Operation Bridge

Front

What is compression?

Back

Compression is a squeezing force that happens when the ends of an object are pushed together. Buckling is a failure that results when the compression forces exceed the compression limits of the material.

Front

What is tension?

Back

Tension is a stretching force that happens when the ends of an object are pulled apart. Fracture lines result when a material begins to break due to tension.

Front

What is torsion?

Back

Torsion is a twisting force that happens when one end of an object is rotated in one direction while the other end is held still or rotated in the opposite direction. Permanently twisted members result from torsion failures.

Front

What is shear?

Back

Shear forces occur when part of an object is pushed one way and another part of the object is pushed in the opposite direction. Powerful shearing forces can tear, break, bend, or otherwise deform structural members.

Front

What is bending?

Back

Bending is when one side of an object experiences tension and the other side experiences compression, as when a long object is supported at its ends and a load is placed in the middle. Permanent bends or curves in supporting beams result if the bending force is too great.

Front

What is the relationship between compression and buckling?

Back

Buckling is a failure that occurs when the compression forces exceed the compression limits of a material, leading to structural failure.

Front

What is the opposite of compression?

Back

The opposite of compression is tension, which involves stretching forces.

Front

What happens to materials under excessive tension?

Back

Under excessive tension, materials can develop fracture lines and may eventually break.

Front

How does torsion affect materials?

Back

Torsion can lead to permanent twisting of materials, resulting in torsion failures.

Front

What is an example of shear force in action?

Back

An example of shear force is when scissors cut through paper, where one blade pushes down while the other pushes up.