Elongation
Elongation is a term for increasing the length of a body. This change in length can be caused by a mechanical force or temperature. The opposite of stretching is compression, in which the length of the body is reduced.
If a body is stretched, there is a compression transverse to the direction of force so that the volume of the body remains approximately the same (transverse contraction).
Stretching a body therefore reduces its cross-section. The elongation is calculated by relating the change in length to the initial length.
#1 Definition of stretching
Elongation refers to the positive change in length of a body. It is caused by an external load such as heat or a force.
#2 Meaning of stretching
Elongation plays a decisive role in the production of tight O-ring connections. For example, O-rings in a piston seal must not be stretched too much on the inside diameter, otherwise the compression will be reduced due to the reduced cross-section.
This in turn is decisive for the sealing effect.
