What is elastic limit?

Answer: The elastic limit is the greatest stress / force per unit of area that may exist within a solid material prior to the commencement of permanent deformation. When stresses are reduced up to an elastic limit, the material returns to its former size and shape. Beyond the elastic limit, stresses force a material to yield or flow. The elastic limit of such materials denotes the end of elastic behaviour as well as the beginning of dimensional stability. Stresses over the elastic limit lead to fracture with essentially minimal plastic deformation in most brittle materials.