What type of stress does bending apply to in a horizontal beam or bone?

Bending stress refers to the internal forces that develop in a material when it is subjected to bending loads. When a horizontal beam or bone is bent, one side of the material experiences compression while the opposite side experiences tension. This dual effect occurs due to the bending moment that acts around an axis; as a result, the material deforms, creating regions of tensile and compressive stress.

Understanding bending stress is crucial in fields such as engineering and athletic training because it helps practitioners recognize how different forces can impact the integrity of structures, such as bones in the human body. It allows for a more informed approach to training and rehabilitation, ensuring that strength exercises target the right areas and promote the resilience of tissues against unusual stresses. Bending stress is an important concept to grasp, especially when considering how load distribution can affect the likelihood of injury, particularly in athletes.