Elongation

Increase in length which occurs before a metal is fractured, when subjected to stress. It is the increase in gauge length (measured after rupture) divided by original gauge length.

This is usually expressed as a percentage of the original length and is a measure of the ductility of the metal.

Higher elongation indicates higher ductility.

Note: Elongation cannot be used to predict behavior of materials subjected to sudden or repeated loading.

See also: Residual Elongation, Strain Rate, Stress, Ultimate Elongation, Yield Point Elongation, Yield Strength Elongation.