What is elastic hysteresis and how does it work physically?

[j-e_c]

I've tried looking on various websites to find a definition I can understand but every website describes it differently, even the online dictionaries. I have also tried looking in my Y&F University Physics. I just don't <i>understand</i> what elastic hysteresis is because most descriptions don't explain physical processes.

Thank you.

 

[Meir Achuz]

For a rubber band, "elastic hysteresis" means the the strain vs. stress curve is the same on contraction as it was on extension.

 

[Fightfish]

For a rubber band, "elastic hysteresis" means the the strain vs. stress curve is the same on contraction as it was on extension.

Nope, that's the opposite.
Elastic hysteresis is in fact the phenomenon in which the system's prior history, so as to speak, influences the behaviour. For a rubber band, the loading and unloading curves diverge due to hysteresis loss (energy loss in form of heat for example).
http://www.revisionworld.co.uk/files/strain_33.gif

 

[Meir Achuz]

I guess I misinterpreted the question. In usual terms "elastic" means no loss of energy.
I still don't know in which sense it was used here.

 

[Prologue]

Watch this, maybe you'll get a feel for it.

http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Physics/8-02Electricity-and-MagnetismSpring2002/VideoAndCaptions/detail/embed22.htm