bending

physics

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 22, 2026

Quick Summary

In physics, "bending" refers to the act of curving or deforming something from a straight line or shape. This can apply to physical objects like pipes or metal, where stress causes them to change form. It also describes how waves, such as light or sound, can change direction when encountering obstacles or passing through different mediums. This phenomenon is known as diffraction for waves bending around objects, and refraction when waves change direction due to a change in speed between mediums. In structural mechanics, a "bending moment" is the resultant force that causes this bending in beams.12345

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

10 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

mechanics of solids
Linear elastic beam
…and have sufficient symmetry that bending it by applying a torque about the 3-direction causes the line to deform into an arc lying in the 1,2-plane. Make an imaginary cut through the line, and let the forces and torque acting at that section on the part lying in the direction…
Read More
…and have sufficient symmetry that bending it by applying a torque about the 3-direction causes the line to deform into an arc lying in the 1,2-plane. Make an imaginary cut through the line, and let the forces and torque acting at that section on the part lying in the direction…
Read More