Editing Linear elasticity (section)

{{Short description|Mathematical model of how solid objects deform}}
{{More footnotes|date=September 2010}}
{{Continuum mechanics|solid}}

'''Linear elasticity''' is a mathematical model of how solid objects [[deformation (physics)|deform]] and become internally [[stress (mechanics)|stressed]] by prescribed loading conditions. It is a simplification of the more general [[Finite strain theory|nonlinear theory of elasticity]] and a branch of [[continuum mechanics]].

The fundamental assumptions of linear elasticity are [[Infinitesimal strain theory|infinitesimal strains]] &mdash; meaning, "small" deformations &mdash; and linear relationships between the components of stress and strain &mdash; hence the "linear" in its name. Linear elasticity is valid only for stress states that do not produce [[Yield (engineering)|yielding]]. Its assumptions are reasonable for many engineering materials and engineering design scenarios. Linear elasticity is therefore used extensively in [[structural analysis]] and engineering design, often with the aid of [[finite element analysis]].