Answer: The onset of specified permanent deformation. Below yield, unloading usually lets a part return close to its original shape. Beyond yield, some strain remains after the load is removed.

  1. DOE Fundamentals Handbook: Material Science www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2026-04/DOE-HDBK-1017-93_VOL1.pdf
    Yield strength is the stress at which a predetermined amount of permanent deformation occurs.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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