In the context of metal forming, what does 'strain hardening' refer to?

Strain hardening, also known as work hardening, refers to the phenomenon where a metal becomes harder and stronger as it undergoes plastic deformation. When a metal is deformed beyond its yield strength, dislocations within the crystal structure multiply and interact, which hinders the movement of additional dislocations. As a result, the material exhibits an increase in yield strength and hardness. This characteristic is particularly important in metal forming, as it allows for improved mechanical properties in the final product, enhancing its resistance to wear and deformation.

This process is crucial in various applications where metals are shaped through methods like rolling, forging, or drawing. The increase in strength due to strain hardening also allows for more complex shapes to be formed without the material failing. Understanding strain hardening is essential for engineers and materials scientists who aim to optimize metal forming processes for improved performance in applications.