The level of stress that can be sustained without causing permanent deformation is known as?

The term that describes the level of stress that can be sustained without causing permanent deformation is known as the elastic limit. When a material is subjected to stress, it deforms elastically up to a certain point. Beyond this elastic limit, any additional stress may lead to permanent deformation or failure of the material. Understanding the elastic limit is crucial in engineering applications, as it helps ensure that materials are used within safe operational parameters to maintain their structural integrity.

Ultimate strength refers to the maximum stress a material can withstand before failure occurs, which goes beyond the elastic limit. The safety factor is a design feature that provides a margin for error by allowing for loads greater than the expected operational stress; it's typically applied to ensure reliability, but it is not a direct measure of stress capacity. Working stress is defined as the maximum stress that is anticipated during regular operation, and it is typically set below the elastic limit to enhance safety.