Work hardening

Work Hardening

Work hardening, also known as strain hardening, is a process that increases the strength and hardness of a material through plastic deformation. It involves subjecting the material to repeated plastic deformation, such as bending or hammering, which causes dislocations in the crystal structure of the material to become entangled and hinder further deformation. This results in an increase in the material's yield strength and hardness.

History

The concept of work hardening was first observed and studied by German metallurgist Heinrich August Wöhler in the mid-19th century. Wöhler noticed that certain metals, such as iron and steel, became stronger and harder when subjected to repeated mechanical deformation. This discovery laid the foundation for further research and understanding of work hardening.

Mechanism

Work hardening occurs due to the movement of dislocations within the crystal lattice of a material. When a material is subjected to external forces, dislocations are generated and move through the lattice. As the material is deformed, these dislocations become entangled and hinder further deformation. This entanglement increases the resistance to plastic deformation, resulting in an increase in strength and hardness.

Applications

Work hardening has various applications in different industries. In the field of metallurgy, it is commonly used to improve the mechanical properties of metals. For example, work hardening is employed in the manufacturing of automotive parts, where increased strength and hardness are desired. It is also utilized in the production of springs, wires, and other components that require high strength.

In addition to metallurgy, work hardening is also relevant in the field of physical therapy. In this context, it refers to a rehabilitation technique used to strengthen muscles and improve physical function. Patients are gradually exposed to increasing levels of physical activity, which causes the muscles to adapt and become stronger. This process of work hardening helps individuals recover from injuries or improve their overall physical performance.

See Also

• Plastic Deformation
• Yield Strength
• Crystal Structure
• Metallurgy
• Physical Therapy