The load-extension curve of an undrawn fibre at room temperature is

shown in Fig. 8.3, which may be divided into three regions. In the first
region (region I), the load-extension relationship is approximately linear
and the deformation is more or less reversible. The load then reaches a
maximum and falls slightly. The extension at which the maximum
occurs is called the yield strain and the corresponding stress value is
known as the yield stress. Following the yield stress the fibre deforms
plastically (region II) under constant load conditions. In this region, in
which cold drawing takes place, the sample first yields with the appearance
of a neck and thereafter the neck propagates through the sample;
the deformation is not recoverable. As the final breaking point is
approached (region III), the stress rises sharply with a small increment
in strain signifying strain hardening before catastrophic failure occurs.
The dimensional changes that occur in a polymer strip in these regions
are also schematically illustrated in Fig. 8.3. In region I, up to the yield
point, the extension is uniform along the length of the specimen (as in a).
At the yield point, a constriction or a neck appears at a particular point
(as in b). In region II, the material draws through a neck and the reduced
cross-sectional area spreads through the neck (as in c) through the whole
length of the specimen. In region III, the whole strip thins down to a still
more reduced but uniform cross-sectional area (as in d). Further drawing
leads to rupture of the specimen.
8.3.2 THE MECHANISM OF DRAWING THROUGH A NECK
The appearance of a neck is generally associated with non-uniformity in
the stress distribution during tensile deformation. When a fibre is drawn,
some portion of it will be under higher stress than the remainder, either
due to its cross-sectional area being less or due to other causes which