What is the term for the maximum stress a material can handle without undergoing deformation?

The term for the maximum stress a material can handle without undergoing deformation is known as the Elastic Limit. This refers to the point up to which a material can be deformed elastically; that is, it can return to its original shape once the load is removed. Beyond this elastic limit, any applied stress can cause plastic deformation, meaning the material will not return to its original dimensions.

Ultimate stress, on the other hand, is the maximum stress a material can withstand before failing and often occurs after the elastic limit has been exceeded. Strain refers to the measure of deformation representing the displacement between particles in a material body, and allowable stress is a design criterion used to ensure safety, factoring in various loads and safety margins, but it does not define a material's property regarding its deformation.

Thus, the correct answer when discussing the maximum stress before deformation occurs is the Elastic Limit.