What occurs to the mechanical properties of ductile materials as they are subjected to strain?

When ductile materials are subjected to strain, they may exhibit strain hardening, which is a phenomenon where the material becomes stronger and harder as it is deformed. This occurs due to the dislocation movement within the material's crystal structure. As the material is stretched or compressed, dislocations interact with each other, becoming entangled and creating an internal resistance to further deformation. This increased resistance leads to an increase in yield strength and tensile strength, making the material harder and less ductile as it undergoes plastic deformation.

The process of strain hardening is significant in various engineering applications, as it enhances the performance characteristics of materials under load, allowing for better stability and durability in structures. Ductile materials typically return to their original shape as long as they have not exceeded their elastic limit. However, once they do yield and start to be deformed beyond this point, the strain hardening effect becomes evident, making option B the most accurate response.