Bending stress occurs when loads are applied perpendicular to an object, causing it to bend. Materials, size, and other variables affect an object’s tolerance for bending. Testing for bending stress is crucial for safety, especially in construction. Bending can cause compression and stretching, leading to cracks and weakening. Formulas are used to calculate stress and ensure safe tolerances in design.
Bending stress is a form of stress seen when loads are applied perpendicular to an object, forcing it to bend under the load. The degree of bending an object tolerates before it permanently deforms varies with materials of construction, size, and other variables. Testing products for their bending stress tolerances is an important part of safety testing, especially for things like elements used in construction, where deformation under stress could lead to structural collapse and fatal consequences.
Many types of objects can bend, with a simple example being bending stress seen in many cabinets around the world. Closets typically have one or more rods supported at either end. When these rods are loaded with clothes, shoe racks and other items, they can deflect under the weight of the load. A sturdy hanging rod will spring back into place when the load is removed. Eventually, the load can become so high that the rod permanently bends or breaks under stress.
Several physical phenomena occur during bending. When an object bends, one side is compressed because it is partially bent under the weight of the load. The other side stretches. Repeated sessions of flexion, followed by a reduction in weight, can lead to cracks, folds and other problems caused by stretching and compression. This can weaken the item and make it more at risk of permanent deformation or breakage in the future, even under the same load.
People sometimes use this feature to their advantage. For example, some products are packaged in containers with tops designed to be removed with the use of bending force. During transport, the top can bend and flex under strain. Once someone is ready to use it, the top is bent back and forth several times, causing it to weaken and then fall off. People may also use stress to bend or clip objects of various lengths for projects.
Various formulas describing bending stress can be used in stress calculations. These formulas take into account the weight and type of materials involved to determine when they will cross the threshold between ability to bend and bounce back and permanent damage. Engineers and architects use these formulas when designing buildings, equipment and other projects, developing safe tolerances to ensure that stress does not permanently damage the finished product.
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