The concepts of plasticity are reviewed in the context of solenoid mag
net design. The von Mises and Hill yield functions are introduced and
related to flow rules. The derivation of equations for an elastic-plas
tic analysis of solenoids is discussed. Material properties are derive
d from Nb3Sn conductors and used in example calculations. The results
of elastic-plastic analyses are compared with those of elastic analyse
s under various assumptions.