Bending is the process of deforming a material, typically a solid, by applying force. This can occur in various materials, such as metals, plastics, and wood. When a force is applied, the material may change shape without breaking, depending on its properties and the amount of force used. Bending is commonly used in manufacturing and construction to create components like beams and frames.
In engineering, bending is analyzed using principles from mechanics, particularly stress and strain. The bending moment is a key concept that describes the internal forces acting within a material when it is subjected to bending. Understanding these principles helps engineers design safe and effective structures.