Bending
stress made by bending moment
This article is about the structural behavior. For other meanings see Bending (disambiguation).
In engineering and mechanics, bending (also known as flexure) characterizes the behavior of a structural element subjected to a lateral load (i.e. at right angles to its length).
A structural element subjected to bending is known as a beam. Stiffness is its ability to resist bending.
A closet rod sagging under the weight of clothes is an example of a beam experiencing bending.