What term is used for the deformation experienced by materials under load?

The term used for the deformation experienced by materials under load is strain. Strain quantifies how much a material deforms relative to its original length when subjected to an external force. It is a dimensionless measure, typically expressed as a percentage or in terms of a ratio of change in length to the original length.

In structural engineering and material science, understanding strain is essential for analyzing how different materials will behave under various conditions, such as tension or compression. Strain is critical in ensuring that structures can withstand the forces they encounter without failing. It helps engineers design materials and structures that can adequately support expected loads without experiencing excessive deformation that could compromise integrity or functionality.