What term describes the phenomenon when a load is added to a wire rope causing it to stretch, and returning to its original length when the load is removed?

The term that describes the phenomenon when a load is added to a wire rope causing it to stretch, and then returning to its original length when the load is removed is known as elastic stretch. This refers to the ability of materials, such as wire ropes, to deform under stress and return to their original shape once that stress is eliminated. Elastic stretch is governed by Hooke's Law, which states that, within the elastic limit of the material, the extension of the material is directly proportional to the applied load. This property is crucial in applications involving wire ropes, as it allows them to absorb and dissipate energy without resulting in permanent changes to their structure.