Fabric Behavior

In order to achieve permanent deformation of a metal component you need to stress it beyond the material's yield point (or proof stress, depending on material). The load it takes to achieve this varies with the proportions of the component.

Most commonly used engineering materials have already been tested and have tables published of their mechanical properties, so don't re-invent the wheel here unless you really have to.

A good reference book such as Machinery's Handbook or Roark's Formulaes will probably give you the equations you need to calculate the stresses in your particular application, or alternatively use an FEA programme on your computer.

Drew